Dana-Farber in the News
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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)
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? 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)
Wrentham mom with terminal cancer making best of time Country Gazette
Debra Pearson, a 37-year-old wife and mother of two, has stage four colorectal cancer, giving her a three percent chance of living past five years. This Dana-Farber patient is making the most of the time she has left. (June 26, 2008)
Can a plastic pad make breast exams easier? Wall Street Journal
At least three companies are making devices they say can make the process of monthly breast self-exams easier. The idea behind the pads is simple: You get the sensitivity of using lubricant, but without any mess. If this product helps a woman to be more aware of her breasts, says Dr. Eric Winer, then it may be useful. (June 24, 2008)
Health for Life Newsweek
Several Dana-Farber physicians provided comment in Newsweek's Health for Life section on cancer. (June 23, 2008)
Opinion: Truth about life's ending Sun Chronicle
Only one-third of terminally ill cancer patients in a new, federally funded study said their doctors had discussed end-of-life care. The new study is the first to look at what happens to patients if they are or are not asked what kind of care they'd like to receive if they were dying, said lead researcher Dr. Alexi Wright. (June 23, 2008)
Online services let patients seek a second opinion from home USA Today
Terri Harlow made a decision regarding her breast cancer treatment by seeking a second opinion at Dana-Farber. But instead of traveling to Boston, she submitted her medical records through a service called Partners Online Specialty Consultations (POSC). (June 23, 2008)
Vitamin D may prolong survival Boston Globe
Colon cancer patients with high blood levels of vitamin D boost their survival odds by 48 percent, a new study suggests. Vitamin D has been studied for many years, explained lead researcher Dr. Kimmie Ng, and there is significant data that it could be implicated in cancer pathogenesis. (June 23, 2008)
Carell hosts charity screening of `Get Smart' Associated Press
Actor Steve Carell was in Boston last night to attend a screening of his new film, "Get Smart," which also served as a benefit for the Zachary Carson Brain Tumor Fund at Dana-Farber. (June 20, 2008)
Vitamin D may help patients survive cancer ABC News
Dr. Charles Fuchs is the senior author of a study published this week that found colon cancer patients deficient in vitamin D were almost twice as likely to die over a 10-year period than patients with healthy levels of the nutrient. (June 19, 2008)
Vitamin D helps colorectal cancer patients - study Reuters
(June 18, 2008)
Vitamin D may promote colon cancer survival HealthDay
(June 19, 2008)
Vitamin D may up colon cancer survival WebMD
Colon cancer patients with high blood levels of vitamin D boost their survival odds by 48 percent, a new study suggests. Vitamin D has been studied for many years, explained lead researcher Dr. Kimmie Ng, MD, MPH, and there is significant data that it could be implicated in cancer pathogenesis. (June 18, 2008)
Mouse model of bone cancer is developed United Press International
Dr. Stuart Orkin and his colleagues have created a new mouse model of osteosarcoma, the most common type of bone cancer and one of the most lethal. (June 17, 2008)
'Some kids do die' Newsweek
As Dana-Farber's clinical director of pediatric oncology, Dr. Holcombe Grier does his best to maintain a balance of realism and optimism. (June 23, 2008)
The doctor factor Newsweek
Doctors and patients who battle cancer together can form a unique bond. Cancer patient Brendan Lohan was initially intimidated by his doctor, Dr. Robert Mayer, but the two have formed a friendly rapport over time. Mayer says that patients want somebody who knows them, who they have gone to battle with and come back in one piece. (June 23, 2008)
Your lifestyle, your genes and cancer Newsweek
Cancer patient Brendan Lohan and his doctor, Dr. Robert Mayer, discuss in a video the evolution of their relationship as patient and physician. (June 23, 2008)
A deadly disparity Newsweek
African-Americansand especially young African-Americansare much more likely to die of breast or prostate cancer than white Americans are, for reasons scientists still don't understand. Dr. Harold Burstein said that this disparity should change in breast cancer as researchers develop a greater understanding of tumor biology. (June 23, 2008)
Most cancer doctors avoid saying it's the end Associated Press
Only one-third of terminally ill cancer patients in a new, federally funded study said their doctors had discussed end-of-life care. The new study is the first to look at what happens to patients if they are or are not asked what kind of care they'd like to receive if they were dying, said lead researcher Dr. Alexi Wright. (June 15, 2008)
Newton resident searching for a cure her son didn't have Newton Tab
Roberta Carson, who lost her 19-year-old son Zachary to a brain tumor last year, has set a goal to raise $2 million to start a research center for brain cancer at Dana-Farber. (June 10, 2008)
Old drugs, new tricks Slate
Dr. Stephen Sallan commented that the significant improvement in the long-term survival rate of children with leukemia between 1970 and the 1990s was due to using old drugs in new ways, and not the development of new drugs. (June 10, 2008)
South Shore Hospital cancer center construction in full gear Patriot Ledger
The foundation has been laid for South Shore Hospital’s new $72 million cancer treatment center in Weymouth. South Shore is teaming with Dana-Farber and Brigham and Women’s Hospital to design, build and operate the center. (June 10, 2008)
The guy who gets things done Boston Globe
Dr. Lee Nadler is profiled in this week's 'Meeting the Minds' feature. (June 9, 2008)
Researchers link virus to increase in throat cancers Chicago Tribune
Some researchers say the HPV-linked throat cancers could overtake cervical cancer in the next decade. The virus-linked cancer appears somewhat less deadly than throat cancers that arise from smoking or drinking. Dr. Marshall Posner says that these cancers have a better prognosis, but are still very aggressive. (June 9, 2008)
Smokers with colon cancer face high recurrence risk HealthDay News
Long-term smokers treated for advanced colon cancer are at increased risk for cancer recurrence, a Dana-Farber study shows. (June 3, 2008)
Black cancer patients choose more aggressive end-of-life care HealthDay News
Terminally ill black cancer patients are more likely than white patients to choose aggressive end-of-life care, according to researchers at Dana-Farber. (June 2, 2008)
More kids get cancer in Northeast Associated Press
New research suggests that childhood cancer in Americans is most common in the Northeast. Dr. Lindsay Frazier said pollution and housing stock that's older than anywhere else in the nation might help explain the Northeast's higher rates. (June 2, 2008)
Genetic research may help pick patients' best cancer drugs Wall Street Journal
New research reported at the current ASCO conference highlights an important shift in cancer treatment and in attitudes of pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies toward personalized medicine, in which treatment is tailored to an individual based on his or her genetic makeup. Dr. Robert Mayer is quoted. (June 2, 2008)
Bone drug Zometa helps fight breast cancer Spread Associated Press
(June 1, 2008)
Bone drug Zometa helps women with early breast cancer USA Today
(June 1, 2008)
A drug is credited with slight gains for patients who have lung cancer New York Times
The drug Zometa, which is used to prevent bone loss during breast cancer treatment, may also substantially cut the risk that the cancer would return, according to a study that was reported Saturday at an American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) conference in Chicago. For now, using Zometa to prevent breast cancer recurrence should be confined to those who develop breast cancer before menopause, said Dr. Eric Winer. (June 1, 2008)
Avastin slows progress of breast cancer in trial Reuters
The addition of Avastin to chemotherapy slows the progress of breast cancer at two different doses, according to results of a trial released at the ASCO conference. The results suggest that "the jury is still out" on whether a lower, and much less expensive, dose of Avastin would be an effective option for breast cancer patients, said Dr. Eric Winer. (May 31, 2008)
Harvard medical researchers to pool work Boston Globe
Under a program announced yesterday, Harvard teaching hospitals have agreed to pool some of their research efforts to shorten the time it takes to turn discoveries into treatments. Dr. Lee Nadler is excited about the initiative, but acknowledges that it will require a major culture change. (May 30, 2008)
Champions of hope Boston Globe
Days before Senator Edward Kennedy was diagnosed with cancer, Dr. Edward Benz testified at a committee hearing chaired by the senator that was aimed at launching a new war on cancer. Now, Benz said, Kennedy's plan to reinvigorate the assault on the nation's second-leading cause of death is likely to receive high-powered attention. (May 24, 2008)
Oncologist on Kennedy Boston Globe
Dr. Andrew Norden answers questions from boston.com readers last week in the wake of the news of Senator Kennedy's malignant brain tumor. (May 26, 2008)
1948 broadcast that launched Jimmy Fund Yankee Magazine
This month marks the 60th anniversary of the radio broadcast of a lymphoma patient known simply as "Jimmy," the inspiration behind the Jimmy Fund. (May 22, 2008)
Growing arsenal may serve Kennedy Boston Globe
As Senator Edward M. Kennedy and his doctors plot his course of care for a malignant glioma, they confront a richer palette of possibilities - due in no small part to Kennedy's championing of the war on cancer since its dawn in 1971. Dr. Patrick Wen says that it's hard to think of anyone who's helped biomedical research in this country more than Kennedy. (May 22, 2008)
Living with cancer: Some inspiration for Ted Kennedy MetroWest Daily News
Dr. Mona Kaddis says that people need to realize cancer is not a killer in all cases and there are a lot of success stories. It's become more of a chronic disease than a killer, she adds. (May 22, 2008)
Advice for survivors Newsweek
Dr. Julie Silver answers Newsweek readers' questions about cancer survivorship. (May 21, 2008)
Monbo fights on Boston Globe
Red Sox Hall of Famer Bill Monbouquette is battling leukemia and receiving treatment at Dana-Farber. Mike Andrews describes him as tough and determined. (May 16, 2008)
Good news about cancer: Revolutionary treatments are saving lives AARP Bulletin
Drs. Philip Kantoff, Nancy Lin, Eric Winer and Robert Mayer provided insight on the latest in care and research for prostate, breast and colon cancers. (May 2008)
Celebrity cancer advocates urge US health care reform Associated Press
(May 8, 2008)
Congress questioned about cancer research efforts KXAN
(May 8, 2008)
Sen. Kennedy teams up with Lance Armstrong on cancer bill Boston Herald
Senator Edward Kennedy is teaming up with cyclist and cancer survivor Lance Armstrong in the push for a new bill to create a more comprehensive approach to fighting the disease. Kennedy and Armstrong were joined by Dr. Edward Benz on Capitol Hill on Thursday to announce legislation that will encourage more coordination of cancer research, prevention and treatment. (May 8, 2008)
The new specialty in cancer care Cure Magazine
Palliative care is catching on in centers across the country, improving quality of life for patients along the way. Dr. Janet Abrahm, who treats outpatients at Dana-Farber and inpatients at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, says that palliative care specialists are called once the oncologist has done the best they can but the person is suffering. (Spring 2008)
Moles and melanoma Los Angeles Times
Recent studies have shed light on why some moles are more likely to turn into melanomas as well as demonstrated that targeted therapies may be effective against the disease. Dr. F. Stephen Hodi reported that Gleevec shrank several advanced melanoma tumors in one patient. (April 28, 2008)
Red Sox "curse" jersey fetches $175,100 in charity auction Associated Press
(April 24, 2008)
$175,110 bid wins jersey cemented in stadium New York Times
(April 25, 2008)
Red Sox jersey buried in new Yankee Stadium sells for $175,100 Bloomberg
(April 24, 2008)
Red Sox "curse" jersey fetches $175,100 in charity auction Washington Post
(April 25, 2008)
Big Papi jersey fetches $175K Boston Globe
(April 24, 2008)
$175G Red Sox souvenir Boston Herald
The Red Sox Jersey buried underneath the new Yankee Stadium that has been on eBay for the past week was sold to Kevin Meehan, owner of Imperial Cars in Mendon. Meehan bid $175,100 for the jersey, with proceeds going to the Jimmy Fund. (April 25, 2008)
Gene Predicts Breast Cancer Prognosis HealthDay
According to a new study, a protein that stops the spread of breast cancer tumors in mice can predict which malignancies might spread. The gene, when added to breast cancer cells in mice, produced a unique gene signature which was also detected in human breast cancer patients. But Dr. Harold Burstein doesn't think this gene makes a contribution to predicting the prognosis of breast cancer. (April 24, 2008)
$125K bid for jersey unearthed at Yankee Stadium FOX Sports
Bidding for the Red Sox jersey buried under Yankee Stadium has reached $100,000 as of this morning. The proceeds from the auction will benefit the Jimmy Fund. (April 24, 2008)
Big Papi's cursed jersey scores $65G Net bid New York Daily News
(April 19, 2008)
Bidding hits $64G for Ortiz 'curse' jersey Boston Herald
The bidding in the eBay auction of the David Ortiz Red Sox jersey that was buried under the new Yankee Stadium has topped $69,000. The auction ends Thursday, Apr. 24 at 12:30 pm. (April 20, 2008)
Sir Lance-lot visits Dana-Farber patients Boston Herald
(April 19, 2008)
Lance Armstrong inspires Boston cancer patients WBZ-TV
Cancer survivor and seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong visited Dana-Farber on Friday. In addition to a tour of the Lance Armstrong Foundation Adult Survivorship Clinic and meeting with survivors, he also met with infusion patients on Dana 10. (April 18, 2008)
Renewing the war on cancer Boston Globe
Lance Armstrong, in a Boston Globe op-ed column, calls on the U.S. government to reinvigorate the nation's fight against cancer. He also highlights Dana-Farber's contributions to cancer care and research, especially in cancer survivorship. (April 20, 2008)
Tiny weapons, huge hopes in the fight against cancer Boston Globe
Researchers and clinicians across the U.S. are studying nanoparticles with the goal of developing more effective cancer diagnositic tests and treatments. Dr. William Oh said that new imaging technology utilizing nanoparticles is very promising. (April 20, 2008)
Boston Red Sox jersey up for auction after failed curse attempt Associated Press
(April 17, 2008)
Jimmy Fund will dig $$ from shirt auction Boston Herald
(April 18, 2008)
Buried Red Sox jersey is up for auction Washington Post
(April 18, 2008)
The David Ortiz jersey: What will it go for? CNBC
(April 18, 2008)
Unearthed Sox jersey auctioned for charity NECN
(April 17, 2008)
Gleevec pushes advanced melanoma into remission HealthDay News
A study led by Dr. Stephen Hodi suggests that metastatic melanoma can be driven into remission by a targeted therapy. After being treated with Gleevec, a woman with metastatic meloma tumors in her abdomen experienced tumor shrinkage and, in two cases, the tumors disappeared. (April 17, 2008)
Mouth swab may one day diagnose lung cancer HealthDay
As part of a round up story on news out of the American Association for Cancer Research's annual meeting in San Diego, Dana-Farber researchers provided evidence that fallopian tube tissue — rather than ovarian surface cells — could be the source for half of all cases of sporadic and hereditary serous carcinoma. (April 16, 2008)
Jimmy Fund to show off buried ortiz jersey WBZ-TV
(April 17, 2008)
Voodoo logic: So who cursed whom with jersey? New York Times
The David Ortiz jersey excavated from beneath the new Yankee Stadium will be unveiled this afternoon at Dana-Farber Cancer's Red Sox Gallery. (April 17, 2008)
Blue Cross honors Dana-Farber Boston Globe
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts announced that Dana-Farber has been selected as the recipient of its second annual Health Care Excellence Award. (April 14, 2008)
Waiting for 'Magic Beans,' cancer victims rely on drugs, hope Bloomberg
(April 15, 2008)
'Cancer' delivers hard truths Philadelphia Daily News
The documentary "The Truth About Cancer," which will air on PBS this week, is reviewed. Dr. George Demetri is featured in the documentary. (April 16, 2008)
He's still the go-to Guy Boston Globe
Guy Morse, executive director of Boston Athletic Association, is helping the organization prepare for the 112th running of the Boston Marathon. This year's marathon is different for Morse - he was diagnosed with prostate cancer last year and is being treated at Dana-Farber and Brigham and Women's Hospital, and he slipped on an icy sidewalk and ruptured both quadriceps tendons in February. (April 15, 2008)
Citing ethics, some doctors are rejecting industry pay New York Times
A small number of prominent academic scientists have made a decision to stop accepting payments from food, drug and medical device companies. Dr. Eric Winer made his decision about a year ago. (April 15, 2008)
Curse shirt will benefit Jimmy Fund Boston Herald
Dana-Farber has confirmed that the Red Sox jersey that was buried under Yankee Stadium will be donated to the Jimmy Fund. (April 15, 2008)
The big 'C' Courier Post Online
The documentary "The Truth About Cancer," which will air on PBS this week, is reviewed. Dr. George Demetri is featured in the documentary. (April 13, 2008)
A shift in dying children's care Boston Globe
Children dying of cancer are suffering less as their care focuses more on easing their symptoms than aggressively treating their disease, according to a new study by Dr. Joanne Wolfe, published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology. (April 7, 2008)
Dr. Timothy Browder, dedicated his life to children with cancer Boston Globe
Dr. Timothy Browder, Dana-Farber and Children's Hospital researcher whose work with Dr. Judah Folkman led to an important breakthrough in treating drug-resistant cancers, died of a heart attack March 3. (April 6, 2008)
Jack Supino event raises $100K to fight cancer (Salem News)
A recent fundraiser at the Danversport Yacht Club raised $100,000 for neuroblastoma research at Dana-Farber. (April 6, 2008)
