Microwells

Creating novel devices for cancer detection and monitoring

Early detection and monitoring is critical to mounting effective cancer treatments. The molecular differences that make cancer cells lethal when left unchecked also provide the clues for their detection, identification and visualization.

NCI-designated cancer center

As a National Cancer Institute-designated center for four decades, and as one of only seven NCI-designated basic research centers, MIT is at the center of the nation's efforts to conquer cancer.

Koch Institute Public Galleries

Visitors to the Koch Institute Public Galleries can explore current cancer research projects, examine striking biomedical images, hear personal reflections on cancer and cancer research and investigate the historical, geographical and scientific contexts out of which the Koch Institute emerged.

Robotic Arm

Swanson Biotechnology Center

These 14 shared biotechnology laboratories provide state-of-the-art tools and specialized expertise to Koch Institute researchers, while also bringing together scientists and engineers to foster interdisciplinary collaboration.

Research at the Koch Institute

The Koch Institute brings scientists and engineers together to solve the problems of cancer.  We have identified five areas of research that we believe are critical for rapid progress toward controlling cancer.

People

In creating a new era for cancer research, the Koch Institute’s greatest assets are its people. Our world renowned faculty unites leadership in multiple fields of science and engineering with a commitment to truly interdisciplinary collaboration.

Outreach

The Koch Institute engages public audiences of all ages and backgrounds in current cancer research through a variety of public events, youth outreach programs, and online resources about new cancer solutions.

People

Inside the Lab: Forest White

Learn more about how the White lab is using mass spectrometry to better understand the key components of cell signaling that drive how cancer cells invade and proliferate in glioblastoma.

Research

5 4 3 2 1

Our research is conducted in five areas:

Cancer Immunology

Cancer Immunology

Engineering the immune system to fight cancer... more

Personalized Medicine

Personalized Medicine

Advancing personalized medicine through analysis of cancer pathways and drug resistance... more

Metastasis

Metastasis

Exploring the molecular and cellular basis of metastasis... more

Detection + Monitoring

Detection + Monitoring

Creating novel devices for cancer detection and monitoring... more

Nano-based Drugs

Nano-based Drugs

Developing nanotechnology-based cancer therapeutics... more

Support

With your support, we aim to improve the lives of cancer patients. Our expert cancer biologists and engineers work in tandem to tackle today's most challenging cancer problems and deliver solutions that lead to longer, healthier lives.

Your contributions can make a difference in the fight against cancer. We welcome your help to continue our progress.

News + Events

Lewis Cantley

Weill Cornell's Lewis Cantley to present inaugural Judith Ann Lippard Memorial Lecture on Oct. 23

Lewis Cantley, director of the Sandra and Edward Meyer Cancer Center at Weill Cornell Medical College/New York Presbyterian Hospital, will present the inaugural Judith Ann Lippard Memorial Lecture on Friday, Oct. 23, at noon. more...

Novo Nordisk

New collaboration between Novo Nordisk and the Langer Lab

Novo Nordisk has announced a new research collaboration with KI faculty member and David H. Koch Institute Professor Robert Langer’s laboratory to develop next-generation drug delivery devices for peptide administration.  more...

Drug delivery

In for the long haul

An article in the Sept. 5 issue of The Economist highlights how KI researchers are engineering new solutions to deliver single, steady drug administrations over weeks, months, and even years. more...

Canan Dagdeviren

KI postdoc included on MIT Technology Review’s annual "Innovators Under 35" list

For her work in the field of nanotechnology and materials, Canan Dagdeviren of MIT’s Koch Institute has been recognized as an inventor on MIT Technology Review's annual "Innovators Under 35" list. more...

Approach

Center of Cancer Nanotechnology Excellence

The MIT-Harvard Center for Cancer Nanotechnology Excellence is a collaborative effort among MIT, Harvard University, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, and Brigham and Women's Hospital. more

Making Tumors Vulnerable

Watch this animation to learn how the Bhatia lab uses nanomaterials to make tumors more susceptible to treatment. more

Sensing Cancer

Watch this animation to see how a tiny, implantable sensor developed by the Cima lab could enable continuous monitoring of cancer. more

Stopping the Spread of Cancer

Watch this animation to learn about the Gertler lab's efforts to understand and fight the deadly process of metastasis. more

Engineering the Immune System

Watch this animation to learn how the Irvine lab uses nanomaterials-based "cell backpacks" to boost the immune response to cancer. more

Cutting off Cancer's Food Supply

Watch this animation to learn how the Vander Heiden lab is working to understand and target cancer metabolism. more

Bridge Project

The Bridge Project is a collaboration between the Koch Institute and the Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center (DF/HCC), designed to bring bioengineering and clinical oncology together to solve today’s most challenging problems in cancer research and care.

with/in/sight Lecture Series

Join us for a series of evening programs that bring together diverse expert perspectives to discuss emerging cancer solutions.