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. 
Areas of Research
Cytotoxic T cells capturing cancer cells, illustration
Cancer

Our cancer research program addresses challenges in the treatment of many cancer types, including aggressive and intractable types of brain, breast and lung cancer.

Clinical Translation and Trials

We monitor more than 700 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 and 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 and 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 and Inflammation

In the areas of immunology and 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 and 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
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 and 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 and 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.

Regenerative 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.