Dana-Farber in the News
July-September 2006
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New Web tool may speed drug discovery Boston Globe
(September 29, 2006)
Computer program links drugs to diseases United Press International
Local scientists have created what they hope will become the Google of drug discovery: a free, Web-based search engine that quickly finds potential new compounds to treat particular diseases. Drs. Scott Armstrong and Todd Golub were among the researchers involved in the creation of the site. (September 28, 2006)
Quiz calculates odds of colon cancer type United Press International
(September 28, 2006)
Web site about genetic testing helps predict risk of colon cancer Voice of America
(September 27, 2006)
New tools to predict genetic risk for colorectal cancer HealthDay
(September 26, 2006)
Quiz may predict genetic colon cancer WebMD
(September 26, 2006)
Disease double-teamed Newsday
Scientists from Dana-Farber and Brigham and Women's Hospital have created an online tool to assess a person's genetic risk for colorectal cancer, a common killer that, if identified early, is preventable and responsive to treatment. (September 27, 2006)
Experimental lotion could be secret to a safe tan National Public Radio
(September 21, 2006)
New 'skinny' on pigmentation WBUR
In a study in the journal Nature, Dr. David Fisher and colleagues reported that they were able to alter skin pigmentation to become tanned without exposure to ultraviolet rays. The findings may suggest a novel way of preventing skin cancer. (September 21, 2006)
Summer cows put out to pasture after Jimmy Fund benefit auction Boston Herald
(September 22, 2006)
Jimmy Fund auctions cows for cash WHDH-TV
The cows that were displayed all over downtown Boston this summer were auctioned off last night, with proceeds going to the Jimmy Fund. (September 21, 2006)
Lotion gives mice tan, may be cancer shield Boston Globe
(September 21, 2006)
Rub on a tan and prevent skin cancer? HealthDay News
(September 21, 2006)
U.S. scientists study skin pigmentation United Press International
(September 20, 2006)
Tanning cream may ward off skin cancer Reuters
(September 20, 2006)
"Safe" tan triggered by plant extract, study says National Geographic Online
(September 20, 2006)
Cream prevents sun damage in red-furred mice MedPage Today
(September 20, 2006)
Scientists develop a sunless tan BBC News
(September 20, 2006)
Minty chemical could be skin cancer guard TheBostonChannel.com
In a study in the journal Nature, Dr. David Fisher and colleagues reported that they were able to alter skin pigmentation to become tanned without exposure to ultraviolet rays. The findings may suggest a novel way of preventing skin cancer. (September 20, 2006)
The tumor that isn't: Blocking a path to cancer New York Times
Scientists are studying moles to determine why they start out the same way that malignant tumors do, with a mutated gene that lets cells proliferate wildly, but then stop dividing. Dr. David E. Fisher and others believe that a similar phenomenon happens inside the body as well, with tiny tumors heading off on the path to cancer and then halting forever. (September 19, 2006)
State calls for more cancer facilities Boston Globe
Need for cancer care services in Massachusetts is expected to rise notably in the future. Dana-Farber has applied for city approval to build a 13-story clinical center that will include roughly 100 additional rooms and 140 additional chemotherapy infusion chairs. Janet Porter says that most of Dana-Farber's growth is driven by intensity of treatment and survivorship. (September 18, 2006)
He walked a mile in their shoes: Jimmy Fund supporter diagnosed with cancer Boston Herald
(September 18, 2006)
For cancer survivors, a job hunt can be the next big obstacle New York Times
Cancer survivors face particular problems in the job market. Many have unexplained gaps in their résumés, or sudden plateaus in their careers, due to focusing on fighting their disease. But Richard Boyajian, a leukemia survivor and Dana-Farber nurse practitioner, feels his own cancer experiences helped him on the job. (September 17, 2006)
Thousands walk marathon trail to raise money for research Associated Press
Approximately 7,000 walkers participated in the annual Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk yesterday. (September 17, 2006)
Wonder Drugs Golf for Women
Noting that postsurgical drug therapy has become a vital part of breast cancer care, Dr. Ann Partridge explains that treatments are now being tailored to a patient's specific tumor type and characteristics. (September/October 2006)
Vitamin D may lower pancreatic cancer risk Health Day News
(September 14, 2006)
A ray of hope for pancreatic cancer? USA Today
Consuming the recommended daily amount of vitamin D could nearly halve your risk for deadly pancreatic cancer, according to research presented in the September issue of Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers and Prevention. The study was co-authored by Dr. Charles Fuchs. (September 13, 2006)
Support for patients just a mouse click away New York Times
In recent years, many Web sites have been created to help people with serious illnesses and their families stay connected to a broad network of loved ones. These patient Web sites let those who want to help to know what is most needed minute to minute, according to Michael Hubner, a director of social work at Dana-Farber, which sponsors a nonprofit online service. (September 12, 2006)
Discoveries deepen the understanding of deepen the understanding of triggers and treatment The Oregonian
Breast cancer patients 63 or younger may have more serious side effects from chemotherapy than thought, according to researchers at Dana-Farber and Harvard Medical School. (September 11, 2006)
Young cancer survivor offers Sox pitcher encouragement TheBostonChannel.com
A local teenager battling non-Hodgkin's lymphoma wrote a letter of encouragement to Red Sox pitcher Jon Lester, who is currently undergoing chemotherapy at Dana-Farber for the disease. (September 11, 2006)
Lester to begin treatment Friday Associated Press
Lester is prepared to fight Boston Globe
Lester starts chemo tomorrow Boston Herald
Red Sox pitcher has lymphoma, team says Associated Press
Red Sox pitcher Jon Lester has been diagnosed with anaplastic large cell lymphoma. Dr. Robert Soiffer said that the disease, a type of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, can strike at any age and typically is responsive to chemotherapy and very treatable. (September 7, 2006)
Scientists decry stem cell rules Associated Press
Local researchers are concerned that recently adopted stem cell research regulations may inhibit scientists from participating in stem cell research conducted in other states. In May, leaders of several hospitals and universities, including Dr. Edward J. Benz, Jr, submitted written testimony opposing the proposed regulations. (September 7, 2006)
Surviving childhood cancer into adulthood Time.com
Survivors of childhood cancer often suicidal USA Today
Dr. Christopher Recklitis and colleagues have published a study in the Journal of Clinical Oncology that found that many adult survivors of pediatric cancer have considered, or attempted, suicide, even decades after their diagnoses. (Aug 28, 2006)
Interview with Sheryl Crow CNN Larry King Live (1:55)
Singer Sheryl Crow, while talking about her experience with breast cancer, mentions Drs. Larry Shulman and Ann Partridge, as well as Dana-Farber's survivorship and young women and breast cancer programs. (August 23, 2006)
Prostate cancer: Major risk for blacks United Press International
Black health risks traced Newsday
Researchers have found a region of the human genome that accounts for the higher risk of prostate cancer in black Americans with African ancestry, explains Dr. Matthew Freedman, the study's lead author. (August 23, 2006)
Childhood cancer survivors at raised risk for suicide HealthDay News
More than one in eight adult survivors of childhood cancer have had suicidal thoughts or attempted to take their lives, according to a new study led by Dr. Christopher Recklitis. (August 21, 2006)
Low-risk prostate cancer often overtreated ABC World News Tonight (2:03)
Oliver Sartor, MD, explains why some men choose to treat slow growing prostate cancer. (August 15, 2006)
Even these angels need some help: Jimmy Fund truly a worthy cause Boston Herald
Herald columnist Gerry Callahan commends the work of the Jimmy Fund Clinic staff. (August 15, 2006)
Chemo Harms More Breast Cancer Patients Associated Press
Breast cancer chemo side effects elevated Reuters
Analysis: Chemo riskier than believed? United Press International
Chemo Shows More Side Effects Than Expected HealthDay News
Chemotherapy may cause more serious side effects for breast cancer patients under age 64 than previously thought, according to a Journal of the National Cancer Institute study. Lead author Dr. Michael Hassett says the study doesn't question chemotherapy's value, but he adds that the oncology community is still struggling to learn which women benefit the most from the treatment. (August 14, 2006)
TV Matters: When Watching Affects Walking New York Times
Studies have suggested a connection between watching television and physical inactivity. Now research led by Dr. Gary G. Bennett has found that for each hour of television watched, participants took an average of 144 fewer steps. (August 8, 2006)
TV watching reduces physical activity WBZ-AM (2:27)
Gary Bennett, PhD, comments on his study that found that the more television people watched, the less active they were. (July 27, 2006)
Medication Errors National Public Radio (4:25)
The National Institute of Medicine has published a report on medication errors, which estimates that 1.5 million Americans are harmed every year by medication mistakes. Dana-Farber's computerized chemotherapy order entry system was highlighted as one way that technology is being used to reduce errors. Sylvia Bartel explained how the system works and Jim Conway commented that while it shouldn't be viewed as perfect, it likely is the most advanced system in the country. (July 21, 2006)
Sheryl Crow visits Dana-Farber patients CBS4 (2:14)
The family of a young neuroblastoma patient discusses how Sheryl Crow's surprise visit to Dana-Farber brightened their day. (July 7, 2006)
