Research is an essential part of the Cancer Center's mission. For more than 70 years, the Massachusetts General Hospital has been involved in clinical and basic research related to cancer. We conduct research into the causes and mechanisms of cancer, with an emphasis on translating that work to clinical application, so that we can offer patients the benefits of these advances.

Research at the Cancer Center focuses on exploring fundamental pathways which are critically altered in tumor cells, and in identifying novel genes that are central to both development and cancer. The Center for Cancer Research in Charlestown is the basic research arm of our Cancer Center, specifically the close interactions which exist with the Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology. Fifteen laboratories on the same floor interact closely in the exploration of signaling and developmental pathways. There is a continuous exchange of ideas between investigators who pursue related issues in organisms that include yeast, fruitflies, worms, mice, and of course man. This group is widely recognized as one of the leading centers exploring the use of model organisms as genetic tools to elucidate pathways of importance in human cancer.

The Center for Cancer Risk Analysis: Cancer Genetics is an integral part of this center and it plays a vital role in examining the clinical relevance of mutations in genes that contribute to tumor generation.

Investigators: