Science at the Heart of Medicine

At Montefiore Einstein Comprehensive Cancer Center we believe in a research-focused, evidence-based approach to cancer care. Our patients have access to world-renowned cancer specialists and groundbreaking treatments—thanks to the strength of our research enterprise.

We’re involved in more than 320 cancer clinical trials, and our discovery-driven environment is a place where research trainees and professionals thrive.

Depending on the stage and diagnosis of a patient’s cancer, clinical trial participation may be an option. Investigators at Montefiore Einstein Comprehensive Cancer Center are involved in numerous clinical trials—from interventional trials to observational and feasibility studies. 

Interdisciplinary Research Programs

Transdisciplinary Research Programs

Innovation happens when we bring together different insights, approaches and perspectives.

​Our transdisciplinary research programs bring together internationally recognized bench and physician-scientists from numerous academic fields to collaborate on basic, translational, and clinical research. Each investigator contributes a unique expertise and perspective on developing novel diagnostics and treatments for people with cancer.

Tumor Microenvironment and Metastasis

brings together advanced in vivo imaging technologies and innovative animal models to examine how the tumor microenvironment prompts and sustains cancer spread. The goal is to identify novel biomarkers and treatment targets that will aid in personalizing the prevention and treatment of metastases.

Stem Cell and Cancer Biology

encompasses three interrelated themes: How healthy stem cells function and prevent cancer formation; the characterization of healthy and cancerous stem cells in patients in order to develop novel diagnostics and treatment; and the biochemical and molecular mechanisms behind gene regulation, RNA translation, and splicing that drives stem cell differentiation.

Cancer Therapeutics

provides oversight for all clinical therapeutic trials at our Cancer Center and the development of novel therapies based on our scientists’ basic laboratory discoveries. The program is the focal point for developing small molecule inhibitors and novel immunotherapies for the treatment of cancer.

Cancer Epidemiology, Prevention and Control

reflects the expanded scope of population-based research that examines infectious, metabolic, endocrine, obesity-related and genetic/epigenetic causes of cancer and their prevention and control.

Basic & Translational Research Institutes and Initiatives

At Montefiore Einstein Comprehensive Cancer Center, we focus on multiple facets of oncology research in our drive to better understand cancer and improve care. The more we learn, the better equipped we and others are to develop new diagnostic tests, preventive care plans and targeted, personalized treatments.

To create innovative cancer treatment strategies, we study solutions through:

  • Basic research. Through basic bench research our scientists investigate fundamentals, such as genetic and environmental factors that set the stage for cancer to emerge and spread. Basic research helps us understand or deepen what we know about how cells and body systems work.
  • Translational research. Here’s where we turn basic discoveries in the lab into useful tools and treatments for cancer and acquire a deeper understanding of cancer risk and incidence across populations.

Much of this research is accomplished through the work of investigators in our Transdisciplinary Research Programs, as well as through various Montefiore Einstein institutes and initiatives such as:

 

Clinical Trials

Depending on the stage and diagnosis of a patient’s cancer, clinical trial participation may be an option. Investigators at Montefiore Einstein Comprehensive Cancer Center are involved in numerous clinical trials—from interventional trials to observational and feasibility studies.

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Featured Cancer Clinical Trials

  • Breast Cancer

I-SPY TRIAL: Neoadjuvant and Personalized Adaptive Novel Agents to Treat Breast Cancer

  • Conditions

    Breast Cancer

  • Multiple Hematologic Malignancies

A Safety and Efficacy Study Evaluating CTX131 in Adult Subjects with Relapsed/Refractory Hematologic Malignancies

  • Conditions

    Multiple Hematologic Malignancies

  • Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
  • Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma
  • Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia

Phase I/II Study of Rapcabtagene Autoleucel in CLL/SLL, 3L DLBCL, R/R ALL and 1L HR LBCL

  • Conditions

    Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia, Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma; Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia

  • Endometrial Cancer

Testing the Addition of the AKT Inhibitor, Ipatasertib, to Treatment with the Hormonal Agent Megestrol Acetate for Recurrent or Metastatic Endometrial Cancers

  • Conditions

    Endometrial Cancer

  • Limited-Stage Small-Cell Lung Cancer

Study Evaluating Tarlatamab After Chemoradiotherapy in Limited-Stage Small-Cell Lung Cancer (LS-SCLC)

  • Conditions

    Limited-Stage Small-Cell Lung Cancer

  • Multiple

Study to Investigate the Efficacy, Safety, and Tolerability of Topical HT-001 for the Treatment of Skin Toxicities Associated With Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Inhibitors

  • Conditions

    Multiple

  • Lung Cancer

Study to Assess Neoadjuvant Durvalumab (D) and Platinum-Based Chemotherapy (CT), Followed by Either Surgery and Adjuvant D or CRT and Consolidation D, in Resectable or Borderline Resectable Stage IIB-IIIB NSCLC (MDT-BRIDGE)

  • Conditions

    Lung Cancer

  • Urothelial/Bladder Cancer

Study of BT8009 as Monotherapy or in Combination in Participants with Locally Advanced or Metastatic Urothelial Cancer (Duravelo-2)

  • Conditions

    Urothelial/Bladder Cancer

MECC Research Landing Shared Resources

Montefiore Einstein Comprehensive Cancer Center Shared Resources

Successful translational research requires a multidisciplinary approach. At Montefiore Einstein Comprehensive Cancer Center, we support the sharing of clinical, basic science and epidemiology expertise in the name of fostering new ways to better diagnose, treat and prevent cancer.

Our state-of-the-art technology, facilities and support services give our research teams everything they need to investigate cancer development, prevention and treatment.

We provide our world-renowned specialists, researchers and scientists with the resources they need to succeed, including partnerships with the postdoctoral fellows and researchers at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine.

Research Training Programs

As part of the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, our research teaches and trains the next generation of cancer research leaders. We offer a Ph.D program and a Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP). Students gain exposure to biomedical research lab work, clinical pathology and more. And Einstein’s Belfer Institute for Advanced Biomedical Studies functions to help integrate all of the college’s postdoctoral training programs, serving as an advocate for trainees at this stage.

Professional Development and Educational Opportunities

We’re committed to helping cancer clinicians and researchers grow professionally and advance in their fields. Learn about our extensive cancer research education and training programs for students and professionals.

The Latest Research

Stay up to date on the latest cancer research news and advances at Montefiore Einstein Comprehensive Cancer Center.

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Find an Investigator

More than 130 bench scientists and clinical researchers work in cancer discovery.

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Donate to Support Cancer Research

A cancer research donation gives hope to people and families facing a cancer diagnosis.