Here at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, our researchers embody this exciting moment. Together we are working on some of the most compelling topics in human cancer, including:

• Exploring epigenetic regulation of gene expression in cancer
• Investigating the mechanisms underlying tumor-mediated immunosuppression/tolerance
• Elucidating the critical pathways that drive cancer development—notably P53, WNT, EGFR, PI3K, PTEN, RAS, and MYC
• Studying the tumor micro-environment by looking at the immune system, fibroblasts, and blood and lymphatic vessels, in addition to solid tumors themselves

We also train an outstanding cadre of graduate students, and clinical fellows in the field of cancer biology. Our trainees learn alongside acclaimed faculty, and we look forward to their own career contributions in future cancer research.  

In several key ways, the unique environment of Icahn Mount Sinai sets our Department of Oncological Sciences apart. Being situated within the Mount Sinai Health System—rather than a traditional university—enables us to be more clearly focused on human oncology, both in basic and translational research. We are rich in faculty resources, yet still small enough that no one feels anonymous, and thanks to our Research Resources Program, both students and faculty enjoy access to tremendous technological resources.

Our goal is to have a positive impact on cancer, and we understand scientific collaboration is primary to such progress. The Department of Oncological Sciences eagerly collaborates with both basic and clinical departments. Some of our most frequent partners include the departments of Cell Developmental and Regenerative Biology, Pharmacological Sciences, Surgery, Neurosurgery, Hematology and Medical Oncology, Pathology, and Genetics and Genomic Sciences. We also maintain strong links to The Tisch Cancer Institute, the Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism Institute, the Immunology Institute, the Derald H. Ruttenberg Treatment Center, and the Dubin Breast Center.

Beyond partnering on formal research, we also provide regularly scheduled interdisciplinary events. Every week, The Tisch Cancer Institute Seminar Series features preeminent researchers exploring a variety of cancer-related topics. Likewise, our weekly Cancer Club meeting gives trainees opportunities to discuss their own work-in-progress with professors and peers, providing early exposure to speaking publicly about research.

By better understanding the biochemical, cellular, physiological, and behavioral underpinnings of cancer, we can advance its treatment and prevention—and by training new researchers, we can ensure that our critical and holistic approach to oncological sciences will continue long into the future.

I invite you to enter this exciting moment with us.

Ramon Parsons, MD, PhD
Icahn Scholar
Ward-Coleman Chair in Cancer Research
Professor and Chair, Oncological Sciences
Director, The Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai