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.

About DKFZ

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.

A focused laboratory technician, wearing a white coat and gloves, carefully examines a test tube with a blue liquid. She appears thoughtful and concerned, suggesting she is analyzing the contents for research purposes. The laboratory setting includes scientific equipment in the background.

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.

Two laboratory researchers, a man and a woman, are closely examining a petri dish. The woman, wearing a lab coat, looks intently at the dish, while the man holds it up, showing its contents. They are in a modern lab environment, highlighting collaborative scientific work.

Latest from DKFZ

Visualisierung von Zellen im menschlichen Blut. Im Vordergrund sind auffällig gestaltete Zellen zu sehen, die Immunzellen darstellen, während im Hintergrund kleine, kugelförmige Partikel schwebend abgebildet sind. Die Farben sind lebhaft, mit roten und orangefarbenen Tönen.

05. October 2026

A Matter of Quantity: A Universal Target for CAR-T Cells Against Cancer

CAR-T cell therapies have proven successful in treating several types of blood and lymphoid cancers. However, their use in treating other tumors is significantly more challenging, in part because suitable target structures are lacking. A team led by scientists from the Heidelberg Faculty of Medicine at the Institute of Pathology of Heidelberg University Hospital, in collaboration with researchers from the German Cancer Research Center, has now developed an innovative approach: They are targeting proteins that, while not typical cancer drivers, are present in large quantities on the surface of cancer cells. Joint press release from the Heidelberg Faculty of Medicine at Heidelberg University and the German Cancer Research Center

Eine Frau sitzt auf einem Tisch in einem modernen, hellen Büro. Sie trägt einen schwarzen Blazer und ein lila Oberteil. Im Hintergrund sind große Fenster sichtbar, die Tageslicht hereinlassen.

08. September 2026

Heisenberg Professorship for Aurélie Ernst

03. September 2026

Triple ERC Success at the German Cancer Research Center

Kolorektales Karzinom unter dem Mikroskop

19. August 2026

Colon Cancer: How Highly Aggressive Tumors Evade the Immune System

Eine Gruppe von Ärzten steht an einem Patientenbett.

13. August 2026

PRAME-specific T-cell therapy in an adolescent with metastatic kidney tumor

10. August 2026

Immune Cells in Bone Marrow Cancer: Limited Defense Readiness

Zwei Personen stehen vor einem Hintergrund mit dem Text "Meyenburg Stiftung 50 Years Anniversary". Die Frau links hält ein Zertifikat und lächelt, während der Mann rechts neben ihr, in einem dunklen Anzug, ebenfalls lächelt.

29. July 2026

“Every Cell Tells Its Own Story” – Aviv Regev Awarded the 2026 Meyenburg Prize

The image features three cartoon-style mice atop four colorful branching diagrams resembling crystals or networks. Each diagram is composed of interconnected nodes in varying colors, representing different structures or systems, set against a dark background.

22. July 2026

The Individual Genetic Background Shapes the Evolution of Cancer

All News

The image shows a banner for the DKFZ International PhD Program titled “Winter Selection 2028/27.” It features graphic elements, including a microscopic image and a human eye. At the bottom is the application deadline: “October 15, 2028.”

Apply now for the International PhD Program

Are you looking for excellent research opportunities for your PhD studies at the forefront of basic, epidemiological, computational or translational Cancer Research? Join our more than 500 PhD students at the German Cancer Research Center to unravel the causes of cancer development and develop novel tools for diagnosis, treatment and prevention!

Apply now

Our research opens doors in the fight against cancer

A modern, multi-story building with large glass windows is set against a clear blue sky. In the foreground, there are benches and greenery, creating a welcoming outdoor space. A play button symbol indicates a video related to the building.

Our research topics

Zell- und Tumorbiologie

Everything about the topic Zell- und Tumorbiologie
Funktionelle und Strukturelle Genomforschung

Everything about the topic Funktionelle und Strukturelle Genomforschung
Epidemiologie, Public Health, Prävention und Survivorship

Everything about the topic Epidemiologie, Public Health, Prävention und Survivorship
Immunologie, Infektion und Krebs

Everything about the topic Immunologie, Infektion und Krebs
Bildgebung, Radioonkologie und Onkoengineering

Everything about the topic Bildgebung, Radioonkologie und Onkoengineering

To the research topics

A smiling woman with long brown hair and headphones stands in the foreground, holding a clipboard. In the background, two people work at computers in an office setting. The atmosphere is collaborative and professional.

Do you have questions on the topic of cancer?

Let us advise you!

Doctors from the Cancer Information Service answer your questions every day. Find out more now for free!

0800 - 420 30 40 daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Write an email Write an email To the Cancer Information Service

Two female scientists in lab coats are collaborating in a modern laboratory. One is holding a transparent container while the other adjusts a computer monitor. They are both engaged in discussion, emphasizing teamwork in a scientific environment. The background features laboratory equipment and large windows.

Looking for a new challenge? Become part of our team!

The German Cancer Research Center offers excellent working conditions and a modern, international environment.

Open positions

Support us in making groundbreaking progress in cancer research!

Your donation is your contribution - for a life without cancer. Whether a single donation or a standing order - with your donation you help to advance cancer research.

More about donations More about donations

Your health is a priority -
Avoid cancer risk factors

The German Cancer Research Center has set itself the task of protecting citizens from cancer by strengthening tobacco and alcohol prevention, promoting healthy nutrition and exercise and improving access to and uptake of the HPV vaccination.

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

Zell- und Tumorbiologie

Funktionelle und Strukturelle Genomforschung

Epidemiologie, Public Health, Prävention und Survivorship

Immunologie, Infektion und Krebs

Bildgebung, Radioonkologie und Onkoengineering