Dana-Farber in the News
April-June 2007
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Designer enzyme cuts HIV out of infected stem cells Scientific American
Scientists have constructed a custom enzyme that reverses the process by which HIV inserts its genetic material into host DNA, suggesting that treatment with similar enzymes could potentially rid infected cells of the virus. Dr. Alan Engelman wrote an editorial accompanying the report. (June 28, 2007)
Integrated palliative/oncology care feasible for advanced lung cancer patients Reuters
There appears to be no reason not to integrate palliative care with standard oncology care for patients newly diagnosed with terminal lung cancer, according to a recent study by researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital and Dana-Farber. The study was published in the June 10 issue of the Journal of Clinical Oncology. (June 25, 2007)
Drug could help replenish blood stem cells faster Boston Globe
Researchers at Children's Hospital, eager to find better ways to replenish the blood stem cells crucial to the body's immune system and often depleted during cancer therapy, say they have identified a chemical that can increase such cells in zebrafish. Children's hope to collaborate with the Dana- Farber/Harvard Cancer Center on clinical trials next year. (June 25, 2007)
Hub's humble cancer hero Boston Herald
(June 24, 2007)
'It doesn't always make sense. That's why I need a doctor like Monica' Boston Herald
(June 24, 2007)
Surgeon, researcher, superdoctor Boston Herald
Dana-Farber Brigham and Women's Cancer Center plans to announce this week the appointment of Dr. Monica Bertagnolli as its new surgical oncology chief. Bertagnolli is profiled in this series of articles. (June 24, 2007)
Addicted to tanning? It's possible Miami Herald
Dana-Farber study suggests that a protein called p53, which protects the body from cancer in several ways, also sets in motion a complex physiological process that ends up producing endorphins. (June 19, 2007)
Big names break ground against cancer BostonNOW
(June 19, 2007)
Yawkey cancer center construction underway Boston Globe
State and local officials participated in a groundbreaking ceremony for Dana-Farber's new Yawkey Center for Cancer Care yesterday. (June 19, 2007)
Healthy diet can help prevent the return of cancer The London Free Press
Using a questionnaire designed to study cancer patients' eating habits over a period of six months following chemotherapy, Dana-Farber researchers discovered that followers of a "western" diet had an increased chance of seeing their cancer return and cause their death than people who had started a "cautious" diet, richer in fruits and vegetables and poor in red meat. (June 18, 2007)
Lung, colon cancer rates high in area Boston Globe
Lung and colon cancers are more likely to strike residents in the region north of Boston than in many other areas of Massachusetts, according to a new state health survey. Overall, roughly 18 percent of adults in the region smoke tobacco, about the same as statewide, according to the new report. Dr. David Rosenthal said cancer specialists would like to see adult smoking rates below 10 percent. (June 17, 2007)
Siblings fight prostate cancer CBS Evening News (2:51)
Dr. Levi Garraway and his sister, Dr. Isla Garraway at UCLA, are both researching prostate cancer, the disease that took their father. (June 14, 2007)
Gene linked to 30 percent of breast cancers: study Reuters
Dr. William Hahn reported in the journal Cell that extra copies of a certain gene found in about a third of breast cancers may be responsible for their unchecked growth and survival. (June 14, 2007)
Clapping for Clapprood — and Andruzzi, too Boston Herald
Former WRKO radio personality Marjorie Clapprood is currently fighting leukemia and undergoing a bone marrow transplant performed by Dana-Farber doctors at Brigham and Women's Hospital. (June 14, 2007)
The growing clout of online patient groups Wall Street Journal
Online patient groups have become an increasingly powerful force for health-care consumers over the past decade, raising funds for research and offering patient information and support. Now, as the cumulative power of their memberships grows, these groups are becoming invaluable partners to researchers and physicians searching for cures. Dr. George Demetri, who treats gastrointestinal stromal Tumor (GIST) patients and has worked closely with an organization of GIST patients, says that doctors need to work in partnership with patient groups. (June 13, 2007)
Carell's special delivery Boston Herald
Actor Steve Carell will screen his new film, "Evan Almighty" at the Regal Fenway Cinema to benefit the Zachary Carson Brain Tumor Fund at Dana-Farber. (June 12, 2007)
Alternative therapies Boston Globe
Most cancer patients try herbs, vitamins, or other untested treatments in search of relief, or even a cure. Now, scientists are figuring out which ones might really work, after struggling to apply scientific methods to a largely unregulated industry. In 2002, researchers from the University of California at San Francisco and the Dana-Farber suspended a study into a promising herbal prostate cancer treatment called PC-SPES after they discovered the product was contaminated with an artificial estrogen that could have enhanced the anticancer effect. (June 11, 2007)
Nonsurgical treatment for cancer, close to home Boston Globe
The Commonwealth Atrius Center — the South Shore's first nonsurgical cancer center — opened in Weymouth this week, promising state-of-the-art care and the opportunity to participate in clinical trials of new treatments. South Shore Hospital was originally approached to participate, but declined, since they were recently approved to build their own cancer center, with Dana-Farber and Brigham and Women's Hospital. (June 10, 2007)
The next wave of cancer drugs Business Week
Although most of the headlines at this year's annual American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) conference in Chicago focused on new uses for cancer drugs already on the market, many scientists at the meeting say they are most interested in drugs that may not be ready for the center stage until 2008 or 2009. Dr. George Demetri said that there are not going to be big breakthroughs every year, and this year's meeting was a quieter one. (June 5, 2007)
"Genius pill" may relieve chemobrain WebMD
A so-called "genius pill" may enhance memory and attention among breast cancer survivors who suffer from the condition known as "chemobrain," a small study suggests. For years, many doctors doubted the existence of chemobrain, but it's increasingly being acknowledged as a real phenomenon for some patients, according to Dr. Ann Partridge. (June 5, 2007)
Study: Radiation limits lung cancer Seattle Post-Intelligencer
A week or two of radiation to the head helped keep a very deadly form of lung cancer from spreading to the brain, improving survival for some people who have had little hope of successful treatment until now, Dutch doctors reported Saturday. Side effects generally were mild, however, Dr. Eric Winer says that the possibility of causing cognitive problems has made some doctors worry about using radiation widely until more studies are done. (June 2, 2007)
Chemo and surgery may help colon cancer Associated Press
Scientists reported promising gains Monday for treating colorectal cancer that has spread to the liver, showing that chemotherapy before and after surgery to remove liver tumors can help keep the disease in check. The study shows that aggressively treating patients with limited spread of colorectal cancer is reasonable, said Dr. Jeffrey Meyerhardt. (June 4, 2007)
US researchers identify another possible 'breast cancer gene' Cancer Research UK
Scientists have discovered that a previously known gene might be involved in breast cancer risk when damaged. Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania's Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute and the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute report that the Rap80 gene is required for the well-known breast cancer gene BRCA1 to carry out its normal DNA-repair function. (June 4, 2007)
Big challenges abound for next Harvard Medical School dean Boston Globe
Dr. Joseph B. Martin steps down at the end of this month after 10 years as dean of Harvard Medical School. Among his five greatest accomplishments as dean, he lists the establishment of the Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center bringing together all of Harvard's investigators for purposes of research. (June 4, 2007)
Healthy diet, exercise might lower chances of cancer's return HealthDay News
Two DFCI-authored studies show that diet and exercise can help prevent cancer from recurring. The study's lead authors are Drs. Jennifer Ligibel and Jeffrey Meyerhardt. (June 3, 2007)
Same cancer drugs, new applications BusinessWeek
Some of the most notable data presented during the first two days of this year's annual American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) meeting was on new uses for existing drugs, rather than promising medicines still in the pipeline. Nevertheless, medical experts at the meeting, attended by some 30,000 oncologists and researchers, say they are more encouraged than ever by the direction of research. "It's a very exciting time," says Dr. Robert Mayer. (June 3, 2007)
Cancer researchers urge more funding Boston Globe
The nation's cancer specialists made an impassioned plea for greater federal investment in medical research last week, saying that a four-year budget freeze is slowing their work just as researchers close in on major breakthroughs. Dr. Edward Benz says that a number of DFCI's researchers have had their funding cut or seen promising new proposals rejected outright. (June 2, 2007)
Andruzzi diagnosed with lymphoma Scout.com
Former Patriots offensive lineman Joe Andruzzi has been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. He will begin chemotherapy treatments today at Dana-Farber. (May 31, 2007)
Oncologist takes a new role in battle against breast cancer Boston Globe
Dr. Eric P. Winer last week was named chief scientific adviser to Susan G. Komen for the Cure, the breast cancer advocacy group. (May 28, 2007)
Study: Doctors are slow to admit mistakes Scripps Howard News Service
A recent study published in the Journal of Internal Medicine suggests that doctors are more likely to say it's important in theory to disclose a medical error to patients than they are to actually confess to one. In another study at Dana-Farber conducted by Dr. Saul Weingart, one in five of the 193 patients interviewed reported having an "unsafe experience" at the clinic. But when the researchers reviewed the complaints, they found that only one percent were genuine adverse events, four more were considered close calls and 14 others were medical errors with no risk of harm. (May 28, 2007)
Aspirin cuts cancer risk Newsday
Aspirin's ability to reduce colorectal cancer risk appears to depend on the drug's inhibition of the COX-2 enzyme, Dr. Charles Fuchs and colleagues report in a study. (May 24, 2007)
Gene findings boost breast cancer research HealthDay News
Four new studies released Thursday and published in today's issue of Science are shedding new light on the genetics of breast cancer, especially for the breast cancer gene BRCA1. In one article, scientists who track how the body repairs its DNA when it is exposed to chemicals or other carcinogens say they've found a possible new breast cancer gene, called Rap80, according to a partnership of scientists at the Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute and Dana-Farber. (May 24, 2007)
Cancer's orphans: Increasing survival rates for teens Buffalo News
About 10 hospitals across the U.S. have created special clinics or programs devoted to cancer care for adolescents and young adults. Access to care is an issue with this age group, says Dr. Karen Albritton, who's developing the AYA program at Dana-Farber. As AYAs are more apt to have entry-level jobs with no benefits or be between jobs, they're more likely to be uninsured and thus probably don't see a doctor regularly. (May 22, 2007)
Developments to watch: How a diabetes drug may fight cancer BusinessWeek
Researchers at Dana-Farber report in the May issue of Cancer Cell that the drug Avadia dramatically boosted the efficacy of common chemotherapy drugs against a variety of cancers in mice. DFCI oncologists are now drawing up plans for human trials, which could start later this year. (May 21, 2007)
Mammogram decline worries heath experts ABC News
A recent study shows that fewer women are getting mammograms. Dr. Judy Garber said that the news is troubling because mammograms are for early detection, and if breast cancer is not found early, it could require more aggressive treatment and the outcome may not be as good. (May 15, 2007)
Show them the money Newsweek
Governor Deval Patrick's proposal for "gap funding" will target medical researchers whose proposals almost pass NIH muster but ultimately fall short. The idea is not a new one. Private institutions have long set aside money for near-miss projects, and in recent years they have started drawing on it more; Dana-Farber has recently quadrupled the amount of gap funding in its budget. (May 14, 2007)
The Velcade story Boston Globe
Velcade, a drug used to treat multiple myeloma, is being viewed as a model for how to develop cancer drugs efficiently. Dr. Kenneth Anderson is considered a prime mover behind the development of Velcade. Dr. Paul Richardson, clinical director for the Velcade trial, gives the Food and Drug Administration credit for assembling a cancer team that understands that multiple myeloma patients — who have only a 33 percent five-year survival rate even now — need new medicines. (May 6, 2007)
Bakers benefit breast cancer Boston Globe
Local restaurants and bakeries are participating in the annual Boston Bakes for Breast Cancer, creating tasty treats with proceeds going to Dana-Farber. (May 2, 2007)
Shedding light on acquired treatment resistance in lung cancer Reuters
Researchers have identified a new mechanism that provokes resistance to certain lung cancer drugs, which may exist in other types of cancerous tumors, according to a study published Thursday. Dr. Pasi Jänne is the study's senior author. (April 26, 2007)
Doubling-up on cancer drugs Business Week Online
Combination therapy may ultimately be the key to success for the emerging field of therapeutic cancer vaccines, designed to prod the body's immune system into attacking tumor cells. Dr. Glenn Dranoff gave the drug Ipilimumubab to patients with late stage melanoma and ovarian cancers, who had already received therapeutic vaccines with little benefit. All five patients given the most potent vaccine showed widespread death of cancer cells, proof that the immune system was on the attack. (April 30, 2007)
Youkilis visits Rally winner WBZ-TV (1:44)
Red Sox Kevin Youkilis visited Furnace Brook Middle School in honor of the school raising the most money for the Rally Against Cancer. (April 24, 2007)
The latest in cancer research The Charlie Rose Show
Dr. David Nathan joined a panel discussion on the latest developments in cancer care and research. (April 18, 2007)
Talking about Cancer On Point
Dr. Eric Winer discusses changing views on living with cancer, advances in cancer research and care, and the need for additional research funding. (April 17, 2007)
Pippig still a popular champ Boston Herald
Three-time Boston Marathon champion Utta Pippig completed her first decade as motivational spokeswoman for the Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge. Pippig, founder of the Take the Magic Step foundation, introduced the dozens of Dana-Farber patient partners during a celebration yesterday at the Copley Marriott. (April 16, 2007)
Cancer survivor ends long wait for long run Hartford Courant
Cancer survivor Rich Giveans is participating in today's Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge. (April 16, 2007)
The woman who ran around the world Boston Globe
Deborah Bullerjahn has run marathons in all continents, including two in Antarctica. A cancer diagnosis sidelined her running, but now it's in remission and she's participating in the Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge. (April 14, 2007)
Genentech tests stronger Herceptin cancer drug, may boost sales Bloomberg
Genentech is testing a breast cancer treatment that binds tumor-killing chemicals to Herceptin, causing fewer side effects by attacking cancer cells and mostly leaving normal tissue alone. Dr. Ian Krop says that it's unlikely this therapy will cure breast cancer, but he adds that it has a good chance of being a very helpful weapon. (April 13, 2007)
Cancer survivor returns to Boston Marathon WBZ-TV
Deborah Bullerjahn has run marathons in all continents, including two in Antarctica. A cancer diagnosis sidelined her running, but now it's in remission and she's participating in the Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge. (April 9, 2007)
Dana-Farber gets Yawkey gift Boston Globe
The Yawkey Foundation has awarded $30 million, the largest gift in its history, to Dana-Farber. The gift will help underwrite construction of the Yawkey Center for Cancer Care, a state-of-the-art outpatient facility. (April 9, 2007)
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute gets $30 million gift Associated Press
The Yawkey Foundation has awarded $30 million, the largest gift in its history, to Dana-Farber. The gift will help underwrite construction of the Yawkey Center for Cancer Care, a state-of-the-art outpatient facility. (April 4, 2007)
PSA may be poor predictor of lethal prostate cancer HealthDay News
The standard prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test is not helpful in predicting lethal prostate cancers in men who are not treated but are placed under "watchful waiting" by their doctors, according to research conducted at the Karolinkska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden. But Dr. Anthony D'Amico says that is is too soon to write off the usefulness of the PSA test for these patients, noting that the study has had far too short a follow-up to draw any solid conclusions. (April 4, 2007)
A 'smart' attack on cancer National Public Radio
Dr. David Nathan is interviewed on Fresh Air about new cancer-fighting techniques, including drugs designed to target cancer cells. (April 3, 2007)
New insight gained in muscular dystrophy United Press International
U.S. scientists have identified a key genetic component of, and possible therapeutic target for, Duchenne's muscular dystrophy. Dr. Bruce Spiegelman and colleagues used a mouse model to find a protein that activates the expression of several genes that are aberrantly inactivated in the disease. (April 2, 2007)
The smart-pill solution New York Times
In a New York Times Op-Ed piece, Dr. David Nathan says that targeted-therapy drugs are a key factor in helping to beat cancer. (April 1, 2007)
