WHY HERE ?

Researchers at the Koch Institute develop innovative drug delivery systems for effective cancer treatment. This hydrogel, created by engineers in the Langer and Anderson Laboratories, protects biological or chemical agents as they make their way through the body to fight disease. WHY NOW?

Cancer research is at an inflection point. In recent decades, researchers at MIT and around the world have developed a vastly more intricate understanding of the biology of cancer, opening new avenues to detect, monitor, treat, and prevent the disease. On a parallel track, a new generation of bioengineers has developed a sophisticated array of tools that has revolutionized our thinking about how we might intervene and to what effect.

The Koch Institute integrates, in very concrete ways, these formerly disparate disciplines, driving enormous benefits for patients and allowing us to translate biological insights into breakthrough advances at breathtaking speed.

Embodying an unprecedented commitment to cross-disciplinary collaboration, the Koch Institute melds the most advanced biological investigation with innovative approaches in engineering and technology. MIT’s 150-year legacy of achievement in science and engineering provides an extraordinary opportunity and, indeed, a responsibility, to actualize this vision.

The Koch Institute comprises more than 50 laboratories and more than 1,000 researchers—including biologists, biological, chemical, mechanical, and materi- als science engineers, chemists, computer scientists and others—all united in the fight against cancer. We also engage an extensive network of academic medical centers, clinical and industrial partners, physicians, cancer-focused foundations, and individual philanthropists who share our sense of urgency to unravel the complexities of cancer and bring new innovation to the lives of patients today.

We are enormously proud of the work we are doing and the impact it is having on the lives of people affected by cancer. We invite you to learn more and to join us in our mission of conquering cancer together.

Tyler Jacks, PhD Director, Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research Anh Thai, a member of the Langer Laboratory, tests a novel drug delivery system to determine how quickly it can release therapeutic compounds. One of the key goals of current Koch Institute research is to develop nanotechnology-based therapeutics for more effective targeting of cancer cells. TACKLING CANCER’S MOST INTRACTABLE CHALLENGES

We are advancing five priority areas of research that address many of the most difficult challenges facing patients and oncologists. In each, cross-disciplinary teams of faculty, students and staff, in collaboration with clinical centers and industry, are working to redefine our response to cancer. NANO-BASED DETECTION AND DRUGS MONITORING

Most cancer treatments are blunt and toxic Early detection and monitoring is critical to instruments, indiscriminately destroying mounting effective cancer treatments. The both healthy and cancerous cells. We work molecular differences that make cancer cells at the molecular level to find and destroy lethal when left unchecked also provide cancer cells selectively. Collaborating within clues for their detection, identification, and the nexus of the Marble Center for Cancer visualization. We are developing highly Nanomedicine, we devise ‘smart’ nanoscale sensitive technologies, from nanoparticle- cancer medicines that leverage multiple derived biomarkers identified by a simple emerging technologies from the fields of urine test, to deep-tissue imaging systems biology and bioengineering. that reveal tumors smaller than a millimeter, to implantable sensors capable of wireless First, we make highly specific and selective data transmission. These systems have the ligands to detect cancer cells through the potential to reveal cancer at very early molecular structures they uniquely express. stages, and continuously monitor during and A conventional drug or toxin, antibody or after treatment for signals of remission or RNA interference (RNAi) molecule then relapse. These advances will make cancer disables the cancer cells. We package this detection easier, less invasive, less expensive, payload in a nano-sized particle so that it and more precise. Furthermore, many of traverses the body efficiently. Our goal is these technologies are being adapted to to perfect a new generation of cancer have the capacity for drug delivery. We therapies that eliminate cancer cells and envision tools that can not only find cancer leave healthy cells alone. cells, but also take action to destroy them on the spot, operating at a new interface of detection and treatment. METASTASIS PRECISION CANCER CANCER MEDICINE IMMUNOLOGY

Primary tumors are seldom lethal—most What makes cancer cells different and When looking for a strong ally in the fight cancer deaths are caused by metastasis. dangerous? Among the myriad genetic against cancer, perhaps none is better suited Cancer cells mutate and spread to far-flung alterations observed in tumors, only some than our own immune system. Every day it is regions of the body where they are difficult propel cancer cells to proliferate abnormally, on the hunt for foreign invaders, and is singly to investigate and eradicate. Too little is survive inappropriately and resist the drugs effective at eliminating many nascent cancers known about the molecular and cellular administered to destroy them. To know which before they even develop. Yet some cancers changes that drive metastasis. Under the alterations represent important therapeutic escape and turn lethal, for reasons that remain banner of the Ludwig Center for Molecular targets, we need to understand their place in poorly understood. We are helping to Oncology, we are identifying the genes and the vast molecular network that underpins illuminate the role of the immune system in the cellular interactions that encourage cellular function. Home to the MIT Center for fighting cancer using state-of-the-art metastatic spread and allow cancer cells to Precision Cancer Medicine, we are using engineering and analytical methods. Our goal survive and thrive in disparate locations. We multiple genomic, proteomic, computational is to create new classes of diagnostics along are also devising methods to identify and and in vivo approaches to build a comprehen- with novel immunotherapies, which augment visualize sites of metastasis earlier in the sive “wiring diagram” for cancer cells and and surpass the natural immune response, disease. Armed with this knowledge, we aim their molecular environment. This blueprint for the cancers that get away. to combat metastasis before it begins and will lead us to better, more sophisticated and destroy cancer cells wherever they may hide. patient-specific strategies to control cancer and combat drug resistance. The Koch Institute's facilities were designed to foster and enhance collaboration among researchers. Outside the Swanson Biotechnology Center, a hub of shared resources, Cork Marcheschi's Eureka! sculpture reflects changing ambient light and evokes the interconnectedness of ideas and the flashes of inspiration that drive innovation. COLLABORATIVE BY DESIGN

The Koch Institute was designed from the ground up to provide a venue for seamless and serendipitous collaboration among more than two dozen extraordinary biology and engineering labs, working together to advance the cause of cancer research. Internationally recognized leaders in their respective fields, our faculty members have earned the most prestigious national and international science honors:

• Five current and former faculty members have been awarded the Nobel Prize • 17 current faculty members have been elected to the National Academy of Sciences • Nine current faculty members have been elected to the National Academy of Engineering • Twelve current faculty members have been elected to the National Academy of Medicine • Nine National Medals of Science or Technology and Innovation have been awarded to current and former faculty members • Ten current faculty members are Howard Hughes Medical Investigators

Our world-renowned faculty unites leadership in multiple fields of science and engin- eering with a commitment to truly interdisciplinary collaboration. Working with the faculty is a research force of more than 1,000 individuals including postdoctoral fellows, principal research scientists, clinical investigators, students and laboratory staff. As we look beyond our walls, we benefit greatly from the unstinting advice and support of our Director's Council and Scientific Advisory Board. INTRAMURAL FRANK B. GERTLER ROBERT S. LANGER FACULTY Professor of Biology David H. Koch Institute Professor Ph.D. 1992, University of Professor of Chemical Engineering MIT SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING Wisconsin, Madison MIT SCHOOL OF SCIENCE Sc.D. 1974, MIT PAULA T. HAMMOND JACQUELINE A. LEES ANGELIKA AMON David H. Koch (1962) Associate Director, Koch Institute Kathleen and Curtis Marble Professor of Engineering for Integrative Cancer Research Professor in Cancer Research Head, Department of Virginia & D.K. Ludwig Professor Professor of Biology Chemical Engineering for Cancer Research Investigator, Howard Hughes Ph.D. 1993, MIT Professor of Biology Medical Institute MICHAEL HEMANN Ph.D. 1990, University of London Ph.D. 1993, University of Vienna Associate Professor of Biology J. CHRISTOPHER LOVE DANIEL G. ANDERSON Ph.D. 2001, Johns Hopkins University Raymond A. (1921) and Associate Professor of SUSAN HOCKFIELD Helen E. St. Laurent Chemical Engineering Professor of Chemical Engineering MIT President Emerita and Ph.D. 1997, University of California Ph.D. 2004, Harvard University at Davis Professor of Neuroscience SCOTT R. MANALIS ANGELA M. BELCHER Ph.D. 1979, Georgetown University School of Medicine Andrew and Erna Viterbi Professor James Mason Crafts Professor DAVID E. HOUSMAN Professor of Biological Engineering and Professor of Materials Science & Mechanical Engineering Engineering and Biological Engineering Virginia & D.K. Ludwig Scholar for Cancer Research Ph.D. 1998, Stanford University Ph.D. 1997, University of California at Santa Barbara Professor of Biology RAM SASISEKHARAN Ph.D. 1971, Brandeis University SANGEETA N. BHATIA Alfred H. Caspary Professor of RICHARD O. HYNES Biological Engineering & Health John J. and Dorothy Wilson Sciences and Technology Professor of Health Sciences Daniel K. Ludwig Professor and Technology & Electrical for Cancer Research Ph.D. 1992, Harvard Medical School Engineering and Computer Science Professor of Biology PHILLIP A. SHARP Director, Marble Center for Investigator, Howard Hughes Institute Professor Cancer Nanomedicine Medical Institute Professor of Biology Investigator, Howard Hughes Ph.D. 1971, MIT Ph.D. 1969, University of Illinois Medical Institute DARRELL J. IRVINE FRANK SOLOMON Ph.D. 1997, MIT Associate Director, Koch Institute for Professor of Biology M.D. 1999, Harvard Medical School Integrative Cancer Research Ph.D. 1970, Brandeis University MICHAEL BIRNBAUM Professor of Biological Engineering STEFANI SPRANGER Assistant Professor of and Materials Science & Engineering Biological Engineering Investigator, Howard Hughes Howard S. (1953) and Linda B. Stern Career Development Professor Ph.D. 2014, Stanford University Medical Institute Assistant Professor of Biology JIANZHU CHEN Ph.D. 2000, MIT Ph.D. 2011, Helmholtz-Zentrum Munich Professor of Biology TYLER JACKS MATTHEW G. VANDER HEIDEN Ph.D. 1990, Stanford University Director, Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research Associate Director, Koch Institute for MICHAEL J. CIMA David H. Koch (1962) Integrative Cancer Research David H. Koch (1962) Professor of Biology Associate Professor of Biology Professor of Engineering Daniel K. Ludwig Scholar Ph.D. 2000, University of Chicago Professor of Materials Science and Engineering Investigator, Howard Hughes M.D. 2002, University of Chicago Medical Institute Associate Dean of Innovation, FOREST M. WHITE School of Engineering Ph.D. 1988, University of California, Professor of Biological Engineering San Francisco Co-Director, MIT Innovation Initiative Ph.D. 1997, Florida State University ANGELA KOEHLER Faculty Director, Lemelson- K. DANE WITTRUP MIT Program Goldblith Career Development Professor in Applied Biology Professor of Biological Engineering Ph.D. 1986, University of Ph.D. 1988, California Institute California, Berkeley Assistant Professor of Biological Engineering of Technology Ph.D. 2003, Harvard University MICHAEL B. YAFFE ELIEZER CALO TIMOTHY K. LU David H. Koch (1962) Assistant Professor of Biology Associate Professor of Biological Professor of Science PATRICK S. DOYLE Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Professor of Biology and and Computer Science Robert T. Haslam Professor of Biological Engineering Chemical Engineering DAVID C. PAGE Director, MIT Center for ELAZER R. EDELMAN Director, Whitehead Institute Precision Cancer Medicine Thomas D. and Virginia W. Cabot Professor of Biology Ph.D. 1987, Case Western Professor of Health Sciences Investigator, Howard Hughes Reserve University and Technology Medical Institute M.D. 1989, Case Western Director, Institute for Medical BRADLEY L. PENTELUTE Reserve University Engineering and Science Associate Professor of Chemistry OMER H. YILMAZ LINDA G. GRIFFITH AVIV REGEV Eisen and Chang Career Development Professor Professor of Biological Engineering Member, Broad Institute and Mechanical Engineering Assistant Professor of Biology Professor of Biology Director, Center for Ph.D. 2008, University of Michigan Gynepathology Research Investigator, Howard Hughes Medical Institute M.D. 2008, University of Michigan LEONARD P. GUARENTE Medical School DAVID M. SABATINI Novartis Professor of Biology Member, Whitehead Institute PIYUSH GUPTA CLINICAL Professor of Biology Member, Whitehead Institute INVESTIGATOR Investigator, Howard Hughes Assistant Professor of Biology Medical Institute SALIL GARG H. ROBERT HORVITZ ALEX K. SHALEK Charles W. (1955) and Jennifer C. David H. Koch (1962) Pfizer-Laubach Career Johnson Clinical Investigator Professor of Biology Development Professor Ph.D. 2012, Harvard University Investigator, Howard Hughes Assistant Professor of Chemistry Medical Institute M.D. 2012, Harvard Medical School GRAHAM C. WALKER RUDOLF JAENISCH Professor of Biology Member, Whitehead Institute EXTRAMURAL American Cancer Society Professor Professor of Biology FACULTY Howard Hughes Medical JEREMIAH A. JOHNSON Institute Professor REGINA BARZILAY Associate Professor of Chemistry ROBERT A. WEINBERG Member, Computer Science and ROGER KAMM Member, Whitehead Institute Artificial Intelligence Laboratory Cecil H. Green Director, Ludwig Center for Delta Electronics Professor Distinguished Professor Molecular Oncology Professor of Electrical Engineering Professor of Biological and Daniel K. Ludwig Professor for and Computer Science Mechanical Engineering Cancer Research STEPHEN P. BELL AMY KEATING Professor of Biology Professor of Biology Professor of Biology and RON WEISS Biological Engineering Investigator, Howard Hughes Professor of Biological Engineering Medical Institute ERIC S. LANDER Director, Synthetic Biology Center PAUL BLAINEY President and Director, RICHARD A. YOUNG Associate Professor of Broad Institute Member, Whitehead Institute Biological Engineering Professor of Biology Professor of Biology EDWARD BOYDEN DOUGLAS LAUFFENBURGER Member, MIT Media Lab Ford Professor of Engineering Y. Eva Tan Professor in Neurotechnology Professor of Biological Engineering, EMERITA Associate Professor of Chemical Engineering, and Biology FACULTY Biological Engineering and Brain HARVEY F. LODISH and Cognitive Sciences NANCY H. HOPKINS Member, Whitehead Institute LAURIE A. BOYER Professor Emerita Professor of Biology and Associate Professor of Biology Biological Engineering Ph.D. 1971, Harvard University CHRISTOPHER B. BURGE Professor of Biology Nate Cermak, a researcher in the Manalis Laboratory, is developing a microcantilever device for high- throughput analysis of single cell growth. High precision measurements of individual cells help reveal growth changes that accompany the onset, progression, and treatment response in cancer. PUSHING NEW BOUNDARIES

THE FRONTIER AT THE A FUTURE RESEARCH PROGRAM FRONTLINE WITHOUT CANCER

Creative exploration at the leading The Koch Institute Frontier Research The Koch Institute hopes to transform edge of cancer research has often Program is already supporting exciting, cancer from a deadly disease to one led to important, transformative interdisciplinary investigations, including: that is well understood, manageable new discoveries, bringing major • A genetic marker for metastatic breast and even, one day, preventable. Our improvements in patient care. cancers that has been licensed for the paradigm-changing integrative approach All too often, however, early-stage development of clinical diagnostic tests to cancer research, and our commit- ideas do not qualify for funding from • New devices and treatments to more ment to supporting highly creative traditional government sources. The safely and effectively deliver chemother- people and ideas, is changing the Koch Institute is deeply committed to apy to ovarian cancer patients course of cancer for patients and their supporting boldly conceived, highly • Injectable nanoparticles that create uri- families. Fueled by Frontier Research innovative and collaborative research nary biomarkers to reveal the presence Program funding, MIT teams embody proposals from our faculty, students, and type of cancer a wellspring of innovation. fellows and clinical investigators. • A simple, staggered drug delivery The initial projects supported by the regimen to increase the effectiveness of Koch Institute represent an investment current therapies for aggressive triple- in the future and highlight the far- negative breast cancer • reaching vision of our community. An imaging system for early detection and surgical resection, that is capable of revealing tiny, deep-seated tumors smaller than a millimeter SUPPORT PARADIGM-CHANGING CANCER RESEARCH

The Koch Institute depends on gifts NAMING ADDITIONAL CONTACTS from generous donors to support our OPPORTUNITIES Anne E. Deconinck, Ph.D. Executive Director unique community and outstanding The Koch Institute offers a range of research. Working with philanthropic Koch Institute for naming opportunities: research funds Integrative Cancer Research at MIT individuals, foundations and corporate propelling bold new ideas toward 77 Massachusetts Avenue, 76-158 partners, we leverage current use and clinical applications; cancer-focused Cambridge, MA 02139 endowed funds to advance and expand fellowships for MIT graduate stu- 617.324.2169 [email protected] the impact of the work we are doing dents and postdoctoral researchers; today and to build the future of cancer faculty chairs advancing the integra- For media inquiries: research at MIT. tion of science and engineering; and Communications Office

Gifts are welcome in any amount and designated laboratory and public Koch Institute for in many forms for the following high spaces within the Institute's state-of- Integrative Cancer Research at MIT impact priorities: the-art cancer research center. 77 Massachusetts Avenue, 76-158 Cambridge, MA 02139 • The Koch Institute Director's Fund: 617.324.2169 For more information on making a gift [email protected] Providing unrestricted support for the to the Koch Institute, please contact:

Koch Institute, applied to areas of Lisa Marks Schwarz greatest need. Managing Director of Development cover image Koch Institute for • The Koch Institute Frontier Integrative Cancer Research at MIT This image, captured by Brett Research Fund: Advancing early-stage, Zani of the Edelman Laboratory, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, 76-158 shows a breast cancer cell highly innovative cancer research Cambridge, MA 02139 extending its cytoskeleton over projects that have the potential for 617.324.7399 the tops of endothelial cells. [email protected] groundbreaking translational discover- Researchers are studying ies yet fall outside the parameters of how such protrusions affect traditional sources of research funding. The Koch Institute thanks Jeffrey L. (1968) communication and migration and Mary Kay Silverman for providing among both healthy and • The Swanson Biotechnology Center catalytic support for the Koch Institute’s cancerous cells. (SBC): A suite of sophisticated core Communications Initiative. technology facilities that supports and enables MIT cancer research teams, and expands our capacity to conduct leading-edge cancer research. The Koch Institute Public Galleries, located on the ground floor, host multimedia exhibits and public programs to engage visitors in the images and stories of integrative cancer research.

Architect Ellenzweig Design Biber Architects and Pentagram

people photography Giro DiBiase, Bill Gallery, Justin Knight Eureka! photography Dominick Reuter text Feinstein Kean Healthcare design Hecht/Horton Partners Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research 77 Massachusetts Avenue, 76-158, Cambridge, MA 02139 617.324.2169 ki.mit.edu [email protected] September 2018