Matthew Vander Heiden

Matthew Vander Heiden is the Director of the Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research at MIT, the Lester Wolfe (1919) Professor of Molecular Biology, and a Professor of Biology in the School of Science at MIT. He is also an Instructor in Medicine at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School, and a member of the Broad Institute. His leadership role at the Koch Institute, an NCI-designated basic science cancer center, underscores his prominence in cancer research.

His research focuses on understanding how cancer cells adapt their metabolism to support tumor growth and progression, with a particular emphasis on pancreatic cancer. His lab investigates how metabolic changes in cancer cells influence tumor development, metastasis, and response to therapy. Key areas include the impact of nutrient availability in the tumor microenvironment, the role of diet and whole-body metabolism, and the mechanisms behind cancer-induced weight loss and tissue wasting (cachexia). The team uses mouse and cell models to dissect these processes and aims to translate findings into early detection strategies and therapeutic interventions.

The recent publications highlight a strong trend in metabolic oncology, particularly in pancreatic cancer. The work spans from fundamental mechanisms of nutrient utilization and redox regulation to systemic metabolic effects and dietary influences on tumor growth. There is a clear translational focus, especially on early detection through metabolic biomarkers and leveraging metabolic changes for clinical benefit.

• Burroughs Wellcome Fund Career Award for Medical Sciences
• AACR Gertrude B. Elion Award
• HHMI Faculty Scholar Award
• NCI Outstanding Investigator Award
• Election to the American Society for Clinical Investigation
• Election to the European Academy for Cancer Sciences

Vander Heiden has been supported by major grants from the NCI and other foundations, including the Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation during his postdoctoral training. He advises a research laboratory at the Koch Institute and mentors students and postdocs in cancer metabolism. His collaborative work with investigators like Brian Wolpin highlights his role in large-scale translational research initiatives. He serves on external advisory boards for the Yale Cancer Center, Wistar Institute Cancer Center, and Salk Institute Cancer Center, reflecting his national leadership in cancer research.

The Vander Heiden Laboratory is based at the Koch Institute at MIT, where it leverages interdisciplinary resources to study cancer metabolism. The lab collaborates closely with clinical researchers at Dana-Farber and other institutions to bridge basic science with patient-oriented research, particularly in pancreatic cancer.