A Letter from the President
Dear Readers,
Edward J. Benz Jr., MD, President, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
In my first few months as Dana-Farber's president, I've been struck by how much our scientific laboratories and patient clinics have in common. The spirit of ingenuity — a consistent quality among laboratory researchers — is equally present among our clinical staff. The qualities of caring and concern — the traditional hallmarks of clinical medicine — are alive and well in our labs.
This issue of Paths of Progress shows the process of crosspollination in putting medical research to work.
Three articles focus on research advances. One explores the emerging field of angiogenesis inhibitors, substances that may be able to slow the growth of or even shrink tumors by cutting off their blood supply. Another looks at the progress being made against multiple myeloma, an incurable form of cancer that is nevertheless yielding its secrets through patient, diligent research. A third article reports on the battle against breast cancer, where new diagnostic, preventive, and treatment options are improving the prospects for women with this frightening disease.
Each of these features looks not only at the science behind recent inroads, but also seeks to convey some of the passion and resourcefulness of those doing the research. Because many Dana-Farber researchers also care for patients, finding new treatments is something that engages their sense of humanity, as well as their intellects.
A fourth article highlights the compassion and competence of our oncology nurses on the front lines of cancer care. It examines the unique bond that forms between nurses and patients, and describes how Institute nurses are changing their profession in dynamic, forward-looking ways.
In this issue, you'll also find an interview with Ted Kennedy Jr., who lost a leg to cancer at age 12 and is now a public interest attorney. His comments reveal the changes in cancer treatment over the last three decades and the way his experience with the disease influenced his perceptions.
I hope you enjoy this issue of Paths of Progress as much as I have enjoyed getting to know the Institute and its remarkable staff. Your comments are always welcome, and we encourage you to contact the editor with any questions or suggestions for future articles.
Edward J. Benz Jr., MD
President, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
