Research Departments, Centers, and Programs

Dana-Farber's commitment to fight cancer with equal parts research and patient care is supported by a broad and deep array of resources. These resources are organized into a number of specialized departments, centers, and programs that have evolved over time in response to changes in perceived needs and the availability of new technologies.

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The following list explains their functions and roles:

Departments

Department of Cancer Biology
The Department of Cancer Biology performs lab-based research investigating the molecular pathways driving cancer. The department uses discoveries about the basic functioning of these pathways to develop novel cancer diagnostics and precision treatments.

Department of Cancer Immunology and Virology
The Department of Cancer Immunology and Virology investigates fundamental questions in the immune response to cancers, develops novel approaches for cancer immunotherapy, and develops novel approaches for immunotherapy of viral infections, including those that predispose to cancer.

Department of Cellular Therapies Quality Assurance (CTQA)
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute has a longstanding commitment to quality. As part of this commitment, we have the Department of Cellular Therapies Quality Assurance (CTQA), a dedicated department to ensure the quality of stem cells and other cellular products used for patients.

Department of Data Science
The Department of Data Science is the home of researchers trained in quantitative sciences. Their mission is to advance cancer research and cancer treatment, both directly and by providing their expertise through collaboration.

Department of Imaging
The Department of Imaging provides state-of-the-art technologies for imaging-based research, diagnostics, and drug development.

Department of Medical Oncology
The Department of Medical Oncology seeks to gain insights that lead to the prevention of cancer and to improve diagnosis and treatment of adult patients with cancer. The Department engages in a broad range of basic and clinical research, patient care, and teaching.

Department of Pathology
The Department of Pathology focuses on innovative discoveries and advances in research and clinical trials in cancer pathology that lead to the development of new care strategies and improved outcomes for patients.

Department of Pediatric Oncology
The Department of Pediatric Oncology is committed to promoting laboratory research, translational investigation, and clinical studies to better understand and treat childhood cancers.

Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care
The Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care (POPC) is composed of five divisions that offer unique services and conduct research with one important goal: To help patients and their families maintain the best quality of life during and after treatment.

Department of Radiation Oncology
The Department of Radiation Oncology is committed to combining advances in clinical and laboratory research with developments in radiation physics. The goal is to promote a better understanding of the biology of cancer and normal tissues and to improve the treatment of cancer.

Centers and Programs

Arthur and Linda Gelb Center for Translational Research
The Arthur and Linda Gelb Center for Translational Research provides a platform and support for investigators at Dana-Farber, collaborating institutions, and industry — to promote discoveries in the biology of genitourinary (GU) cancers, and to translate these findings into clinical benefit.

Cancer Care Equity Program (CCEP)
The Cancer Care Equity Program (CCEP) was established to serve as a bridge between research and outreach efforts to address cancer disparities at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

Center for AIDS Research
The Center for AIDS Research is a program shared with Harvard University. Its mission is to expand, promote, and facilitate collaborative, multidisciplinary activities in HIV/AIDS research, education, and training among CFAR members and associate members throughout Harvard University, in order to help end the AIDS pandemic.

Center for Community-Based Research (CCBR)
The Center for Community-Based Research (CCBR) develops innovative ways to lower cancer risk by working with community groups and organizations. CCBR uses the power of the community to study the factors that play a role in improving the prevention, early detection, and treatment of cancer.

Phyllis F. Cantor Center for Research in Nursing and Patient Care Services
The mission of the Phyllis F. Cantor Center for Research in Nursing and Patient Care Services is to reduce the burden of cancer through scholarly inquiry and rigorous research. The focus of the Center's research is the patient/family experience of living with a predisposition to or diagnosis of cancer, as well as survivorship issues post-treatment.

Program in Regulatory Science
The mission of the Program in Regulatory Science (PRS) is to generate novel approaches for the development of therapeutics and biomarkers through preclinical and clinical trial designs, pipeline modeling, and scientific contributions in regulatory science.