Cancer Research
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.

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.
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 we all through various institutes and initiatives such as:
This collaborative program speeds up the pathway from lab breakthroughs to promising therapies and even cures for blood cancers.
We research why some cancers go dormant—and the factors that cause cancer to return.
Learn about the Cancer Dormancy & Tumor Microenvironment Institute
Using lab and computational resources, we examine how cells respond to changes in DNA or to changes in tissue.
Learn about the Center for Epigenomics
We study and create new microscopy techniques that can lead to biomedical advancements for the research community.
Learn about the Gruss Lipper Biophotonics Center
The risk for cancer rises as we age. We develop experimental models of aging to shed light on ways to delay, stop and reverse biological aging—and uncover new treatments for cancer.
Learn about the Institute for Aging Research
We use advanced technologies to generate highly detailed images that illustrate how cancers and other complex diseases develop and progress in the body. We use these data to identify the molecular changes that cause cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer’s Disease and other conditions.
Learn about the Integrated Imaging Program
Through this NCI-supported national network, we bring cancer clinical trials to our community and conduct cancer care delivery research with the goal of better addressing the needs of people in historically underserved communities.
Learn about the NCI Community Oncology Research Program (NCORP)
We develop novel cancer treatments by translating scientific discoveries into stem cell-based therapies. Much of this is achieved through nurturing collaboration across departments.
Funded by the National Institutes of Health, the Harold and Muriel Block Institute for Clinical and Translational Research aims to develop innovative solutions to improve the efficiency, quality, and impact of turning observations made in the lab, clinic, and community into actionable interventions that improve health. We give researchers infrastructure and collaborative support, as well as providing training, education and career development opportunities.
Learn about the Institute for Clinical and Translational Research
We are a founding member of the Biomedical Research Alliance of New York, an organization that provides support services to research sponsors and investigators working in a wide variety of therapeutic areas, medical devices, and biologic and diagnostic trials.
Learn about the Biomedical Research Alliance of New York (BRANY)

Featured Cancer Clinical Trials

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.
- Learn about our Ph.D program
- Learn about our Medical Scientist Training Program
- Learn about the Belfer Institute for Advanced Biomedical Studies
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.

Find an Investigator

Donate to Support Cancer Research
A cancer research donation gives hope to people and families facing a cancer diagnosis.