Dana-Farber in the News
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Study: Bone drug helps chemo fight breast cancer Associated Press
Breast cancer patients who were treated initially with Zometa experienced tumor shrinkage and were less likely to need radical surgery, a finding that merits further testing said Dr. Eric Winer. (December 12, 2008)
Cancer center unveiled in Londonderry Union Leader
Dana-Farber held a ribbon cutting and public open house for its new clinic in Londonderry, NH, which will formally open on Monday, Dec. 8. (December 2, 2008)
Rate Of New Cancers Down, Report Says National Public Radio
Cancer cases and deaths are down in the U.S. Dr. Edward J. Benz Jr. called the declining rates encouraging but not enough. (November 26, 2008)
PMC presents $35 million check to the Jimmy Fund NECN
The 2008 Pan Massachusetts Challenge raised $35 Million for the Jimmy Fund, which supports cancer care and research at Dana-Farber. (November 6, 2008)
Researchers Find More Genes Linked to Lung Cancer HealthDay News
Dr. Matthew Meyerson and colleagues have identified 26 genes associated with the most common form of lung cancer, a finding that may provide a target for therapies. (October 22, 2008)
Researchers find trigger for killer protein Reuters
Dr. Loren Walensky's research demonstrated how to activate a cell-killing protein, which could be used to disrupt certain diseases, such as cancer. (October 22, 2008)
Possible Oral Sex Cancer Risk Good Morning America
Doctors are diagnosing more cases of head and neck cancer linked to human papillomavirus, or HPV, explained Dr. Robert Haddad. (October 15, 2008)
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Obesity and breast cancer linked, but how? Louisville Courier-Journal
Dr. Jennifer Ligibel said a number of factors may cause overweight women to have a higher risk of developing breast cancer and having poorer outcomes. (Oct. 9, 2008)
Discussing death is good for patients: study Reuters
Discussions about end-of-life care benefit patients and those close to them, Dr. Alexi Wright reported in a study. (October 7, 2008)
Pills Could One Day Replace Chemotherapy WCVB-TV
Dr. Ursula Matulonis is investigating an experimental oral treatment for ovarian cancer. (September 30, 2008)
Living Your Life with Cancer: 'There's No Time To Be Sick!' Parade
Dr. Ann Partridge and her patient Cynthia Salsman comment that cancer patients can — and do — live full lives. (September 14, 2008)
Stand with Dana-Farber in the fight against cancer
On Sept. 5, the country's three major commercial television networks, ABC, CBS, and NBC, jointly broadcast "Stand Up to CancerTM," an hour-long telethon to raise funds for cancer research and expedite the development of new therapies. The program, hosted by national news anchors Charles Gibson, Katie Couric, and Brian Williams, featured appearances by dozens of television, film, music, and sports celebrities.
Stand Up to Cancer is a program of the Entertainment Industry Foundation, which has supported the fight against cancer for more than 65 years. Funds raised by the program will be used to create "dream teams" of the best and brightest cancer investigators around the world to foster scientific collaboration and accelerate the discovery of new therapies.
Several Dana-Farber faculty members have supported Stand Up to Cancer in a variety of capacities. William Kaelin, MD, is on the program's scientific advisory committee. The program's web site, www.su2c.org , includes an editorial from DFCI President Edward J. Benz, Jr., MD, and a videotaped interview with Lee Nadler, MD. There also have been several Stand Up to Cancer-related media stories featuring Dana-Farber experts.
Since its founding in 1947, Dana-Farber and its team of physician-scientists, nurses, and health care professionals have been leading the way in unraveling the mysteries of cancer and developing research and clinical breakthroughs with the goal to eradicate cancer. Join Dana-Farber in its lifesaving mission. Make a gift to conquer cancer.
Dr. Benz spoke with WBZ-TV CBS 4 about the potential impact of Stand Up to Cancer on cancer research.
Drs. Eric Winer and George Demetri spoke with WCVB-TV about the promise and challenges of clinical trials. Boston Is Hotbed For Promising Clinical Trials
Russ Mitchell interviewed Dr. Robert Mayer about the latest in colon and pancreatic care and research on CBS Sunday Morning. STATUS REPORT: Cancer Treatment Inroads
Kari Dudley, cancer survivor and a member of the Dana-Farber patient family advisory council, spoke about the secondary health issues that may affect cancer survivors on WBZ-TV CBS 4. Mom, Cancer Survivor Reaches Out To Help Others
ESPN.com spoke with ultra-marathoner Dan Rose, who was treated at Dana-Farber for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, and ran the 192-mile Pan Mass Challenge route during three days last month to raise money for Dana-Farber in honor and memory of cancer patients. Cancer survivor's challenge: Run 192 miles for those who can't
In addition, Terry Barter, a multiple myeloma patient at Dana-Farber, was profiled as ABC's Person of the Week on World News Tonight.
Targeted therapies: Zero in on newest cancer therapies' side effects Nurse.com
Targeted therapies have armed nurses with precision tools in fighting the disease, but they also come with a mandate to learn how they work, about potential side effects, and how to educate patients. These "smart drugs" are the future of cancer treatment, says Dr. David Nathan, and he adds that these drugs will make it possible for more patients to live for longer periods with far less toxicity. (August 25, 2008)
"Good" fat may be new weapon in obesity fight Reuters
New discoveries surrounding a type of "good" fat that promotes the burning of calories could one day lead to better treatments for obesity, researchers say. "Brown fat" burns energy to generate heat. Dr. Bruce Spiegelman says that promoting brown fat growth is a plausible approach to weight control, and is attractive because of its simplicity. (August 20, 2008)
'Brown' fat: New key to weight loss? WebMD
New discoveries surrounding a type of "good" fat that promotes the burning of calories could one day lead to better treatments for obesity, researchers say. "Brown fat" burns energy to generate heat. Dr. Bruce Spiegelman says that promoting brown fat growth is a plausible approach to weight control, and is attractive because of its simplicity. (August 20, 2008)
Applegate and other high-risk women act fast against cancer USA Today
Actress Christina Applegate's choice to undergo a double mastectomy puts her in the company of a growing number of women taking aggressive steps to avoid dying of breast cancer. Applegate says she opted for a double mastectomy after learning that she carries the rare BRCA-1 genetic mutation. Only about five to seven percent of breast cancers carry these mutations, says Dr. Mehra Golshan. (August 20, 2008)
Cancer blogs become part of treatment Boston Globe
A growing number of cancer patients are turning to the Internet to discuss their disease via blogs, listervs and various cancer-related web sites. Bryan Harter urged his wife Jennifer - a breast cancer patient - to start a CaringBridge page after hearing about the site at Dana-Farber, where he works as an oncology social worker. (August 20, 2008)
Colon Cancer Paradox WTVQ
A recent Dana-Farber study shows that having a history of colon or rectal cancer in a parent or sibling is associated with improved outcomes among patients with colon cancer. (August 19, 2008)
Study: E-prescriptions headed off gaffes Boston Business Journal
The use of electronic prescription systems prevented hundreds of potential drug errors in 2007 alone, according to a new study. While the cost savings involved is relatively small, reducing medical errors is the main goal, according to Dr. Saul Weingart. (August 15, 2008)
Jimmy Fund Radio-Telethon hits goal Redsox.com
The seventh annual WEEI/NESN Jimmy Fund Radio Telethon surpassed its fundraising goal by bringing in more than $4 million for research and care at Dana-Farber. (August 15, 2008)
Said the doctor to the cancer patient: Hit the gym New York Times
The health and fitness craze of the 1980s has spurred more scientists to study the impact of exercise and diet on cancer, explained Dr. Charles Fuchs. (August 13, 2008)
WEEI/NESN back at bat for Jimmy Fund Boston Globe
The seventh annual WEEI/NESN Jimmy Fund Radio-Telethon takes place next week. (August 8, 2008)
Prostate test advice for elderly won't stop debate Associated Press
A national task force on Monday recommended that doctors stop screening men ages 75 and older for prostate cancer because the search for the disease in this group was causing more harm than good. Dr. William Hahn says that those over 75 should feel liberated from having to have the test, and that it's one less thing for them to worry about. (Aug. 5, 2008)
Sen. John Kerry, others come up big in cancer fundraiser Associated Press
August 4, 2008
Bike ride takes aim at cancer, honors memory of victims Boston Globe
The annual Pan-Massachusetts Challenge bike ride took place over the weekend. Spokeswoman Jackie Herskovitz says organizers hope to raise more than $34 million this year. (August 3, 2008)
Ride is a call to duty for troopers Boston Globe
This weekend, 37 State Police officers will abandon their gray and blue police cars for bicycles to ride in the Pan-Massachusetts Challenge. (July 31, 2008)
Ultra-miler Dan Rose to put his soles into Pan-Mass Challenge bid Boston Herald
Dana-Farber cancer patient and "ultra-marathoner" Dan Rose is joining the 192-mile Pan-Massachusetts Challenge, not on a bicycle, but as a runner. (July 30, 2008)
Pan Mass Challenge gearing up for big week NECN
With the Pan-Massachusetts Challenge coming up. New England Cable News profiles Caroline Lane, their 9-year-old pedal partner. (July 28, 2008)
Teen cancer survivor ready to take on the PMC NECN
Andrew Mackinley is a 15-year-old cancer survivor who is preparing to ride in next week's Pan-Massachusetts Challenge (July 28, 2008)
Survive Cancer, Have Baby Newsweek
As cancer survival rates climb and patients focus on quality-of-life issues like fertility, cancer survivors are forcing two very different medical specialties—oncology and assisted reproduction—to come together. Advocacy groups that educate cancer patients about assisted reproduction deserve credit for spreading the word, according to Dr. Nancy Lin. (July 26, 2008)
The end-of-life discussion: How do you say it? http://www.hemonctoday.com/article.aspx?rid=29896>HemOnc Today
A recent study showed that terminally ill patients who reported end-of-life conversations were more likely to be referred to hospice earlier, and this was associated with better quality of life near death. Dr. Alexi A. Wright believes that it provides compelling evidence that planning for the end of life improves a patient’s medical care near death and their caregiver’s bereavement adjustment. (July 25, 2008)
Parasitic worms may help fuel AIDS epidemic: study Reuters
Dr. Ruth Reprecht and colleagues reported in a study that people who are infected with parasitic worms may be much more susceptible to the AIDS virus. (July 22, 2008)
Gene profiles might help guide lung cancer care HealthDay
A sweeping genetic analysis suggests that the activity of certain genes might someday allow doctors to predict which lung cancer patients need more aggressive therapies and which do not. Researchers from Dana-Farber were among those involved in the study. (July 20, 2008)
Studying exams ABC News
A new study shows that breast self-exams may not be as beneficial as previously thought. Dr. Ann Partridge says while formal breast self-exams have not been shown to save lives, it's important for women to be familiar with their bodies. (July 16, 2008)
Living with cancer: Kris Carr's story Scientific American
Kris Carr, a New York actress and photographer, whose battle with cancer was chronicled in the documentary "Crazy Sexy Cancer," continues to fight the disease. Carr was treated at Dana-Farber. (July 16, 2008)
Doing a 180 on breast exams Columbus Dispatch
Monthly breast self-exams — once the firm recommendation of those looking to shrink the breast-cancer death toll — are falling out of favor. A new evaluation from the independent, nonprofit Cochrane Collaboration shows there's no real evidence that they save lives. Last year, the Susan G. Komen for the Cure backed off recommending self-exams, according to their chief scientific adviser Dr. Eric Winer. (July 16, 2008)
Healthy living: Breakthrough in research on breast cancer in younger women WSBY 6
Dr. Ann Partridge explained that research is showing that breast cancer in younger women may be different than that in older women. (July 9, 2008)
Costly cancer drug offers hope, but also a dilemma New York Times
Avastin, a drug approved to treat advanced colon, lung and breast cancers, is under scrutiny for its high costs and, what some argue, is its limited benefits to patients. Drs. Deborah Schrag, Bruce Johnson and Eric Winer commented on the challenges oncologists are facing in choosing high cost treatments for their patients. Gailanne Reeh, one of Dr. Winer's patients, and Jim Lemieux, one of Dr. Schrag's patients, spoke about why they chose to take Avastin. (July 6, 2008)
Chemotherapy may reduce fertility in breast cancer survivors, study says HealthDay
Chemotherapy may reduce fertility in breast cancer survivors, according to a study led by researchers at Dana-Farber. (July 1, 2008)
