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David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research

Contact Information

Kendall Square 500 Main Street Cambridge, MA 02142
(617) 253-6403

The David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) focuses on the scientific and technological aspects of eradicating cancer diseases. Scientists affiliated with the institute have conducted Nobel Award winning research in various scientific disciplines. Currently, there are two Nobel Laureates on staff at the Koch Institute: Robert Horvitz and Philip A. Sharp. Each investigator is conducting cancer research or genetic development research. Five Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigators, six National Medal of Science recipients, and fourteen members of National Academy of Sciences each play a significant role in research development.

The Koch Institute is primarily a research institute focused on laboratory cancer research development. The goal of the facility is to develop leading edge technology that detects and diagnoses cancer in its early stages, as well as, monitor and treat the disease. The facility currently does not conduct clinical trials. However, the facility publishes articles and journals that may assist those conducting clinical research. The focus is primarily on the causes of cancer and how it responds to experimental treatments. When the scientists’ methods are proven effective on animal models, the research may benefit researchers who adapt the findings for clinical purposes.

The scientific approach to reducing cancer effects is a five step program implemented by researchers:

Nanotechnology Therapy

Chemotherapy drugs are injected into nanoscale particles that bind to cancer cells and force them to self-destruct. The drugs will only target cancer cells. Because the nanoscale particles are selective, the toxic levels are reduced in the body.

Detection and Monitoring

Cancer detection is the best mode of defense in eliminating cancer. The earlier the cancer is detected, the better a patient's prognosis. Telemetry technology has advanced to include implantable electronic devices to detect cancer cells in the blood stream. Early detection will allow doctors to remove the tumor before cancer begins to spread. New devices in developmental stages will release anti-cancer drugs into the blood stream when cancer cells are detected.

These devices may play a significant role in saving the lives of patients who have developed an asbestos-related disease, such as mesothelioma. The latency period of this disease is often 20 years or more. Therefore, oncologists cannot precisely predict if or when the cancer will develop. After patient exposure, genetic testing may detect a propensity to cancer. If so, a device may be implanted to destroy cancer as soon as it is detected. This development could significantly improve the prognosis for a lung cancer or rare cancer patient.

Metastasis

Last year, over 7.5 million individuals died of cancer world-wide. Five hundred thousand of those cancer patients were Americans. Ninety percent of the deaths were related to the effects of metastasis. Oncologists and scientists do not understand the metastatic spread of the disease. However, funds are being allocated to study the phenomenon.

Pathways and Resistance

Cancer cells are highly resistant cells that replicate rapidly and abnormally. The cells can withstand body’s efforts to destroy them and replicate despite its efforts. Scientists are directing funds to study the replication process using computational models, animal models, and genomic mapping.

Immune System

The body’s immune system is trained to identify and destroy foreign entities present. Most times the immune system is effective. However, the immune system often does not recognize cancer cells as foreign. Thus, cancer cells continue to replicate. Immunologists are studying behaviors to aid cancer cell recognition and destruction.

The Koch Institute receives its funding primarily from private philanthropic support. David H. Koch is one of the major donors. Other donors include the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, National Institute of Health, National Cancer Institute, and D.K. Ludwig Fund for Cancer Research. Grants for the Integrative Cancer Biology Program, Mouse Models of Cancer Consortium, and Centers for Excellence in Nanotechnology and Cancer also aids cancer research at the Koch Institute.