Located in Boston, the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is a founding member of the Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center (DF/HCC), a consortium that combines the research efforts of seven Harvard-affiliated medical institutions. It is also the largest National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center in the country. The DF/HCC receives more than $500 million per year in research grants sponsored by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). This funding is used to help scientists develop new treatments and therapies to continually improve the outlook for cancer patients.

Treatment Options

A partnership with Brigham and Women's Hospital provides Dana-Farber patients the highest standard of care from some of the country's leading cancer experts. Dana-Farber accommodates outpatient services, while inpatient care is offered across the street at Brigham and Women's. Patients are treated by the same group of physicians at both campuses.

At Brigham and Women's Lowe Center for Thoracic Oncology, thoracic surgeons are internationally known for their expertise in treating mesothelioma, a rare cancer related to asbestos exposure. There are several options available for treating malignant mesothelioma; experimental treatments in the form of clinical trials are offered in addition to more standard treatments.

Individualized lung tumor therapy is central to Dana-Farber's treatment philosophy. Medical oncologists like mesothelioma specialist, Pasi A. Jänne, M.D., are experts at researching the genetic factors that cause tumors to grow and spread. Jänne performs innovative laboratory studies to help scientists better understand mutated epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFR) that are known to cause uncontrolled cell growth (cancer). Jänne believes that investigating ways to inhibit these receptors and prevent cancerous cells from resisting therapy can lead to more effective treatments for malignant mesothelioma and lung cancer.

If you are interested in learning about mesothelioma specialists in Boston or anywhere else in the U.S., the Mesothelioma Center offers a Doctor Match Program to help you find the doctor and treatment facility best suited for your specific needs.

The Dana-Farber Cancer Institute takes a coordinated team approach to cancer treatment. In addition to medical oncologists, the cancer care team can include thoracic surgeons, radiation oncologists and pulmonologists. These physicians work closely together to provide patients with all the care and resources they need throughout the course of treatment. Further, many patients can see all of their specialists in one visit. Treatments are typically multimodal, which means patients receive some combination of surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy. The most effective treatment approach depends primarily on the tumor's size and location as well as the patient's age and general health.

Research Program

Research endeavors at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute convert laboratory findings into noteworthy improvements in cancer education, prevention, diagnosis and treatment. What most distinguishes Dana-Farber's research is the extent of its researchers' collaboration. Resources are shared among the DF/HCC, which includes Dana-Farber, Harvard School of Public Health, Harvard Medical School and four of its affiliated hospitals. These institutions pool resources and advanced technology to improve cancer prevention, test experimental treatments and perform clinical and basic research.
As a principal teaching affiliate of Harvard medical School, Dana-Farber's 19 core research facilities offer countless improvements in research, training and outreach opportunities for students, fellows and scientists alike. A large series of collaborative programs are organized based upon the study of specific diseases or research disciplines.
Dana-Farber also boasts one of the largest cancer clinical trials programs in the nation. These studies help to improve the quality of patient care by testing different combinations and dosages of treatments. In 2010 the institute opened 689 clinical trials to adult and pediatric patients. Discoveries from these trials often lead to new standards in the institute's approach to cancer treatment and patient care. DF/HCC is committed to maximizing the influence of its research to lessen the burden of cancer in all populations.

Additional Information

In 1947, Sidney Farber, M.D., founded the Children's Cancer Research Foundation to provide compassionate pediatric cancer care while developing innovative new treatments and potential cures for the future. The foundation extended its services to patients of all ages in 1969, and today the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is known worldwide for its excellence in cutting-edge cancer research and clinical care.

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