Transformational Medical Research

At Houston Methodist, fostering innovations with the potential for clinical applications is at the very heart of what we do

2,340

Credentialed Researchers

1,690

Clinical Studies & Trials in 2023

$90m

Extramural Funding in 2023

2,000

Peer-Reviewed Publications in 2023
Areas of Research
Researchers at Houston Methodist are leaders in the development of new technologies and innovative techniques to treat a broad range of diseases and medical conditions. We lead the way in learning new ways to solve challenges in the treatment of cancer, heart and vascular diseases, infectious diseases, neurosciences, and digestive disorders and in effecting safer, more successful organ transplantation. We employ leading-edge concepts, techniques and tools for providing better care, tools like imaging, radiology, immunobiology, pathology, nanotechnology, bioinformatics, tissue engineering and regenerative, molecular and systems medicine.
Cells
Cancer
Research at our Dr. Mary and Ron Neal Cancer Center addresses challenges in treating many types of cancer, including aggressive and intractable types of brain, breast, and lung cancer.
Clinical Translation & Trials
We monitor more than 500 clinical trials, with new ones being opened every month. Our goal is to make a clinical trial available to every patient who needs one.
Heart & Vascular
With more than 100 ongoing clinical trials, we are in the forefront of advancing vascular and cardiovascular medicine and surgery, continuing the legacy of Houston Methodist innovation in heart and vascular care.
Imaging & Radiology
We partner researchers with clinicians to develop new translational imaging materials and technologies that produce the innovative visualization techniques responsible for improving patient diagnosis, therapy and outcomes.
Immunobiology & Inflammation
We perform interdisciplinary translational research that bridges laboratory science and clinical applications in the fields of cardiovascular disease, infectious and autoimmune disease, digestive disorders, cancer, neuroscience and transplantation.
Infectious Disease & Pathology
We focus our research on infectious diseases that are significant challenges in health care today, including sepsis, group A Streptococcus and tuberculosis.
Nanomedicine
We provide the infrastructure for the development of fundamental platforms, including silicon and semiconductors, nano- and micro-fabrication, mathematics, molecular medicine and pharmaceutical technologies.
Neurosciences
We conduct meaningful and pioneering translational research in neurosciences, including both bench science and clinical trials, that broadens our understanding of diseases such as stroke, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), brain tumors, epilepsy and spinal disorders.
Orthopedics & Sports Medicine
At Houston Methodist, we explore new techniques and devices to learn how to provide personalized care from diagnosis through rehabilitation for musculoskeletal conditions such as trauma, sports injuries, degenerative diseases, infections, tumors and congenital disorders.
Outcomes, Quality & Health Care Performance
Our investigations are designed to help develop research expertise and provide national leadership that will pave the way to fundamental improvements in patient outcomes throughout the world.
Healthspan Medicine
Our goal is to advance the field of biotherapeutics to treat neurodegenerative, urological, orthopedic and cardiovascular disorders and improve transplantation outcomes.
Transplantation
We focus on research that can minimize postoperative complications for heart, lung, liver, kidney and other organ transplantation, with a strong emphasis on immunological and biotherapeutic approaches to the preservation and protection of organ transplants.

Helpful Resources

Research Toolbox

This section contains tools to help Houston Methodist investigators and affiliates in their global collaboration network find the necessary expertise and skills to complete their research team needs, develop conferences and seminars, publish articles and identify and apply for funding opportunities.

Office of Technology Transfer

The Office of Technology Transfer is committed to maximizing the impact of our institutional innovations by facilitating the translation and commercialization of scientific discoveries into accessible healthcare products and services that benefit patients worldwide.

Scholars

Houston Methodist Scholars is our network of faculty profiles, powered by Elsevier Pure. It aggregates the organization's research information from internal and external sources. Scholars provides our faculty with access to a global network of collaborators and subject matter experts, and information about their publication record and key areas of expertise.

Research Careers

Working with the Houston Methodist Academic Institute, employees have the unique opportunity to be involved in innovative treatments and clinical trials as well as transforming the latest discoveries into practical protocols at the bedside.
Research News
Evolving Treatment Beyond Pharmaceuticals
First-of-its-Kind Study Explores Novel Prescription Digital Therapeutic
An Unusual Presentation of Glioblastoma
Andrew Lee, MD, Herb and Jean Lyman Centennial Chair in Ophthalmology, recently published one of the first-ever reported cases of progressive vision loss as the presenting manifestation of recurrent GBM with secondary LMS to the optic chiasm.
Engaging T cell Exhaustion for Solid Tumor Immunotherapies
Houston Methodist researchers investigated T cell exhaustion in murine models of prostate cancer and melanoma to explore possible advancements in immunotherapies for solid tumors.
Fighting a Deadly Duo
Investigating therapeutics to fight deadly TB/HIV coinfections.
Houston Methodist, Rice University launch groundbreaking Digital Health Institute
This initiative builds on ongoing collaborations between Houston Methodist and Rice University to transform the future of health care.
Stage I Nodal Marginal Zone Lymphoma Treatment Landscape
Houston Methodist researchers compared systemic therapy and radiation therapy in Stage I Nodal Marginal Zone Lymphoma Patients
2024 Digital Health Workshop Seed Fund Award Winners Announced
Houston Methodist researchers and their collaborators from Rice University have been awarded grants from the 2024 PATHS-UP Digital Health Workshop.
Pilot Study Offers Insight Into Alzheimer’s Research Participants Perceptions and Self-Efficacy
In a Houston Methodist study, Alzheimer’s disease research participants showed a high interest in genetic testing and provided valuable insights that can improve how test results are disclosed.
Breast Cancer Cells
Nanomedicine Makes Big Strides in the Fight Against Breast Cancer
Researchers deliver immunotherapy directly into triple-negative breast cancer tumors with nanofluidic implants, achieving tunable and sustained dosing of immunotherapeutics with high anti-tumor activity.
headshot of Constance Mobley smiling
Liver Failure Avengers Houston Methodist Researchers First in World
Under the leadership of Constance Mobley, MD, PhD, FACS, researchers have successfully performed a first-in-human miniature liver hepatocyte transplant to change a patient’s lymph nodes into ectopic miniature livers.
Predicting the Future of Cancer Treatment

Houston Methodist faculty developed a multiscale mechanistic model to further investigate the role of miR-155 in non-small cell lung cancer and predict clinical efficacy based on preclinical data.

Taking a Closer Look at West Nile Neuroimaging

A case report reviewing West Nile neuroinvasive disease imaging characteristics and the differential diagnosis of acute leukoencephalopathy highlights the usefulness of neuroimaging in WNND diagnosis in the absence of CSF markers.

Ending Organ Transplant Rejection

Studies at Houston Methodist suggest a novel strategy that may potentially eliminate or diminish transplant rejection, autoimmune diseases, and the need for immunosuppressive drugs

New Perspectives in Pancreatic Cancer Management

Molecular alterations found in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma samples may have potential therapeutic implications

Find a Clinical Trial

I am interested in
Blood and Lymph Conditions
  • Blood and Lymph Conditions
  • Cancers and Other Neoplasms
  • Digestive System Diseases
  • Diseases and Abnormalities at or before Birth
  • Gland and Hormone Related Diseases
  • Heart and Blood Diseases
  • Immune System Diseases
  • Muscle, Bone, and Cartilage Diseases & Disorders
  • Nervous System Diseases & Disorders
  • Nutritional and Metabolic Conditions & Diseases
  • Other
  • Respiratory Tract (Lung and Bronchial) Diseases
  • Skin and Connective Tissue Diseases
  • Symptoms and General Pathology
  • Transplant Trials
  • Urinary Tract, Sexual Organs, and Pregnancy Conditions
  • Viral Diseases

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