Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston is one of the top-rated cancer treatment facilities in the country that collaborates with Brigham and Women’s Hospital and other institutions to provide care for patients with mesothelioma.[1] The National Institutes of Health funds much of Dana-Farber’s research, including clinical trials for the treatment of cancers, including those caused by asbestos exposure.[2]
About Dana-Farber
The modern Dana-Farber Cancer Institute sees over 450,000 patients every year. It has more than 4,500 employees, including physicians, surgeons, nurses, and specialists.
The institute is known for its innovative research and commitment to understanding and curing cancer. It has taken part in nearly 1,000 clinical trials with patients. Dana-Farber is also a Center for AIDS Research, as designated by the federal government.[3]
History
In 1947, Dr. Sidney Farber created the Children’s Cancer Research Foundation to help advance care for pediatric cancer patients. In 1969, the Foundation expanded to include care for patients of all ages.
It was renamed the Sidney Farber Cancer Center in 1974, honoring its founder. In 1983, the name changed again, adding an acknowledgment to the financial support of Charles A. Dana.[4]
The Institute has been responsible for several firsts in cancer treatment:[5]
- The development of a treatment leading to the first cases of complete remission in patients with acute myelogenous leukemia
- Remission for the childhood cancer known as Wilms’ tumor
- Discovery of a gene signature that predicts to which areas of the body a tumor will metastasize
Treating Mesothelioma
Patients at Dana-Farber receive some of the best mesothelioma treatments in the world. This is mainly due to the Institute’s partnership with Brigham and Women’s Hospital’s International Mesothelioma Program (IMP).[6]
IMP is a world-renowned mesothelioma treatment center. IMP and Dana-Farber treat over 2,000 mesothelioma patients annually. A typical medical facility may only see one or two mesothelioma patients each year.
Dana-Farber’s patients receive innovative treatment and care from some of the world’s leading mesothelioma experts. The expertise begins with diagnosis. Diagnosing mesothelioma is challenging; however, Dana-Farber doctors bring decades of experience to allow more accurate diagnosis.
Patients also benefit from a multi-disciplinary team of experts who collaborate on individualized treatment plans.[7] Dana-Farber’s Lowe Center for Thoracic Oncology, staffed by experts in lung cancer, mesothelioma, and similar cancers also takes part in treatment.[8]
In addition to the best medical and surgical care, mesothelioma patients at Dana-Farber also benefit from excellent supportive care. This includes access to social workers, patient liaisons, chaplains, counselors, and other professionals who assess and address patients’ and their families’ emotional, spiritual, and psychological needs.[7]
Research at Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center
The DF/HCC was founded in 1997 as a research consortium. This consortium includes five hospitals and two of Harvard’s health science schools. It includes over 1,000 researchers and more than $600 million in research funds.[9]
Research here is extensive, focusing on projects that lead to better treatments and patient outcomes. Examples of research include genomic studies to better understand how cancer grows and make cancer cells more vulnerable to radiation. The facility also researches improved surgical oncology procedures and immunology cancer treatments.[10]
The consortium works to reducing disparities in cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment. The Initiative to Eliminate Cancer Disparities aims to increase minority representation in research and medicine, engage diverse communities in cancer prevention, and increase cultural sensitivity.[11]
Leader in Clinical Trials for Mesothelioma Patients
Dana-Farber researchers lead many clinical trials with funding from the National Cancer Institute and the National Institutes of Health. Several ongoing mesothelioma clinical trials include studies of chemotherapy drugs for patients who have not responded well to traditional treatment.[7]
The Yawkey Center for Cancer Care
Dana-Farber has a major commitment to patient treatment using compassion and innovative clinical techniques. This is embodied in the Yawkey Center for Cancer Care, developed with guidance from actual patients and their families. The purpose of the Center is to advance patient care, improve patient experience, and improve patient safety.[12]
The Center also connects researchers with clinicians. This creates true collaboration between researchers and physicians providing patient care.[12] The facility also houses an area to test new drugs in clinical trials. The environment is relaxing and soothing and even includes live classical music performances.
Few cancer centers are more comprehensive or innovative than the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Through a strategy of collaboration and advanced research, Dana-Farber has become one of the best cancer care centers in the world.
