Center for Prevention of Progression

The Center for Prevention of Progression is the first-of-its-kind clinic for patients with precursor conditions of hematologic malignancies. As part of the Hematologic Oncology Treatment Center, the Center for Prevention of Progression builds on Dana-Farber's past and ongoing research efforts for precursor conditions. The clinic evaluates individuals diagnosed with these conditions or at high risk for disease development, and works with patients to manage their risk of disease progression.

As with many solid tumors, some blood cancers are preceded by precursor conditions. These conditions are sometimes found through routine blood tests, but often remain undiagnosed. In the Center for Prevention of Progression, we strive to detect blood cancer precursor conditions and intervene early to prevent blood cancers from developing.

Precursor blood conditions include:

• Myeloid Precursors:
  • Clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP)
  • Clonal cytopenia of undetermined significance (CCUS)
• Plasma Cell Precursors:
  • Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS)
  • Smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM)
• Lymphoid Precursors:
  • Monoclonal B cell lymphocytosis (MBL)
  • Lymphoid clonal hematopoiesis (Lymphoid-CH)

Certain individuals are at higher risk for these conditions and should consider screening and counseling at the Center. These include:

• Individuals with unexplained blood count abnormalities
• Individuals with a first-degree relative with multiple myeloma or B-cell malignancies are three times more likely to have a precursor blood condition
• Individuals who previously received chemotherapy or radiation for other cancers

Patients are cared for by a multidisciplinary team that harnesses Dana-Farber's leadership and expertise in hematologic malignancies, genetic risk and prevention. This includes hematologists/oncologists who specialize in a patient's specific precursor condition, as well as specialists in genetic risk and prevention, genetic counseling, psychosocial support, and other specialties as needed.