Oncology
The finish line we’re working toward — a world without cancer
We imagine a future where cancer no longer defines a person’s life. Where new breakthroughs change what’s possible for patients and families everywhere. A future that may one day provide a cure.
Meet Terri Ann, a four-time lung cancer survivor and advocate who is using her experience to bring hope to others.
Our finish line is defined by more than just scientific milestones. It’s defined by the moments that matter to patients — more time with loved ones, returning to everyday life or the possibility of a future not defined by cancer. We envision a future where more patients live longer and can move beyond cancer. That’s the finish line we’re working toward.
MSD's Dr. Marjorie Green is helping lead oncology research with bold ambition: to do more, push faster and research potentially life-changing innovations for patients who are still waiting.
Behind every medicine in our pipeline is a team of talented scientists who share a singular, driving focus: outsmart cancer. Across laboratories, clinical research centers and collaborative networks around the world, our scientists and partners are fighting for the lives we hope to prolong and protect.
Focused on the finish line
And we’re just getting started. MSD is on target to deliver more than 10 oncology medicines by 2030 to help even more patients. We’re working to make cancer history (again).
Bladder cancer
Blood cancer
Breast cancer
Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers
Gynecologic cancers
Head and neck cancer
Lung cancer
Melanoma
Prostate cancer
Renal cell carcinoma
Pioneering research to reach the finish line
The milestones we’ve reached only deepen our resolve to do more. One in five people will develop cancer in their lifetime, and it remains the leading cause of death worldwide. That’s why we’re working with urgency to address unmet patient needs and prolong and protect more lives. Every discovery and every breakthrough in our pipeline moves us closer to the finish line.
MSD’s oncology research is guided by three areas of focus:
Immuno-oncology
MSD’s immuno-oncology platform is designed to boost anti-tumor responses by combining foundational cancer treatments with therapies that remove some of the cancer cell ‘brakes’ on the immune system.
Tissue targeting
MSD is advancing technologies to direct cytotoxic therapies or targeted immune responses straight to the tumor.
Precision molecular targeting
Through precision molecular targeting, MSD is researching ways to impact pathways that can drive cancer growth by identifying opportunities for the direct targeting of cancer cell vulnerabilities and transcription factors.
Our goal is to change the practice of clinical oncology by:
Working to address unmet needs — areas where cancer continues to be life threatening and there are opportunities to improve outcomes
Our goal is to change the practice of clinical oncology by:
Moving MSD’s oncology research into earlier stages of disease and earlier lines of therapy, where we may potentially help lead to better outcomes
Our goal is to change the practice of clinical oncology by:
Researching how combining our medicines has the potential to improve treatment responses
Discover the science and people driving our pursuit of innovation
From precision oncology and biomarker-driven research, to novel modalities including antibody-drug conjugates, immunotherapies, KRAS-targeted approaches and advances in hematologic malignancies, discover the science that’s shaping the future of cancer care.
Advancing science together
We work with the broader oncology community — advocacy partners, healthcare providers, governments and industry colleagues — to create programs that help patients and caregivers on their journeys, as well as provide grants to organizations that support patients with cancer. Together, we’re working to move science forward — and bring us closer to a world beyond cancer.
This page was last updated in September 2026
