Dana-Farber in the News
January-March 2007
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FDA panel backs Dendreon's prostate treatment Bloomberg News
Dendreon Corporation's prostate cancer drug Provenge was recommended for U.S. approval as the first treatment to stimulate the body's immune system against tumor cells. Dr. Philip Kantoff says that this is the first demonstration that a vaccine approach can prolong survival. (March 29, 2007)
Colon cancer: What you need to know about a prolific killer USA Today
Dr. Robert Mayer says that deaths from colorectal cancer have fallen nearly nine percent since 1990. He added that screenings get much of the credit, along with better treatments, such as treating earlier cancers with both surgery and chemotherapy. (March 28, 2007)
Tony Snow facing second cancer battle Associated Press
(March 28, 2007)
Survival time grows for cancer patients like Snow Reuters
More tools than ever are available to help patients like White House press secretary Tony Snow whose colon cancer has spread, but his situation is extremely serious, doctors said on Tuesday. Dr. Robert Mayer says that the survival time for people with advanced colon cancer used to be measured in terms of months, but it's now measured in years. (March 27, 2007)
Boston doctors comment on another cancer recurrence Boston Globe
In the wake of the cancer diagnoses of Tony Snow and Elizabeth Edwards, local DFCI oncologists are commenting on these particular types of the disease. Dr. Charles Fuchs says that there are more effective drugs that allow patients to live longer and better with colon cancer than 10 years ago. Dr. Ann Partridge added that for metastatic breast cancer, newer treatments make it difficult to predict survival rates. (March 27, 2007)
Like the Edwardses, some use work when they must fight serious illness New York Times
When John and Elizabeth Edwards learned on Wednesday that Mrs. Edwards's breast cancer had returned, Mr. Edwards chose to continue his presidential campaign. Studies show that even when patients think they would like their spouses to spend more time on their care, they often change their minds. Dr. Susan Block says that the patients often feel more frightened and more disabled when it happens, especially when the patient's health can then change again in a few weeks or months, and what felt right at first now may seem like the wrong decision later on. (March 25, 2007)
Breast cancer survivors react This Week with George Stephanopoulos
Dr. Eric Winer joins a round-table discussion with breast cancer survivors in the wake of Elizabeth Edwards' recent breast cancer diagnosis. (March 25, 2007)
Campaign to conquer The Chronicle of Philanthropy
Dana-Farber's goal to raise $1 billion by 2010 will be aided by the annual Pan-Massachusetts Challenge. (March 22, 2007)
Living with cancer CBS Evening News (2:05)
Dr. Eric Winer speaks on living with recurrent breast cancer and new treatment options. (March 22, 2007)
Elizabeth Edwards and her cancer: A controllable disease US News and World Report
Dr. Harold Burstein says that the recurrence of Elizabeth Edwards' cancer does not mean a lack of hope, as people can live very productive, comfortable lives with the disease. (March 22, 2007)
Elizabeth Edwards enters second cancer fight ABC News
(March 22, 2007)
Cancer reoccurs, but doctors hopeful Boston Globe
Less than two years after she finished treatment for invasive ductal cancer in her right breast, doctors told Elizabeth Edwards, wife of presidential candidate John Edwards, that she has a small tumor in a rib on her right side. Dr. Eric Winer says that Edwards has reason to be optimistic, since many women live with metastatic breast cancer for many years. (March 21, 2007)
Cancer battle CNN Anderson Cooper 360 (2:59)
Dr. Eric Winer discusses treatment options for recurrent breast cancer. (March 22, 2007)
'Sorry' solution: Malpractice bill frees docs to apologize Boston Herald
A proposed law in Massachusetts would give doctors more freedom to be honest with patients about medical errors without fear that their apologies might be used against them in court. Maureen Connor said Dana-Farber adopted a disclosure policy in 2001 that, among other things, outlines the process for communicating errors. (March 18, 2007)
New breast cancer drug for patients running out of options WOAI.com
The FDA has approved a new cancer drug, Tykerb, designed for breast cancer patients who are running out of options. Dr. Harold Burstein says that despite the success with the drug Herceptin, there will be women whose tumors will continue to recur or grow, and Tykerb will be a treatment option for them. (March 14, 2007)
Two types of cancer stem cells? United Press International
In research published in the March issue of Cancer Cell, Dr. Kornelia Polyak and her colleagues found a second causative cell in addition to the cancer stem cells found in breast tumors. Polyak says that the findings suggest the tumor cells come from a 'stem-like' progenitor cell and then diverge genetically, which means that both cell types need to be treated. (March 12, 2007)
A moving target Boston Globe
At least a dozen targeted drugs like Avastin, designed to attack tumors' molecular weaknesses without harming the patient, have been approved since 1998, but only three are dramatic improvements over conventional treatment. Dr. Eric Winer, who has done pioneering research on the breast cancer drug Herceptin, feels that the amount of progress made over the years should not be considered discouraging. (March 12, 2007)
The amazing power of an experimental cancer drug gave one patient three years of life and a new mission Boston Globe
An excerpt from The Cancer Treatment Revolution, the forthcoming book by Dr. David Nathan, president emeritus of Dana-Farber, is featured in today's Globe. (March 12, 2007)
FDA warns on anemia drugs after test deaths Boston Globe
Responding to a spate of deaths in clinical trials, the Food and Drug Administration yesterday issued its most severe warning possible for drugs widely used to treat anemia in kidney disease patients and cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. The warning, said Dr. Eric Winer, will likely make doctors more cautious about prescribing antianemia drugs. (March 10, 2007)
Anticancer gene tied to tans Boston Globe
(March 9, 2007)
Sunny delight Science Friday
March 9, 2007
A gene helps protect against skin cancer Fox 28
(March 9, 2007)
Cancer-fighting gene guards against sun damage HealthDay News
(March 8, 2007)
Suntan gene may explain sun worship WebMD
(March 8, 2007)
Researchers find cancer tumor suppressor also causes tanning Voice of America
(March 8, 2007)
Cancer-fighting protein protects skin CBC News
(March 8, 2007)
Understanding our insatiable appetite for the sun KSL.com
Researchers led by Dr. David E. Fisher have discovered that a gene that is associated with cancer causes the skin to tan and protects it from the sun's harmful rays. Scientists say the finding provides insight into the workings of the tumor suppressor gene known as p53. (March 8, 2007)
Profs find new link to cardiac disease Harvard Crimson
Researchers at Dana-Farber and Brigham and Women's Hospital have uncovered a link between the most common form of prostate cancer treatment and a greater risk of mortality owing to cardiac complications in men over 65 who are suffering in the advanced stages of the disease. (March 5, 2007)
Drug could slow growth of advanced prostate cancer USA Today
A new study suggests that an experimental chemotherapy drug, satraplatin, could give some men with advanced prostate cancer a temporary reprieve from the ravages of the disease. Doctors don't yet know which patients respond best, says the study's co-author, Dr. Oliver Sartor. Researchers hope to find ways to better predict how patients will react to the drug. (March 5, 2007)
Drug research results questioned Baltimore Sun
A new study reports that industry-funded clinical trials of breast cancer drugs report more favorable results than independent research. Nonindustry-supported studies were far less likely to be upbeat, publishing favorable results just 54 percent of the time, according to an analysis by Dr. Jeffrey Peppercorn, a cancer physician and researcher at UNC Chapel Hill's School of Medicine, and colleagues at Dana-Farber. (March 2, 2007)
Francona bets Lucchino he can quit tobacco habit ESPN.com
(March 1, 2007)
Pen to be shorthanded--Francona: No need to go long Boston Herald
Red Sox president Larry Lucchino, who has won two battles with cancer, has pledged to donate $20,000 to Dana-Farber if Red Sox manager Terry Francona is able to make it through the season without using smokeless tobacco. If Francona, who is a longtime user of chewing tobacco, is unable to do so, he must donate $ 20,000 to a charity to be determined. (March 1, 2007)
The Gardasil debate continues WFIE-TV
The Centers for Disease Control says one in four women are infected with HPV, the human papillomavirus that can cause cervical cancer. For women ages 20 to 24, almost half are infected. But not every form of HPV is dangerous. Dr. Ursula Matulonis says that most of the time, when someone is infected with HPV, the immune system takes care of that infection and makes it disappear. (February 27, 2007)
Studies show anemia drugs may harm cancer patients New York Times
New studies are raising questions about whether drugs used to treat anemia caused by chemotherapy may make the cancer itself worse. Dr. Eric Winer says that the drugs were presumed to be entirely safe, given for supportive care and to improve quality of life, so any concerns that they could shorten someone's life are taken quite seriously. (February 27, 2007)
Black men and prostate cancer: A clue Philadelphia Inquirer
African American men are 50 percent more likely to develop prostate cancer, and twice as likely to die from it. They also tend to develop it at younger ages. Dr. Matthew Freedman and his colleagues have discovered a cluster of infinitesimally small genetic variations that are associated with a higher risk of prostate cancer — variations that are far more common in African American than white men. (February 26, 2007)
Does drug industry backing skew trials? Raleigh News & Observer
A new study reports that industry-funded clinical trials of breast cancer drugs report more favorable results than independent research. Non-industry-supported studies were far less likely to be upbeat, publishing favorable results just 54 percent of the time, according to an analysis by Dr. Jeffrey Peppercorn, a cancer physician and researcher at UNC Chapel Hill's School of Medicine, and colleagues at Dana-Farber. (February 26, 2007)
Certain cells are more lethal USA Today
While some tumors wither under radiation or chemotherapy, others grow back, sometimes years later, despite even the harshest therapies. These relapses often prove fatal, taking the lives of patients who appeared cancer free. New research suggests that a small group of especially hardy cells, called cancer stem cells, may be to blame. Dr. Robert Mayer says the research is very encouraging, even if treatments based on the finding are years away. (February 26, 2007)
A call for action on marrow donations Boston Globe
Karen Anderson Jones' husband lost his battle with lymphocytic leukemia last October, but a greater amount of minority marrow donors could potentially have saved his life. Dr. Joseph Antin echoes Jones' feelings that more black donors are needed. (February 26, 2007)
Words can help the healing HealthDay News
Research suggests that cancer patients can significantly boost mental and physical health by spending 30 minutes each day for four days writing about their innermost thoughts and feelings. Susan Bauer-Wu has worked with people struggling with cancer diagnoses and says that many people are surprised at how well keeping a journal works. (February 22, 2007)
Study confirms stages of grief Los Angeles Times
(February 22, 2007)
A messy grieving process is still a healthy one National Public Radio (3:56)
In a study in the Journal of the American Medical Association, Dr. Holly Prigerson and her colleagues report that the most common reaction to the death of a loved one from natural causes is yearning or pining and not depression, as has been thought. (February 21, 2007)
Yearning most common after loved one's death: study Reuters
(February 21, 2007)
Grief study says yearning is felt more strongly than depression Boston Globe
(February 21, 2007)
Scientists measure 5 stages of grief Chicago Tribune
(February 21, 2007)
Grief: Time to yearn Hartford Courant
(February 21, 2007)
Stages of grief theory put to the test HealthDay News
In a study in the Journal of the American Medical Association, Dr. Holly Prigerson and her colleagues report that the most common reaction to the death of a loved one from natural causes is yearning or pining and not depression, as has been thought. (February 20, 2007)
Protein finding bolsters AIDS vaccine hopes HealthDay News
Scientists say they've spotted and mapped a tiny piece of HIV's outer coat that could be key to an effective AIDS vaccine. The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases collaborated with the Scripps Institute and Dana-Farber on the research. (February 14, 2007)
Cancer-free Lester eager to make pitch Associated Press
After undergoing treatment at Dana-Farber, Red Sox pitcher Jon Lester is now cancer-free and has reported to Florida for spring training. (February 14, 2007)
Technology images tumors' genetic profile United Press International
Scientists have developed a method of screening tumors for cancer-related gene abnormalities that might be treated with "targeted" drugs. Dr. Levi Garraway, the study's senior author, says that a great deal of effort has gone into finding mutations within genes responsible for cell growth and survival, to the point where several hundred to a thousand are now known. (February 13, 2007)
Breast cancer test CNN Sunday Live (3:52)
Dr. Harold Burstein explains how a newly approved genetic test may help determine a breast cancer patient's risk for recurrence. (February 11, 2007)
Bill backs stem cell research Portland Press Herald
Several Maine legislators hope to support the state's biomedical community with proposals that would set aside up to $20 million for research using human stem cells. Since 2001, the state has allocated more than $40 million to three research institutes that perform stem cell research, which attract the brightest talent from such institutions as Dana-Farber. (February 13, 2007)
Researchers call breast density a cancer risk too long ignored Boston Globe
A recent study found that women with dense breasts are nearly three times more likely to get breast cancer than other women, accounting for a quarter of all breast cancers in women under 56. Dr. Eric Winer says that these findings may provide a more refined understanding of who is at a higher or lower risk. (February 12, 2007)
Narrowing the search for cancer genes Boston Globe
Researchers at Dana-Farber and the Broad Institute reported in Nature Genetics of a faster, cheaper method of screening for multiple mutations that turn on cancer genes. Taking advantage of mass spectrometry, a tool genetic researchers use to detect variations in genes, they were able to narrow down their search for relevant genes. (February 12, 2007)
Test brings hope to cancer fight WXIA-TV
The Food and Drug Administration recently approved a genetic test that, when conducted soon after a woman learns she has breast cancer, can predict the odds of the disease returning and worsening. While the FDA cautioned that the test is not a substitute for the guidance of cancer specialists who weigh a woman's general health, age, tolerance for therapy, and other factors to best tailor her therapy, Dr. Harold Burstein says that it has the potential to help refine treatment decisions. (February 12, 2007)
Gene may protect some women against breast cancer Reuters
Researchers have identified a gene variation found in about 13 percent of women of European descent that reduces their risk of developing breast cancer. Mutations in BRCA2 can prevent it from fixing damaged DNA and preventing cancer. According to Dr. Bing Xia, breast cancer can arise from a wide variety of genetic abnormalities, and mutations acquired during the evolution of breast tumor cells are relatively common in the disease. (February 11, 2007)
Spiritual help lacking among terminally ill Washington Post
(February 9, 2007)
More spiritual help needed for the dying: study Reuters
(February 8, 2007)
Cancer patients' spiritual needs unmet, study says Boston Globe
A study conducted by Dana-Farber and Harvard Medical School suggests that doctors may have to take a more active role in addressing the spiritual needs of patients with terminal illnesses. (February 8, 2007)
FDA OK's genetic predictor of breast cancer relapse Boston Globe
The Food and Drug Administration has approved the marketing of a genetic test that measures the odds of a breast cancer recurring. While the FDA cautioned that the test is not a substitute for the guidance of cancer specialists, Dr. Harold Burstein says that it has the potential to help refine treatment decisions. (February 7, 2007)
FDA approves breast cancer test NBC Nightly News (1:50)
The Food and Drug Administration has approved the marketing of a genetic test that measures the odds of a breast cancer recurring. Dr. Harold Burstein said the test may help doctors in developing treatment plans for their patients. (February 6, 2007)
Aplastic anemia: A rare disease with a better prognosis HealthDay News
Despite its rarity, the once-fatal aplastic anemia has become far more treatable as physicians have honed in on practices that can prolong life and ease suffering. According to Dr. Richard Stone, this disease used to be killers, fatal within a year, but now, people can be expected to live a long time in many cases. (February 4, 2007)
Cancer drugs: Too toxic? Los Angeles Times
New drugs developed in the last decade can dramatically cut the chances that breast cancer will return. But in a study presented last month at the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium, Dr. Ann Partridge found that 1 in 5 women who had been diagnosed and treated for early stage, hormone-sensitive breast cancer don't take the drugs as recommended, due to the side effects. (February 1, 2007)
Dana-Farber aiming for $1b to boost care Boston Globe
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute will announce the largest hospital fund-raising campaign in New England history today, hoping to raise $1 billion to turn the rapidly growing scientific understanding of cancer into better treatments for cancer patients. Drs. Edward Benz and Barrett Rollins and Trustee Larry Lucchino commented that while the goal is ambitious, the needs the funding will help meet are critical. (January 31, 2007)
Too young for this: Facing cancer under 40 New York Times
The rates of some cancers, including colorectal, thyroid and testicular, are rising in people ages 20 to 39, according to the American Cancer Society. A report released last year found that as cancer survival rates continued to improve in adults of middle age and older, the survival rates for people ages 15 to 39 had not risen substantially in more than two decades. Dr. Karen Albritton, an author of that report, says that cancer in adolescents and young adults presents distinctive issues. (January 30, 2007)
As oral cancer drugs gain, dosage problems grow Boston Globe
According to a new survey, concerns are being raised regarding the safety and dependence of cancer patients taking oral chemotherapy. Dr. Ann Partridge stated that clinicians notoriously overestimate the impact they have on patients' behavior. Dr. Saul Weingart said that while doctors are required to provide elaborate details about their IV drug orders, most cancer centers have no such requirements for pills. (January 29, 2007)
Dana-Farber opens first phase of new waterfront campus Boston Business Journal
Dana-Farber has leased 50,000 square feet in Boston's Marine Industrial Park to serve as office and research space for the Harbor Campus. The lease is part of a planned $300 million expansion that will include 400,000 square feet of new space and the creation of a new Center for Cancer Care on the hospital's Longwood Medical area campus. (January 26, 2007)
Antibody holds promise against lung cancer HealthDay News
A new antibody may be effective against both mutated forms of a protein linked to lung cancer. Scientists at Dana-Farber reported that a mouse antibody (mAb806) caused the regression of lung tumors caused by EGFR with a mutation in the intracellular part of the protein. (January 25, 2007)
Restarting tumor-suppressor gene may fight cancer HealthDay News
Manipulation of a gene that normally protects against malignancy but is switched off in cancer cells could open up a promising new frontier in research, according to two new U.S. studies. According to Dr. Ronald DePinho, these studies indicate that this might be a fruitful path to explore from a cancer drug-development standpoint. (January 25, 2007)
Winning the war? NECN (2:56)
Dr. Edward Benz, Jr., commented on the recent American Cancer Society report that showed cancer death rates continue to drop in the U.S. for the second year in a row. (January 17, 2007)
Gum disease linked to pancreatic cancer United Press International
A recent study has identified a link between periodontal disease and a higher risk of pancreatic cancer, the fourth-leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. Dr. Charles Fuchs, the study's senior author, says that it has been a struggle to understand the risk factors for a disease which is highly fatal and poorly understood. (January 16, 2007)
Survey shows need for oral chemotherapy guidelines Reuters
Clear, standardized guidelines are needed for prescribing oral chemotherapy drugs to iron out inconsistencies in how patients are given the drugs and monitored, according to a Dana-Farber survey of 42 NCI-designated cancer centers. Dr. Lawrence Shulman called oral chemotherapy a significant advance in cancer care. Dr. Saul Weingart said the guideline variations weren't surprising, given how quickly oral chemotherapies have become standard care for a growing number of cancers. (January 12, 2007)
Ken's story Harvard Magazine
An excerpt from The Cancer Treatment Revolution, a forthcoming book by Dr. David Nathan, tells the story of Ken Garabadian, a former Dana-Farber patient. (January 4, 2007)
Hormone has colon cancer effect Indianapolis Star
The female hormone estrogen may hold important clues for scientists working on new therapies for colon cancer, according to a study by Dana-Farber researchers in West Palm Beach, Fla. (January 2, 2007)
