Research for a life without cancer

At the DKFZ, we want to ensure that fewer people develop cancer, that cancer can be cured or treated so effectively that those affected can live with the disease and grow old with a good quality of life.

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Two scientists in white lab coats engage in conversation in a bright laboratory. The woman, wearing blue gloves, gestures while talking to the bearded man. In the background, another person works at a computer, suggesting a collaborative research environment.

Two scientists in white lab coats are engaged in a discussion in a laboratory, examining a notebook. The male scientist, with curly hair, points towards the notebook held by the female scientist, who wears gloves and looks attentively. Background shelves are filled with laboratory supplies.

A researcher in a lab coat is carefully setting up a scientific instrument, the UltiMate 3000. The equipment has several bottles with blue caps and connected tubes, indicating preparation for an experiment in a laboratory environment.

A woman and a man in lab coats are seated at a desk, focused on a computer screen displaying colorful data visualizations. The woman points at the screen, while the man observes attentively. Both wear blue gloves, and various lab equipment is visible in the background.

A female scientist in a lab coat and safety goggles holds a laboratory flask while setting up equipment. The laboratory is well-equipped, featuring various glassware and scientific instruments, indicating research activities taking place. The environment suggests a focus on scientific experimentation and innovation.

Two researchers in lab coats are engaged in discussion in a laboratory setting. One is holding a notebook and pen, while the other appears to be explaining something, both demonstrating a collaborative working environment focused on scientific research.

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Two medical professionals are examining an MRI scan displayed on a tablet. They are in a clinical setting, with a CT scanner visible in the background. The focus is on the scan and their collaborative analysis, highlighting teamwork in medical diagnostics.

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Latest from DKFZ

Mehrere stilisierte Gehirnillustrationen sind in einem Raster angeordnet. Jedes Gehirn ist in verschiedenen Farben hervorgehoben, darunter Blau, Rot, Gelb und Grün. Diese Farben können verschiedene Bereiche oder Funktionen des Gehirns symbolisieren, wobei die allgemeine Darstellung abstrahiert ist.

08. December 2025

AI-supported molecular cancer diagnosis for brain tumors

Researchers at the Hopp Children's Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), the Heidelberg Medical Faculty (MFHD) of Heidelberg University, and Heidelberg University Hospital (UKHD) have taken a decisive step toward more precise diagnosis of brain tumors. The latest version of the internationally used AI-based Heidelberg CNS Tumor Methylation Classifier can identify more than 180 tumor types—twice as many as the previous version. This advancement helps physicians determine tumors of the central nervous system (CNS) more accurately, enabling more targeted and less invasive treatment planning. The Hopp Children's Cancer Center (KiTZ) is a joint institution of the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg University Hospital (UKHD), and Heidelberg University (Uni HD).

Eine junge Frau mit lockigem, braunem Haar hält einen Jutesack mit frischen Karotten. Im Hintergrund sind verschiedene Obst- und Gemüsekörbe auf einem Markt zu sehen, was die bunte Auswahl an frischen Lebensmitteln verdeutlicht.

03. December 2025

AI-generated social media content as an opportunity for cancer prevention

A man with a bald head, wearing a blue suit and a tie, stands in a laboratory setting. He appears confident and professional, with a neutral expression on his face. The background is slightly blurred, focusing attention on him.

28. November 2025

Lautenschläger Prize for Young Scientists 2025 awarded to Lukas Bunse

3D illustration of red and white blood cells in a blood vessel.

26. November 2025

Blood formation: Two systems with different competencies

Ein junger Wissenschaftler in einem weißen Laborkittel lächelt freundlich. Er steht in einem modernen Labormilieu mit Regalen voller wissenschaftlicher Geräte im Hintergrund. Sein Name und die Institution sind auf einem Namensschild sichtbar.

24. November 2025

Shield against metastases and genetically protected CAR-T cells: Double honor for Mirco Julian Friedrich

Jens Puschhof is wearing a white lab coat and standing with his arms crossed, smiling in a modern, bright environment. Behind him are large windows that offer a view of the hallway.

20. November 2025

How bacteria can cause cancer: Research award for Jens Puschhof

Eine Hand hält eine weiße Pille, während die andere Hand ein Glas mit Wasser ergreift. Die Szene deutet auf die Einnahme von Medikamenten hin.

17. November 2025

How painkillers can contribute to anemia in cancer patients

Eine junge Frau mit langen, braunen Haaren steht mit verschränkten Armen vor einem weißen Hintergrund. Sie trägt eine schwarze Bluse mit einem Muster und lächelt freundlich in die Kamera.

07. November 2025

How the biological clock ticks in the female reproductive tract - Breakthrough of the Year Award 2025 for Ângela Gonçalves

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Our research opens doors in the fight against cancer

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Our research topics

Cell and Tumor Biology

Everything about the topic Cell and Tumor Biology
Functional and Structural Genomics

Everything about the topic Functional and Structural Genomics
Epidemiology, Public Health, Prevention and Survivorship

Everything about the topic Epidemiology, Public Health, Prevention and Survivorship
Immunology, Infection and Cancer

Everything about the topic Immunology, Infection and Cancer
Imaging and Radiooncology

Everything about the topic Imaging and Radiooncology

To the research topics

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Research for a life without cancer

Latest from DKFZ

Apply now for the International PhD Program

Our research opens doors in the fight against cancer

Our research topi­cs

Cell and Tumor Biology

Functional and Structural Genomics

Epidemiology, Public Health, Prevention and Survivorship

Immunology, Infection and Cancer

Imaging and Radiooncology