Newsroom and Publications

Rare brain metastasis: Raising leptomeningeal disease awareness

A mother of 2 is raising awareness about her journey with leptomeningeal disease, a rare form of metastatic cancer which spread from her breast to the membranes surrounding her brain and spinal cord. Dana-Farber Cancer Institute's Dr. Nancy Lin, an expert in this type of cancer, says research is desperately needed and clinical trials will soon open specifically for patients with breast cancer with brain metastases and leptomeningeal metastases.

Learn more about Langley's Kiki Fund for Leptomeningeal Research. Video published: 11/29/22.

Gastric cancer awareness

Men are more commonly diagnosed with stomach cancer – also known as gastric cancer – than women. November is Gastric Cancer Awareness Month. Learn more about risk factors and warning signs in this video. Visit the Center for Esophageal and Gastric Cancer to learn more. Video published: 11/21/22.

Colorectal cancer and the Black community

“Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” premieres without star Chadwick Boseman, who passed away in 2020 from colorectal cancer. His death was a stark reminder of the alarming rise in colorectal cancer in patients younger than 50 and highlighted disparities Black Americans face in the disease. Dana-Farber's Kimmie Ng, MD, discusses awareness efforts. Video published: 11/4/22.

Pancreatic cancer story of hope

"We are squeezing joy out of every day" - Candace is sharing her story of living a full life with pancreatic cancer, saying she wants to bring hope to others. She credits advances in pancreatic cancer and the care she receives at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Read more. Video published 11/2/22.

COVID-19: Clinical trials bounce back after significant disruption

Clinical trials were significantly disrupted by COVID-19 but research from Annals of Oncology indicates patient accruals and trial activations have returned to higher-than-normal levels. Dana​-Farber’s Chris Labaki, MD, & Brigham and Women’s Ziad Bakouny, MSc, MD, detail the results. Press release. Video published 7/19/22.

Multiple Myeloma Research: Risks, benefits of stem cell transplant

Dana-Farber research into autologous stem cell transplant for patients with multiple myeloma: study led by Dr. Paul G. Richardson, MD, found patients had dramatically increased progression-free survival, but were just as likely to be alive more than 6 years later if they chose to reserve their transplant until later. Read the press release. Video published: 7/14/22.

Colorectal Cancer Screening: Diagnosed at 49

Colorectal Cancer Screening is now recommended for anyone 45 or older. Hear from Katie whose cancer was diagnosed at 49. At the time of her diagnosis, screening wasn't recommended until age 50. Dana-Farber's Kimmie Ng, MD, MPH, the director of the Young-Onset Colorectal Cancer Center provides insight on the growing rate of this type of cancer in younger adults. Learn about the Young-Onset Colorectal Cancer Center. Video published: 5/11/22.

Treating Insomnia in Black Women

Insomnia disorder disproportionally impacts Black women. New research found a culturally tailored internet-based intervention for insomnia was effective and more likely to be completed by Black women, when compared to the standard version. Dana-Farber's Eric Zhou, PhD, details the findings. Video published: 4/25/22.

Esophageal Cancer: Get the facts

Finding Esophageal Cancer early is important. This video covers what you need to know about risk factors and symptoms. Learn more at the Center for Esophageal and Gastric Cancer at Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center. Video published: 4/15/22.

Fertility and Cancer: A Story of Hope

This young woman opens up about the journey to motherhood after getting diagnosed with young-onset colorectal cancer and the support she received from Dana-Farber's Young-Onset Colorectal Cancer Center. Video published: 3/30/22.

Lynch Syndrome: Know Your Risk

Dana-Farber's Matt Yurgelun, MD, discusses Lynch syndrome research and the challenges of a Lynch syndrome diagnosis. Dana-Farber's Lynch Syndrome Center offers genetic testing to help identify individuals with Lynch syndrome who may be at increased risk for a variety of cancers. Learn more about Lynch syndrome. Video published: 3/22/22.

Breast Cancer: Rates Rising in Younger Women
Breast cancer rates in younger women are going up, according to a January 2022 report by the CDC. A young mother shares her journey, and Dana-Farber's Ann Partridge, MD, MPH, discusses the challenges and research. Video published: 3/17/2022.

Colorectal Cancer: Helping Younger Patients
Dana-Farber's Young-Onset Colorectal Cancer Center is among the only in the country with dedicated psychosocial support for young patients with colorectal cancer, and offers programs tailored to this age group's unique needs. Alexa Morell shares how these programs have helped her, and social worker Kalen Fletcher, MSW, LICSW, gives an overview of resources and tools available. Video published: 1/3/22.

Bladder Cancer: New Study in Preoperative Treatment
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute's Guru Sonpavde, MD, discusses a new study that aims to improve outcomes for patients with bladder cancer or upper urinary tract cancer who aren't able to receive the current standard of care: chemotherapy with a drug called cisplatin before they go for surgery. Video published: 12/26/21.

COVID-19 and Cancer: Breakthrough Infections

New study: Fully vaccinated patients with cancer who had breakthrough COVID-19 infections remained at high risk for hospitalization and death. Dana-Farber's Toni Choueiri, MD, highlights the research. Find out more about this study. Video published: December 24, 2021.

FDA Approval Offers Hope for Prevention of Acute Graft-Versus-Host Disease

Approval of the drug abatacept opens up bone marrow transplant as an option for many more patients with cancer or blood disorders. Leslie S. Kean, MD, PhD, director of the Stem Cell Transplant Center at Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, and a study participant reflect on the research and this approval. Video published: 12/15/21.

Blood Cancer Research: Clinical Trial Helps Younger Patient

A patient shares her journey getting diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia in her 30s. Dana-Farber Cancer Institute's Matthew Davids, MD, enrolled her on a clinical trial and details the results of that study. The research is now getting presented at ASH21. Video published: 12/13/21.

Blood Cancer: Higher Rates of Precursor in High-Risk Individuals
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute research shows elevated rates of a blood cancer precursor condition in groups at high risk for multiple myeloma. Dr. Irene Ghobrial and Dr. Habib El-Khoury detail the first findings from the PROMISE study getting presented at ASH21. Video published: 12/11/21.

Kidney Cancer: New Immunotherapy Treatment after Surgery

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute research supports FDA approval of an immunotherapy drug given after surgery for certain patients with kidney cancer. Toni Choueiri, MD, explains more and a patient shares his experience participating in the clinical trial. Video published: 12/9/2021.

Pancreatic Cancer: Advances in Treatment and Detection
Pancreatic cancer is on track to become the second leading cause of cancer death among adults. Dana-Farber Cancer Institute's James Cleary, MD, PhD, discusses advances in treatment and detection of this disease. Video published: 11/30/2021.

Stem Cell Transplant: Advances in Graft vs. Host Disease
Allogeneic stem cell transplantation offers some patients with blood cancers the possibility of a cure – but can also bring with it graft-versus-host-disease or GVHD. Dana-Farber Cancer Institute’s Corey Cutler, MD, MPH, FRCPC, who is the medical director of adult stem cell transplantation, led a trial called the ROCKstar study that investigated belumosudil, a GVHD treatment. Video published: 10/27/21.

Rare Cancer: A Father's Journey with Medullary Kidney Cancer
A father and Air Force recruiter details his journey at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute with medullary kidney cancer - a rare cancer disproportionately affecting African Americans. Video published: October 8, 2021.

Stem Cell Transplant Beneficial for Older Patients with Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS)
New research shows stem cell transplant represents the best therapeutic approach for older individuals with a pre-leukemia state called myelodysplastic syndrome. Dana-Farber Cancer Institute's Corey Cutler, MD, MPH, FRCPC, Medical Director, Adult Stem Cell Transplantation explains more. Video published: 9/28/21.

Co-Worker Turned Caregiver Forms Lasting Friendship
A visiting certified medical assistant found lifelong friends and a surrogate family in her co-workers at Dana-Farber when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Video published: 9/13/21.

Personalized Kidney Cancer Vaccine Helps Patient
Richard Boylan speaks out about his experience with a personalized kidney cancer vaccine, saying he's 'extraordinarily lucky.' He's part of a clinical trial at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. His doctor, David Braun, MD, PhD, is one of the scientists leading the research. Video published: 8/25/21.

COVID-19 and Cancer: Screenings Rebound, But Study Finds Disparities

Cancer screenings rebounded after a dramatic decline in the first months of the COVID-19 pandemic, but a new study found an increase in disparities among some screening tests during the pandemic. Dana-Farber Cancer Institute's Toni Choueiri, MD, and Chris Labaki, MD, detail the findings. Video published: 8/19/21.

A Cancer Journey: Challenges Beyond the Diagnosis
Dana-Farber's Nadine McCleary, MD, MPH, and Amy Ennis, a young mother diagnosed with colon cancer, discuss the many challenges patients face beyond diagnosis and treatment. Dr. McCleary started RESOURCE to help meet socio-economic needs and reduce unplanned interruptions to cancer care.

Red Meat Linked to Colorectal Cancer Development

Genetic mutations indicative of DNA damage were associated with high red meat consumption and increased cancer-related mortality in patients with colorectal cancer, according to a study led by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute researchers. Study author Marios Giannakis, MD, PhD, explains more in this video. Learn more about this study.

Ovarian Cancer Screening: Simple Blood Test Shows Promise
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute's Dipanjan Chowdhury, PhD, provides insight into research on a simple blood test that shows exciting promise when it comes to screening for early-stage ovarian cancer.

Colon vs. Rectal Cancer: What You Need to Know
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute's Ben Schlechter, MD, breaks down the differences between colon and rectal cancer, from symptoms to treatments. Video published: June 8, 2021.

Kidney Cancer: Immunotherapy After Surgery

Clinical trial research led by Dana-Farber's Toni Choueiri, MD, finds immunotherapy drug given after surgery delays recurrence in patients with kidney cancer. Study presented at #ASCO21 during plenary session. Read the press release. Video published: June 3, 2021.

Colorectal Cancer Screening: 45 is the new 50

The colorectal cancer screening age recommendation is now 45. Dana-Farber's Kimmie Ng, MD, MPH, explains the significance and how the move is prompted by an alarming rise in cases of colorectal cancer in people younger than 50. Learn more in this press release. Video published: May 18, 2021.

Magician Brings Joy to Dana-Farber During His Treatments
Barry McDonough has always had a passion for magic. When he was diagnosed with head and neck cancer, magic helped him power through intense chemotherapy and radiation treatments at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, all while bringing joy to the staff around him. Video published: 5/12/21.

COVID-19 Vaccine Study in Cancer Patients
Dana-Farber researchers are leading a study that looks at the effects of the COVID-19 vaccine in cancer patients. Video published: 4/30/21.

Bile Duct Cancer Research
New treatment options are greatly needed in bile duct cancer, also called cholangiocarcinoma. New research led by Dana-Farber's James Cleary, MD, PhD, finds FGFR2 deletion may predict clinical benefit to molecularly targeted therapy. Video published: 4/30/21.

Colorectal Cancer: Closing the Disparity Gap
Dana-Farber patient Kyle Vinson was diagnosed with colorectal cancer at 38-years old and shares his journey. Dana-Farber oncologist, Ben Schlechter, MD, discusses what needs to happen to close the disparity gap as research shows colorectal cancer rates in Black individuals are about 20% higher when compared with non-Hispanic white individuals. Video published: 3/30/21.

Multiple Myeloma: Grandmother Living Active Life After CAR T-cell Treatment

Dana-Farber story of hope: This mother of 7 and grandmother of 12 plays video games, skis, and swims after CAR T-cell therapy pushes her multiple myeloma into a long remission. Dana-Farber's Dr. Nikhil Munshi led the clinical trial of ide-cel, which is the first FDA-approved CAR T-cell therapy for adults with multiple myeloma. Read the news release on FDA approval of CAR T-cell therapy for multiple myeloma. Video published: 3/30/21.

Addressing Inequities in Cancer Care
Dana-Farber's Christopher Lathan, MD, MS, MPH, faculty director for cancer care equity, details health equity research that highlights key findings and recommendations on community outreach and engagement efforts of the National Comprehensive Cancer Centers. Video published: 3/25/21.

Bladder Cancer Research Advances
Dana-Farber's Guru Sonpavde, MD, discusses two studies with promising results. One study looks at pre-operative therapy, and the other study compares an antibody-drug conjugate to chemotherapy in urothelial carcinoma. Video published: 3/16/21.

Kidney Cancer Research: FDA Approves Immunotherapy Combination

Dana-Farber's Toni Choueiri, MD, and patient Chuck Stravin reflect on clinical trial research that led to a recent FDA approval of Stravin's kidney cancer treatment plan. View related news release. Video published: 3/9/2021.

COVID-19 Vaccine and Cancer: Reaching Communities of Color
Thomas Farrington, a prostate cancer survivor and founder of the Prostate Health Education Network, as well as a trustee for Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, shares why he feels it's especially important for communities of color to trust, and have access to the COVID-19 vaccine. Video published: 2/23/21.

A Patient's Journey with EGFR-Mutant Lung Cancer
A triathlete shares her powerful journey fighting EGFR-mutant lung cancer. Pasi Jänne, MD, PhD, director of the Lowe Center for Thoracic Oncology and the Chen-Huang Center for EGFR- Mutant Lung Cancers, details the latest research into this disease. Video published: 1/27/21.

COVID-19: Study Shows Sharp Decline in Cancer Screenings and Diagnoses

Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center researchers document a substantial decline in cancer and precancer diagnoses at the Northeast’s largest health care system during the first peak of the COVID-19 pandemic because of a drop in the number of cancer screening tests performed. Dr. Ziad Bakouny explains in this video. View related news release. Video published: 1/15/21.

Dana-Farber Administers COVID-19 Vaccinations
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute has begun vaccinating clinical and non-clinical patient-facing staff for COVID-19. The Institute has a goal of 1,000 vaccines each week. Video published: 12/17/2020.

CAR T-cell Therapy for Lymphoma: A Patient's Journey
A patient with lymphoma shares her story about how she benefitted from a CAR-T clinical trial. Caron Jacobson, MD, MMSc, presented the results from that trial, ZUMA 5, at this year's ASH conference. Video published: 12/7/20.

Racial Disparities after Cancer Surgery
Trends in Racial Disparities in Mortality After Cancer Surgery, 2007-2016. New research led by Dr. Miranda Lam publishing in JAMA Network Open. Video published: 12/3/20.

New Liver Cancer Research at Dana-Farber
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute's Liver Cancer Center is advancing research and treatment opportunities for patients. Thomas Abrams, MD, highlights key studies. Video published: 11/24/2020.

Dana-Farber Research Looks at Blood Test to Detect Cancer

Dana-Farber’s Deb Schrag, MD, MPH, is leading the Pathfinder Study, a study that looks at a simple blood test and evaluates it to see if it could detect multiple cancer types at the earliest and most treatable stages. See related news release. Video published: 10/23/20.

Inflammatory Breast Cancer: A Patient’s Journey
Patient Nadege Vilnaigre details her journey with inflammatory breast cancer (IBC). Beth Overmoyer, MD, explains why this form of breast cancer is challenging and what the Inflammatory Breast Cancer Program at Dana-Farber offers patients like Nadege. Video published: 10/7/20.

Is Coffee Consumption Good for Advanced Colon Cancer?

A new study shows daily coffee consumption is associated with improved survival in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. Dana-Farber’s Kimmie Ng, MD, MPH, is the senior author on the study published in JAMA Oncology. Read news release. Video published: 9/17/2020.

Reimagining Immunotherapy in Head and Neck Cancer
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute's Glenn J. Hanna, MD, and Rizwan Romee, MD, are conducting one of the first studies using modified natural killer cells, which are natural to the body's immune system, to fight advanced head and neck cancer in patients. Video published: 9/8/2020.

New Research Offers Hope to Those With Corneal Blindness

Researchers from Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, and Boston Children's Hospital have developed a new procedure called cultivated autologous limbal epithelial cell transplantation (CALEC) that offers hope for patients with corneal blindness in one eye. Read news release. Video published: 9/1/2020.

Prostate cancer: Is there a future for immunotherapy?
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute's Christopher Sweeney, MBBS, discusses recent immunotherapy research in prostate cancer and if immunotherapy in advanced prostate cancer has a future. Published 8/25/20.

New Treatments for Bladder Cancer
Bladder cancer therapies, once very limited, now offer more options to treat patients than ever before. Guru Sonpavde, MD, director of Dana-Farber’s Bladder Cancer Program, details new treatments and research initiatives on the horizon for bladder cancer.

New Research on Hodgkin Lymphoma at Dana-Farber

Margaret Shipp, MD, explains new research that looks at the mechanism by which PD-1 blockade works in Hodgkin lymphoma. Study in Nature Medicine. Video published: 8/10/20.

Full-Time Doctor, Part-Time Hollywood Writer
Roshan Sethi, MD, details how his passion for helping others led him to become a radiation oncologist at Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center while simultaneously co-creating the hit medical TV drama The Resident on FOX.

Prostate Cancer Research Links Spread of Disease to Epigenetics

Matthew Freedman, MD, details a prostate cancer study in Nature Genetics that links metastasis to the revival of a molecular program that went dormant during fetal development. Story published on July 20th, 2020 in Nature Genetics.

Making Music After Throat Cancer: A Patient's Journey

Dana-Farber doctors developed a personal approach to treat Keisuke Wakao's throat cancer, which threatened both his life and his career as assistant principal oboist for the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Today he is cancer-free and sharing his journey as well as his beautiful music. Keisuke also shared his story during a TEDx talk: Playing for Life: Keisuke Wakao. Story published: 7/1/2020.

Prostate Cancer Research: Launching a Study During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute's Dr. Christopher Sweeney discusses the importance of prostate cancer research during the coronavirus global pandemic, and the challenges of launching an international trial during this time. Published on 6/4/2020.

CAR-T Research: Follicular Lymphoma and Marginal Zone Lymphoma
Caron Jacobson, MD, explains new research presented at ASCO20 in the use of CAR-T therapy for follicular lymphoma and marginal zone lymphoma. Promising results from a phase-2 clinical trial called ZUMA 5 showed significant and durable clinical benefits. Published on May 29, 2020.

Kidney Cancer Research: Immunotherapy Combinations in Rare Kidney Cancers
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute researchers say a study that combined immunotherapy with a veg-f therapy shows promise in rare kidney cancers. The study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology. Published on April 15, 2020.

COVID-19: Information for Cancer Patients
Answers to some questions cancer patients may have about COVID-19. Published on 3/20/2020.

Colorectal Cancer in Young Adults: A Patient's Story
A Dana-Farber patient opens up about getting diagnosed with advanced colon cancer at age 34. Dr. Kimmie Ng, director of the Young-Onset Colorectal Cancer Center at Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center talks about research that is focused on getting to the bottom of an alarming trend - an increasing rate of colorectal cancer cases diagnosed in adults younger than 50 years old.

Immunotherapy Research in Head and Neck Cancer
Immunotherapy in recurrent and metastatic head and neck cancers is now a part of standard care. Dana-Farber researchers are now investigating using those immunotherapies earlier, before the head and neck cancer spreads or comes back.

Pancreatic Cancer: New Treatment and Research Opportunities
Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center is the first center in New England to offer magnetic resonance imaging or MRI-guided radiation therapy technologies. This video explores what that means for pancreatic cancer patients.

Kidney Cancer Patient Living Longer Thanks to Work of Nobel Laureate
From bench side to bedside, meet the Dana-Farber patient who is living longer thanks to Nobel Laureate Bill Kaelin's research. Shaun Tierney and his oncologist, Dana-Farber's Dr. Toni Choueiri explain the clinical implications of drugs made possible through Dr. Kaelin's work.

ASH 2019: Improving Global Lymphoma Diagnoses
Dana-Farber's Dr. David Weinstock explains research in Guatemala into increasing affordability and accessibility of diagnostics in lymphoma. Research presented at ASH 2019.

Male Breast Cancer Research and Advances
Jose Pablo Leone, MD, a Dana-Farber breast cancer physician, explains the recent draft guidance by the FDA aimed at encouraging the inclusion of male patients in breast cancer trials.

Esophageal Cancer Milestone: Patient Marks 100th Treatment
Metastatic esophageal cancer patient on a clinical trial at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute marks 100th cycle of chemotherapy and 5 years of the treatment that doctors credit with his complete response.

Dana-Farber's William Kaelin wins Nobel Prize
Dr. William Kaelin's research dates back nearly 3 decades – his laboratory focusing on why mutations in genes known as tumor-suppressor genes can lead to cancer. He and two other scientists share the Nobel Prize for deciphering the mechanism that enables cells to sense and adapt to changes in oxygen abundance.

Stem Cell Patient Meets His Donor
Back in 2005, Steve Collins was the 1000th Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center patient to receive stem cells from an unrelated donor. Shortly before meeting his donor face-to-face, the Institute marked its 10-thousandth unrelated stem cell transplant.

HPV-related Head and Neck Cancer Research
A research trial at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is looking at de-intensification as a possible treatment option for patients diagnosed with HPV-related head and neck cancer. Dr. Robert Haddad explains in this video.

Brain Cancer Project: Count Me In
Count Me In, a non-profit patient-partnered research initiative, has launched the Brain Cancer Project. Stewarded by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, the Emerson Collective, the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, and with the Minderoo Foundation, the Brain Cancer Project is aimed at accelerating discoveries.

Bile Duct Cancer: A Patient's Journey
A bile duct (cholangiocarcinoma) patient and her doctor, Dana-Farber's Douglas Rubinson, MD, detail the ups and downs of her journey as well as the latest research into bile duct cancer.

Dana-Farber Recognized for Excellence in Nursing Practice
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute has been awarded Magnet® status from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) for the fourth consecutive time. This prestigious designation recognizes excellence in nursing practice and health care delivery and has been awarded to only 8% percent of hospitals in the United States.

Managing Cancer Pain in the Face of Substance Use Disorders
A metastatic breast cancer patient with a history of substance use disorder candidly shares her story and challenges of balancing her past with her need for pain management for her cancer.

Advances in Pancreatic Cancer Research
Dana-Farber's Thomas Abrams, MD, details advances in pancreatic cancer research and treatment options. Learn more about our expertise treating pancreatic cancer at https://www.dana-farber.org/pancreatic-cancer/.

Lymphoma chemotherapy drug also acts as immunotherapy, new research finds
Dana-Farber researchers find large doses of a 60-year-old chemotherapy drug used in certain lymphomas not only kills cancer cells directly, but also spurs an immune system attack on the cells. David Weinstock, MD, explains the research.

Prostate Cancer: Research Shows New Treatment Option Offers Improved Survival
A new option for men with metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer that researchers say is superior to the current standard therapy. Dana-Farber's Christopher Sweeney, MBBS, explains. Research presented at #ASCO19 and published in the New England Journal of Medicine.

Count Me In: Patients Partner with Researchers to Study Cancer
“Count Me In” is a non-profit that offers a new model of patient-partnered research. This video features an interview with Dr. Nikhil Wagle who explains how it's changing how researchers study cancer and how patients can get involved.

Vitamin D Benefit in Advanced Colorectal Cancer
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute researchers say first of its kind study shows high-dose vitamin D benefit in patients with advanced colorectal cancer. Results prompt large phase 3 trial. For more information: http://ms.spr.ly/6054TGKLn

Precision Cancer Medicine: Dr. Benjamin Izar Named a ‘NextGen Star’ by AACR
Unlocking cancer’s mysteries one cell at a time, Dana-Farber’s Dr. Benjamin Izar is being recognized by the American Association for Cancer Research as a ‘NextGen Star’ for his work in precision medicine and understanding a tumor’s unique ecosystem.

Kidney Cancer: Immunotherapy Combination Shows Promise
New hope for kidney cancer patients and it comes in the form of an immunotherapy drug combined with a targeted agent. Dana-Farber Cancer Institute researchers say this drug combination could become a new standard, first-line treatment for patients with metastatic kidney cancer.

Low-risk Prostate Cancer Patients Opting for Conservative Approach
An upsurge in a conservative approach to treating low-risk prostate cancer patients, according to a study led by radiation oncologists from Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center. Instead of undergoing surgery or radiation, many men are choosing to be closely monitored by their doctors.

Tumor Profiling for Ovarian Cancer: One Woman’s Story
No two cancers are created equal and that’s why the PROFILE research project launched - to help guide doctors in personalizing treatment for patients. And while every case is different, for one grandmother, the decision to have her tumor profiled was life-changing.

Dana-Farber Researchers Win Grand Challenge for Colorectal Cancer Research
A tremendous boost for scientists looking to unlock the secrets of microbiota’s role in colorectal cancer. A research team led by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute’s Dr. Matthew Meyerson and Dr. Wendy Garrett, also of the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, won Grand Challenge funding from Cancer Research UK in the amount of up to $25 million.

Immunotherapy and Bladder Cancer
Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute are looking to expand treatment options for bladder cancer patients beyond surgery and chemotherapy. In what’s known as the BLASST trial, they’re adding in immunotherapy before any surgery takes place in muscle-invasive bladder cancer.

Personalized Vaccine to be Tested for the First Time in Patients with Kidney Cancer
Doctors at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute are taking personalized cancer care to the next level, working to develop custom-made vaccines for kidney cancer.

Center for Protein Degradation at Dana-Farber
Dr. Nathanael Gray and Dr. Eric Fischer explain the impact of the new Center for Protein Degradation at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

Trial Aims to Treat Kidney Cancer Tumor Before Surgery
A clinical trial is looking at a new way to treat kidney cancer – using drug therapies to treat the tumor first, before surgery - in the hope that the T cells will remember what to do in case any of the cancer comes back.

Obesity, Women, and Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer rates overall are going down, but for one group – younger patients – the opposite is true. And in a study published in JAMA ONCOLOGY, for younger women who are also obese, researchers say they’ve uncovered a worrisome trend.

Breaking Down Barriers to Getting a Mammogram
Mammograms can be the first line of defense in detecting breast cancer - but some women don't get one because they can't get to the doctor. Dana-Farber's Mammography Van aims to eliminate barriers by bringing this life-saving tool directly to women in their communities.

Expanded Treatment Options for Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)
For patients diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia or AML, traditional chemotherapy treatment options can’t be endured by many elderly patients. In a recent study, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute’s Dr. Anthony Letai explains that the drug Venetoclax, combined with another drug, Azacytidine, might offer an effective treatment option that will be easier to tolerate. The FDA recently granted accelerated approval for Venetoclax for such AML patients.

Breast Cancer Surgery and Impact on Quality of Life in Young Women
New research released by Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center shows more young women with breast cancer opting to have mastectomies even as many experience a persistent decline in their sexual and psychosocial well-being. The findings were just presented at the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium.

Improving Outcomes for Myeloid Cancers
Improving outcomes for myeloid cancer patients who undergo stem cell transplantation is a focus of several studies presented by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute scientists at the American Society of Hematology Annual Meeting.

Myeloma: Immune Response May Predict Progression
Before symptoms of multiple myeloma develop, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute researchers say a patient’s risk of progression might be tied to certain precursor conditions. The findings were presented at the American Society of Hematology Annual Meeting.

Breakthrough for Young Man Treated for Sickle Cell Disease
An incredible breakthrough for a young man treated for sickle cell disease at the Dana-Farber/Boston Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorder Center. Doctors announce first success story from a new gene therapy strategy.

Ovarian Cancer: Past, Present, Future
Patients diagnosed 34 years apart share their journey with ovarian cancer - reflecting on advances, similarities, and work that still needs to be done. They're brought together by their efforts for Dana-Farber's Susan F. Smith Center for Women's Cancers Executive Council.

Metastatic HPV-linked Head and Neck Cancer Study
Study findings in metastatic HPV-linked head and neck cancer may help guide treatment. Findings published in JCI Insight show better survival rates for some patients. After analyzing tumor DNA, they found these patients have certain mutations in a particular pathway.

Boston News Reporter Opens Up About Breast Cancer
Boston-based television reporter Kelli O'Hara opens up about her journey with breast cancer, the challenges she's facing as a younger woman balancing career and treatment, and her desire to one day have a family.

The Metastatic Prostate Cancer Project - Giving a Voice to Prostate Cancer Patients
“Count Me In” is a new nonprofit organization aiming to partner patients directly with researchers for a number of cancers, including metastatic prostate cancer. For prostate cancer patients, it’s a way to give a voice to a disease that men typically don’t like to talk about. To learn more: https://joincountmein.org

Chemical Biology: Small Molecules Making a Big Impact
A look inside the growing Chemical Biology program at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Program Director Dr. Milka Kostic takes you into the labs where chemists and biologists work side-by-side, making and testing small molecules. They're seeking out what might be driving a cancer tumor and the hope is, these molecules might someday be powerful cancer-fighting drugs.

Rare Genitourinary Cancer
Imagine having a cancer so rare, trials don't exist for you. That's been the case for years for patients with certain genitourinary cancers. Now, a first of its kind trial at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute offers a potential turning point and the opportunity to try a promising therapy.

Coding for Cancer
Forget Silicon Valley, these women chose Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, working with some of the top minds in cancer genomics. Oncologists and computational biologists come together to analyze sequenced tumors in the hopes of matching tumors with targeted therapies.

Study Aims to Help Breast Cancer Patients Emotionally Recover
Cancer survivors know the journey doesn’t end when treatment ends. That’s especially true for young breast cancer survivors, who often report feeling isolated and anxious. Doctors at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute are looking at mindfulness meditation and survivorship education as part of the "Pathways to Wellness" study.

Diet Linked to Bacteria and Certain Types of Colorectal Cancer
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute researchers looked at the link between diet, gut-health, and colorectal cancers. They found the risk of certain cancers went up if people were eating diets high in red and processed meat, refined grains, and sugar. The study was published in the October 2018 issue of "Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology."

New Guidelines for Colorectal Cancer Screening
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute's Dr. Jeffrey Meyerhardt explains why "45" is the new important age when it comes to getting screened for colorectal cancer.

60-year-old Medical Mystery Surrounding Thalidomide Solved
More than 60 years after the drug thalidomide caused birth defects in thousands of children whose mothers took the drug while pregnant, scientists at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have solved a mystery that has lingered ever since the dangers of the drug first became apparent: how did the drug produce such severe fetal harm?

Cameron Smith Returns to Dana-Farber
Forty years after being treated for pediatric cancer, Cameron Smith returned to Dana-Farber in an emotional homecoming, and shared a message of hope. Victoria Warren reports for Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.