Scientific discovery is the foundation beneath every lifesaving innovation in rare cancer care. Funds from the 2023 Cycle for Survival season will allow for the acquisition of six state-of-the-art technologies to support the work of researchers at the Sloan Kettering Institute (SKI). While a single piece of equipment may be kept in a specific lab, it often serves as a shared resource across SKI and benefits varied areas of cancer research. With these advanced tools, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) will drive the next breakthroughs in cancer medicine, establishing an even broader understanding of the disease and finding new cures.

Octet R8 Protein Analysis System

Housed in the lab of Yael David, PhD, the Octet R8 Protein Analysis System is a comprehensive device for screening and characterizing a range of molecular interactions between proteins, providing scientists with a deeper knowledge about events happening inside cells. This information is key to developing more targeted therapies for people with cancer.

Dr. David is Head of the Yael David Lab.

Incucyte SX5 Live-Cell Analysis System

Investigations led by Michel Sadelain, MD, PhD, have led to extraordinary breakthroughs in cancer immunotherapy. The Incucyte SX5 Live-Cell Analysis System will enhance his laboratory research and enable scientists to acquire more detailed images of cells and analyze their activity in real time over extended periods.

Dr. Sadelain is Director of the Center for Cell Engineering and Stephen and Barbara Friedman Chair.

Lunaphore COMET

A powerful imaging system for spatial biology analysis, the Lunaphore COMET will expand the capabilities of SKI’s Molecular Cytology Core Facility, directed by Murray Tipping, DPhil. The multifaceted instrument helps scientists to image more samples at once and track biomarkers, processes, and cell interactions, all of which are essential to advance innovation in cancer research and care.

Dr. Tipping is Acting Director of the Molecular Cytology Core Facility.

“The Lunaphore COMET will enable us to characterize rare cancers and their effects on the tumor microenvironment with more precision and fidelity than ever before.”

Murray Tipping
DPhil

Tecan D300e Digital Dispenser

Referred to as a “drug printer,” the Tecan D300e Digital Dispenser automatically distributes specified concentrations of drugs into multiple wells on a small tray for screening purposes. Supporting the work of Omar Abdel-Wahab, MD, this high-tech machinery will save time and increase accuracy, enabling MSK scientists to bring new treatments to people with cancer even faster.

Dr. Abdel-Wahab is Chair of the Molecular Pharmacology Program and Edward P. Evans Endowed Chair for Myelodysplastic Syndromes.

Agilent 6495D Triple Quadrupole LC-MS

The Agilent 6495D Triple Quadrupole LC-MS system is an essential upgrade to the lab of Justin Cross, PhD. This advanced equipment measures metabolites, substances produced during digestion, from cells, plasma, and tissues. It will accelerate the pace of discovery around cancer cell metabolism and the interaction of the gut microbiome with the tumor microenvironment.

Dr. Cross is Director of the Donald B. and Catherine C. Marron Cancer Metabolism Center.

Vevo F2

Preclinical research is needed to establish clinical trials for people with cancer. Clinical trials provide scientists with vital information such as the safety and efficacy of a novel drug. Supporting the work of Pat Zanzonico, PhD, the Vevo F2 is a high-resolution ultrasound machine for studying laboratory models and is necessary to progress ongoing and future preclinical projects.

Dr. Zanzonico is an Attending Physicist and Co-Director of Animal Imaging.