Dana-Farber in the News
July-September 2007
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Cancer scares grow as screening rises Boston Globe
A National Cancer Institute study released in June showed that within three years, nearly half the healthy men and women 55 and older who underwent regular screening for four leading cancers received at least one test result incorrectly suggesting they might have cancer. Women who get annual mammograms face a 50 percent risk of a false-positive test result within a decade, another study found. Dr. Judy Garber feels that it's just the risk of so many screenings, but admits the figures are pretty staggering. (September 30, 2007)
ECCO: Herceptin pre-surgery more effective than chemo alone in inflammatory breast cancer MedPage Today
The addition of Herceptin to chemotherapy before surgery appears to allow more women with HER-2 positive inflammatory breast cancer to achieve a complete disease response than does chemotherapy alone, according to a recent study. Dr. Ian Krop is one of the study's co-authors. (September 26, 2007)
Breast cancer cases WHDH-TV
The American Cancer Society reports that breast cancer death rates continue to fall at the steady rate of just over two percent a year, a trend that first began in 1990 and has continued through 2004. Dr. Harold Burstein attributes this to widespread public health screening programs, as well as newer and better applications of drugs to prevent breast cancer occurrence. (September 25, 2007)
Seeds of fife: Secrets of the soil CBS Evening News
Dr. Paul Richardson is testing the remarkable anti-cancer properties found in soil bacteria. Combined with a more conventional drug, it's proving to boost the powers of both. (September 25, 2007)
He trolls genome for cancer clues Boston Globe
Dr. Levi Garraway, a DFCI cancer researcher who recently won a "New Innovator" award from the National Institutes of Health, is profiled. (September 24, 2007)
Skin balm spurs rash of demand Boston Globe
In Greater Boston, there are about a dozen hospital-based programs involved in the research or provision of complementary therapies that focus on improving patients' quality of life. Dana-Farber's Weidong Lu of DFCI's Zakim Center said that acupuncture is now considered a viable treatment for the side effects of chemo-radiation therapy and cancer-treatment drugs. (September 23, 2007)
Ex-Patriot tackles cancer Boston Globe
Joe Andruzzi, former offensive guard for the New England Patriots, received some good news last Monday: his cancer is in remission. Andruzzi underwent chemotherapy at Dana-Farber. (September 23, 2007)
Zachary Carson, 19; used his case to raise money for research of rare cancers Boston Globe
Nineteen-year-old Zachary Carson recently lost his battle with an inoperable brain tumor known as diffuse pontine glioma. Dr. Mark Kieran, who treated Zachary, said that Zach was one of the longest survivors of this type of tumor, thanks to groundbreaking experimental treatment. (September 20, 2007)
16 area scientists awarded NIH grants for innovative study Boston Globe
Dr. Levi Garraway is one of 16 Boston-area scientists who received grants from the National Institutes of Health designed to spur innovative medical research in an era of tight federal funding. Garraway is one of the New Innovator Award recipients and will receive $1.5 million over five years for his research. (September 19, 2007)
The Sandwich Generation: Cancer diagnoses for young adults overlooked ABC "Nightline"
Dr. Karen Albritton comments on the unique challenges facing cancer patients in the 15-40 years age group and the programs at Dana-Farber and elsewhere to meet the patients' needs. (Sept. 19, 2007)
Ovarian cancer WHDH-TV
Patty Franchi Flaherty founded Ovations for the Cure, a foundation that raises awareness and money for ovarian cancer research. Dr. Ursula Matulonis says that one reason the disease is hard to detect is because of the lack of a good screening test. (September 17, 2007)
Company accused of preying on breast cancer fears Thebostonchannel.com
A controversial advertising and marketing campaign for a genetic test that claims to be able to tell women their lifetime risk of breast and ovarian cancer has some genetic cancer specialists in Boston concerned. Dr. Judy Garber specializes in genetic risks, and she says she is worried about women who are scared into screening. (September 17, 2007)
Targeted drug combos could outsmart cancer Reuters
Cancer cells often have a way of outsmarting new targeted drug therapies, but researchers said that a combination of targeted drugs could shut down a tumor's backup plan, resulting in much more effective treatments. Dr. Ronald DePinho is the study's lead author. (September 13, 2007)
Mental health woes strike half of cancer patients HealthDay News
Half of all people with advanced or terminal cancer suffer from depression, anxiety or adjustment disorders and could use their oncologist's help getting treatment, according to a new study from Dana-Farber and Brigham and Women's Hospital. (September 10, 2007)
Chip implants linked to animal tumors Associated Press
Studies published in veterinary and toxicology journals between 1996 and 2006 found that lab mice and rats injected with microchips sometimes developed subcutaneous sarcomas, most of them encasing the implants. Dr. George Demetri says that even though the tumor incidences were "reasonably small," in his view, the research underscored "certainly real risks" in RFID implants. (September 9, 2007)
Pain makes some end breast cancer drug WebMD
A new study suggests that nearly half of women on certain antiestrogen drugs that can help keep breast cancer at bay develop aches and pains so severe that the women stop taking their medication. Dr. Eric Winer advises women who want to stop taking their pills due to aches and pains to immediately contact their doctor. (September 6, 2007)
NIH funds local teams for daring research Boston Globe
A team of Boston researchers is about to begin a bold experiment by trying to grow heart valves, parts of a pancreas and a tooth from scratch in the laboratory, while a second local group hopes to take advantage of a flood of genes being linked to human diseases to rapidly identify potential treatments for those ailments. Dr. Todd Golub and his team at the Broad Institute want to test potential drugs directly on living cells. (September 6, 2007)
Women and Cancer: Understanding Ovarian Cancer Today Show
Calling ovarian cancer very curable, Dr. Ursula Matulonis said that ovarian cancer research deserves funding at levels comparable to other cancers. (September 5, 2007)
All mapped out Forbes.com
Geneticist Craig Venter has mapped and published his own genetic make-up. Some scientists, including Dr. John Quackenbush, question the use of resources for these types of "vanity genome" projects. (September 4, 2007)
White Coat Notes Boston Globe
Dr. Eric Winer said he is encouraged that, for the first time in recent memory, cancer is taking center stage in a presidential campaign. Last week, Democratic candidates spoke about their plans for battling cancer at a conference in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. (September 3, 2007)
Blood protein linked to pancreatic cancer Scientific American
According to a new study, a blood protein related to body weight and physical exercise levels appears to be linked to pancreatic cancer risk. Dr. Brian Wolpin is the study's lead author. (August 29, 2007)
She's young and sassy... and she has cancer Boston Globe
Kris Carr, a New York actress and photographer, chronicles her battle with cancer in the documentary "Crazy Sexy Cancer," airing tonight on TLC. Carr is a Dana-Farber patient. (August 29, 2007)
Hazard: High-fat diet raises risk of colon cancer return New York Times
Colon cancer survivors with diets high in meat and refined grains triple their risk of recurrence or death compared with those who eat fruits, vegetables and fish, a new study led by Dr. Charles Fuchs reports. (August 28, 2007)
Harvard leader named dean of Duke medical school Boston Globe
Dr. Nancy C. Andrews has been named dean of Duke University School of medicine. She is the first woman to hold the position. Andrews is a pediatric hematologist/oncologist at Children's Hospital Boston and Dana-Farber. (August 27, 2007)
Celebs have a field day for Jimmy Fund Boston Herald
Actors Tim Daly and Jim Belushi were among the celebrities taking part in this year's WEEI/NESN Jimmy Fund Radio Telethon. (August 18, 2007)
Sox raise money, hope in cancer fight Redsox.com
(August 18, 2007)
Best home run ever Boston Herald
(August 18, 2007)
Intersections are impossibly emotional Boston Globe
Seven-year-old cancer survivor Jordan Leandre, who once wore leg braces while fighting Ewing's Sarcoma, sang the National Anthem before the second game of a doubleheader at Fenway Park. Following the anthem, Jordan ran around the bases. The event was part of the WEEI/NESN Jimmy Fund Radio Telethon, which raised more than $3.6 million. (August 19, 2007)
The Daily Fix Wall Street Journal
Cancer survivor Jordan Leandre sang the National Anthem at last Friday's Red Sox game and followed his performance with a run around the bases at Fenway Park. (August 20, 2007)
Battling cancer and beyond Boston Globe
Former presidential candidate Tommy Thompson made breast cancer research and treatment one of the hallmarks of his campaign. The Globe's editorial applauds Thompson's effort. Dr. Eric Winer says that it is currently an exciting and innovative time for fighting breast cancer. (August 17, 2007)
Possible pancreatic cancer marker found United Press International
Dr. Brian Wolpin and colleagues report in the journal Cancer Research that people who have a low blood level of a protein called IGFBP-1 had an increased risk of developing pancreatic cancer. (August 16, 2007)
Healthy diet guards against return of colon cancer HealthDay News
(August 16, 2007)
Diet tied to colon cancer's return Wall Street Journal
(August 15, 2007)
Study ties colon cancer's return to diet LA Times
(August 15, 2007)
Study: Red meat, French fries tied to colon cancer recurrence, early death FOX-TV
(August 15, 2007)
Colon cancer recurrence: It's what you don't eat Globe and Mail
(August 15, 2007)
Western diet tied to colon cancer WebMD
(August 14, 2007)
High-fat diets linked to stage III colon cancer recurrence MedPage Today
(August 14, 2007)
Red meat diet harmful to colon cancer patients WCBS-TV
(August 14, 2007)
Western diet, increased colon cancer recurrence risk linked TheBostonChannel.com
(August 14, 2007)
Colon cancer and diet WHDH-TV
(August 14, 2007)
Red meat, fatty foods may up cancer recurrence National Public Radio
Dr. Jeffrey Meyerhardt reports in a study that eating a diet high in red meat, fats and refined grains and sugar can cause colon cancer to relapse. (August 15, 2007)
Deadly inheritance, desperate trade-off New York Times
Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest and most painful types of cancer. Dr. Robert Mayer says that with the advances in colon cancer treatment over the years, there's nothing to say the same thing can't happen with pancreatic cancer, adding that it's just more of a challenge. (August 7, 2007)
Its poor reputation aside, our fat is doing us a favor New York Times
Many people today are dealing with their excess fat by undergoing liposuction surgery. However, it's important to retain some of that fat tissue, according to Dr. Bruce Spiegelman. He says that if you are consuming too many calories relative to what you burn off, the body must cope with that energy surplus, and fat cells - or adipose tissue - is the proper place for it. (August 7, 2007)
Fitness plays a key role in battling cancer Boston Globe
Studies show that staying fit is key in fighting cancer. Eating less meat and more fruits and vegetables may make a difference if you have colon cancer, according to Dr. Jeffrey Meyerhardt. (August 6, 2007)
Thousands hit road for cancer funds Boston Globe
(August 5, 2007)
In cancer ride, they're driven Boston Globe(August 5, 2007)
Ride for a cure New York TimesThe 28th annual Pan-Massachusetts Challenge took place over the weekend, with a goal of raising $27 million for Dana-Farber. (August 5, 2007)
Riding for our lives Boston Globe
Ellen Freeman Roth, a breast cancer survivor, is riding in her 11th Pan-Massachusetts Challenge this weekend. (August 3, 2007)
Amgen stock ailing amid drug ruling Los Angeles Times
Biotech giant Amgen Inc. continues to get battered by investors who appear to have growing doubts about the company's revenue outlook and its plans for growth. Recent studies have raised questions about the safety of Amgen drugs Aranesp and Epogen in some patients and dosages. Dr. Harold J. Burstein said although the new rules were more restrictive than what some clinical trials have called for, there is a lot of room for reasonable debate. (August 2, 2007)
A father's bicycle ride of thanks Boston Globe
Derek Jones is riding in his first Pan-Massachusetts Challenge this weekend. He first heard of the PMC after seeing a poster for the fundraiser at Dana-Farber several years ago, when his daughter was being treated for cancer. (August 2, 2007)
Natural protein may be lymphoma's 'bodyguard' HealthDay News
Dr. Margaret Shipp and colleagues report in the journal the Proceeding of the National Academy of Sciences that they have identified a protein that prevents the body's immune system from attacking Hodgkin lymphoma cells. The findings may assist in the development of a targeted therapy for the disease. (August 2, 2007)
'I am Ironman' Boston Globe
Businessman Paul Schaye is riding in this year's Pan-Massachusetts Challenge. The extreme athlete and successful entrepreneur is being treated for gastrointestinal stromal tumor at Dana-Farber by Dr. George Demetri. (August 1, 2007)
Cancer patients, lost in a laze of uneven care New York Times
Decisions regarding cancer care can be agonizing, in part because the quality of care varies among doctors and hospitals, and it is difficult for even the most educated patients to be sure they are receiving the best treatment. Uneven quality persists even in colon cancer, one of the most common types. Dr. Jane Weeks said half a dozen studies had found that in stage 3, when tumor cells have spread to lymph nodes, only about 65 percent of patients are given chemotherapy — even though it has been proved beneficial and is recommended for about 80 percent of patients. (July 29, 2007)
New Hodgkin's disease discovery reported United Press International
Dr. Margaret Shipp and colleagues report in the journal the Proceeding of the National Academy of Sciences that they have identified a protein that prevents the body's immune system from attacking Hodgkin's lymphoma cells. The findings may assist in the development of a targeted therapy for the disease. (July 31, 2007)
End-of-life hospice care underused HealthDay
Too few Americans entering life's final phase are availing themselves of high-quality hospice care, despite the fact that Medicare covers the expense, according to two articles in the July 26 New England Journal of Medicine. Dr. Alexi Wright, a hematology/oncology fellow at Dana-Farber, co-authored one of the articles. (July 25, 2007)
FDA panel OKs osteoporosis drug to cut breast cancer risk HealthDay
A U.S. Food and Drug Administration panel on Tuesday recommended the osteoporosis drug Evista (raloxifene) for use in preventing breast cancer in certain high-risk groups of older women. Dr. David Harrington is a member of the panel and said that the drug tamoxifen has advantages and possible flaws, and raloxifene is a good second option. (July 24, 2007)
Newer breast cancer drugs appear to boost life spans HealthDay News
A newer generation of breast cancer medications added months to the lives of patients with the most advanced form of the disease, according to the first study of its kind. Dr. Eric Winer adds that the newer drugs are not only more effective, but are easier for the patients to tolerate. (July 23, 2007)
A downside to preventing birth defects? Boston Globe
New data from researchers at Tufts University shows that the timetable of the downward trend in neural tube defects due to the addition of folic acid to most breads, pastas, rice, and other grain-based foods exactly corresponds to a significant, sustained upward tick in the rate of cases of colorectal cancer. In the 1940s, Dr. Sidney Farber switched from giving large doses of folic acid to children with leukemia to an anti-folic acid, methotrexate, which blocked the cancer cells' ability to divide. The children got better, and modern chemotherapy was born. (July 23, 2007)
Franklin doctors to join Partners Boston Globe
The physicians' group for Milford Regional Medical Center is joining Partners HealthCare System Inc., giving the state's preeminent medical system a toehold in a key area of the state and enabling it to funnel more patients to its network of downtown teaching hospitals. The group got to know Partners as a result of the planning for Milford Regional's new cancer center, which is being developed with Brigham and Women's Hospital and Dana-Farber. (July 19, 2007)
Diet and breast cancer risk ABC News Now (6:06)
Although a new study has found that breast cancer patients who ate a diet high in fruits and vegetables did not lower their risk of cancer recurrence, Dr. Wendy Chen noted that other studies have shown that a low-fat, higher fiber diet and exercise are beneficial. (July 18, 2007)
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Study: Tanning may protect against cancer LookingFit.com
Recent research at Dana-Farber — reported in the July issue of the Harvard Health Letter — investigated the relationship between ultraviolet light, tanning and cancer. UV light is the invisible portion of the light spectrum that penetrates the skin and causes it to tan by stimulating melanin production; at the same time; however, those UV rays can cause mutation in DNA, which can result in cancerous growths. (July 18, 2007)
UR doing world's first trial of pill targeting lymphoma Rochester Democrat & Chronicle
Patients at the University of Rochester's James P. Wilmot Cancer Center are the first in the world to get a new drug, R788, that might be their last chance at battling lymphoma. The medication is meant to inhibit the growth of a certain protein found in non-Hodgkin's B-cell lymphoma. Dana-Farber will soon begin enrolling patients as well. (July 18, 2007)
From industry castoff to potential medicine Boston Globe
By poking through thousands of industrial chemicals, scientists report that they have found a new drug that, for the first time, improves the grim outlook for patients with the most dangerous form of skin cancer. Dr. Lan Bo Chen, an emeritus professor of pathology at Dana-Farber, came up with the idea in 1979 of searching through industrial chemicals, particularly photographic dyes, for cancer treatments. (July 16, 2007)
Breath of Life Boston Globe
Ramel Rones is using his knowledge of tai chi and meditation to help cancer patients at Dana-Farber's Leonard P. Zakim Center for Integrative Therapies. (July 15, 2007)
Jumping into cancer fight Boston Herald
Dana-Farber's 12th annual Swim Across America event took place last Friday. (July 14, 2007)
Pricing pills by the results New York Times
Johnson & Johnson has proposed that Britain's national health service pay for the cancer drug Velcade, but only for people who benefit from the medicine, which can cost $48,000 a patient. The company would refund any money spent on patients whose tumors do not shrink sufficiently after a trial treatment. Dr. Paul Richardson says that it seems to him wrong to a patient if they've received a minor response rather than a partial response that they can't go on and receive treatment. Richardson has led several Velcade trials. (July 14, 2007)
Straight talk from docs on grim prognoses works best HealthDay
Even when the child's prognosis is poor, parents likely derive hope when given more extensive prognostic information, Dr. Jennifer Mack reports in a study. (July 12, 2007)
Cancer genes WHDH
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine finds similar survival rates among breast cancer patients with BRCA mutations than those without the genetic connection. Dr. Judy Garber says that this is good news if you have breast cancer and a mutation, but there's still a lot to learn. (July 11, 2007)
Fat switch may offer new obesity approach: study Reuters
Helping switch on an energy-burning type of fat called brown fat may offer a way to prevent obesity, researchers reported on Tuesday. The research, published in the journal Cell Metabolism, involved Dr. Bruce Spiegelman and researchers from Dana-Farber.
Possible HIV cure discovered The Advocate
Scientists in Germany have discovered a way to remove HIV from infected cells. The study, published in Science magazine, involves a newly engineered enzyme that attacks the DNA of the virus and cuts it from infected cells. Dr. Alan Engelman wrote an article accompanying the study. (July 3, 2007)