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

• Examining how liquid and solid tumors progress and become resistant to treatment
• Discovering mechanisms of tumor metastasis to distal organs and bones
• Elucidating the critical pathways that drive cancer development
• Exploring the regulation of gene expression and chromatin in cancer
• Investigating the mechanisms underlying tumor-mediated immunosuppression
• Studying tumor cells in the micro-environment by examining the immune system, fibroblasts, blood and lymphatic vessels
• Developing novel therapeutic approaches and combinations using preclinical experimental systems

We are also training an outstanding cadre of graduate students, postdoctoral 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.  

The unique environment of Mount Sinai sets our Department of Oncological Sciences apart in key ways. Being embedded within the Mount Sinai Health System and the Mount Sinai Tisch Cancer Center enables us to be more clearly focused on human oncology, both in basic and translational research. We are rich in resources and state-of-the-art technologies, and both trainees 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 Faculty of  the Department of Oncological Sciences are integral members of the Mount Sinai Tisch Cancer Center, a NCI-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, and eagerly collaborate with both basic and clinical departments. Our most frequent partners include the departments of Immunology and Immunotherapy; Pharmacological Sciences; Surgery; Neurosurgery; Hematology and Medical Oncology; Pathology; Dermatology; Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine; and Genetics and Genomic Sciences. We also maintain strong links to the Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism Institute and the Marc and Jennifer Lipschultz Precision Immunology Institute.

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

By better understanding the biochemical, cellular, genomic, epigenomic, and physiological underpinnings of cancer, we can advance its treatment and prevention. And by training the next generation of 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, Mount Sinai Tisch Cancer Center