The MIT CCR includes 32 members whose research programs are related in whole or in part to the investigation of basic mechanisms of tumor formation or treatment, as well as the elucidation of cancer-relevant cellular processes. Several CCR members are focused directly on the disease through their efforts to: identify and functionally characterize genes mutated in cancer; discover patterns of gene expression that define cancer subtypes or states; develop animal models of the disease; investigate the mechanisms of metastasis; study the mechanisms of action of anti-cancer agents; or develop new therapeutic agents and delivery strategies. These and additional members work on processes that are critical to normal cell function and that are frequently altered during tumor initiation and/or progression. These include mechanisms of cell cycle control; cell death; signal transduction; control of gene expression; genome structure and function; DNA rearrangement, damage and repair; epigenetics; cell adhesion and migration; stem cell biology; and immune cell function.

For a complete listing of CCR members, please visit the Faculty Listing page.

The CCR is both a physical entity and an organizing body for MIT's cancer research community at large. Of the 33 member laboratories, 12 are located in the Center's home building (E17). The others are located in the Department of Biology (12 total; eight in the Whitehead Institute and four in the Koch Biology Building), The Broad Institute (2), Division of Biological Engineering (4), Division of Chemical Engineering (2), and the Department of Chemistry (1). The CCR boasts an illustrious membership, with two Nobel laureates (Horvitz and Sharp), 11 members of the National Academy of Sciences, and five Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigators. Three former CCR members (Baltimore, Luria, and Tonegawa) were also Nobel Prize winners.

The research in the center is organized into three broad programs: Research Program 1: Molecular Genetics and Immunology (Phillip Sharp, Project Leader), Research Program 2: Genetics and Model Systems (Tyler Jacks, Program Leader), Research Program 3: Cell Biology (Richard Hynes, Project Leader.) Members of the faculty are also involved in many interdisciplinary programs. The MIT-Harvard NanoMedical Consortium focuses on ways in which nanotechnology can cure cancer. The Integrative Cancer Biology Program (ICBP) is concerned with Cancer and Biology.