Human Oncology & Pathogenesis Program

In the U.S.

Bridging the lab and clinic to develop next-generation cancer treatments

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Investigators in the Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program (HOPP) at Memorial Sloan Kettering have one foot in the lab and one foot in the clinic. Positioned at the forefront of translational research, HOPP investigators are uniquely situated to bridge gaps between the basic science and clinical research worlds. HOPP’s research programs span multiple cancer types, and its scientists employ innovative technologies, often redefining how we find, develop, and test new cancer therapies. The program also supports graduate and postdoctoral training for physicians and scientists who want to serve at the cutting-edge of translational cancer research.

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charles sawyers — HOPP Chair Charles Sawyers (center) with research fellows Ping Mu and Elizabeth Adams

Accepting Applications: 2025 Faculty Recruitment Search

We are accepting applications for the 2025 faculty recruitment cycle. Deadline: November 15, 2025.

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Faculty & Leadership

HOPP scientists are leaders in their field and are conducting research at the cutting edge of cancer science.

View all HOPP faculty View our scientific advisory board

Education & Training

HOPP is dedicated to training physicians and scientists at all levels for careers at the forefront of translational cancer research.

Open Positions

Explore open postdoctoral positions and other career opportunities.

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Featured News & Events View all news View all events

In Early-Phase Pancreatic Cancer Clinical Trial, Investigational mRNA Vaccine Induces Sustained Immune Activity in Small Patient Group

Learn how MSK researchers are deploying mRNA vaccines against pancreatic cancer.

Article

Why Does CAR-T Cell Therapy Fail? MSK Research Points to FAS-L Proteins

Read about a new discovery that could lead to more powerful cell-based therapies for cancer.

Article

Leptomeningeal Metastasis (LM) Clinical Trial Offers Treatment for Stage 4 Breast Cancer Patient

Read about a new treatment for leptomeningeal metastasis that is giving patients hope.

MSK Researchers Identify Key Player in Childhood Food Allergies: Thetis Cells

Thetis cells, a class of immune cells first described by MSK researchers in 2022, play an essential and previously unknown role in suppressing inflammatory responses to food, a new study finds.

The Next Frontier of Precision Diagnostics in Cancer Care

Since the launch of the Center for Molecular Oncology a decade ago, scientists and doctors at MSK have been leaders in the field of personalized oncology.

A New Cellular Immunotherapy Approach May Offer Treatment for AML and MDS 

Laboratory research shows how it may be possible to develop an immunotherapy-based approach for treating aggressive forms of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS).

How a Better Understanding of Metastasis May Lead to Better Cancer Treatment

Metastasis is responsible for about 9 of every 10 cancer deaths, and it remains one of the most daunting and least understood aspects of the disease. Researchers across MSK are approaching a wide variety of metastatic cancer types from many directions.

In the Lab

New Insights Show ASCL1’s Role in Neuroendocrine Prostate Cancer, an Aggressive and Treatment-Resistant Type

Read about a powerful research model developed by MSK researchers to learn how the most common type of prostate cancer changes into a deadly form.

Q&A

A Potential Advance Against RAS Gene-Driven Cancers

Learn about insights that could lead to a new class of drugs against cancers caused by RAS gene mutations.

Pinpoint Accuracy: How Dr. Elenitoba-Johnson Helps Lead the Diagnosis of Cancer at MSK

Learn about Dr. Kojo Elenitoba-Johnson, who leads teams of Memorial Sloan Kettering experts in interpreting lab tests and diagnosing cancer as the inaugural Chair of the MSK Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine. He is also a member in the Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program.