Dana-Farber Cancer Institute’s cover photo
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

Hospitals and Health Care

Boston, MA 164,135 followers

About us

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is committed to providing expert, compassionate care to children and adults with cancer, while advancing the understanding, treatment, cure, and prevention of cancer and related diseases.

Website
https://www.dana-farber.org/
Industry
Hospitals and Health Care
Company size
1,001-5,000 employees
Headquarters
Boston, MA
Type
Nonprofit
Founded
1947
Specialties
Cancer research, Adult cancer treatment, AIDS research, Pediatric cancer treatment, Innovation, Research, Patient Services, and Technology

Locations

Employees at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

Updates

  • We’re excited to share that the Boston Planning & Development Agency unanimously approved the design of our new freestanding inpatient cancer hospital. This pivotal milestone propels us toward the construction of a 300-bed hospital – the first of its kind in New England – designed exclusively around the needs of cancer patients. This new hospital reflects our aspiration to elevate the patient experience, seamlessly connecting inpatient, outpatient, and research services for a truly integrated continuum of care. Built in close clinical collaboration with Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical Faculty Physicians at BIDMC, this landmark partnership will harness the best of our institutions – combining our oncology experience with BIDMC’s academic strength to better serve patients and families. Together, we’re raising more than just a hospital – we're raising the standard of cancer care for everyone. Learn more: https://bit.ly/3ZDgvqr

  • Grilled foods can expose you to harmful chemicals, but small changes can make grilling healthier. Learn how tips like choosing lean meats, using vinegar or lemon marinades, and grilling vegetables can help reduce risk and promote better health.

  • We recently had the distinct honor of welcoming the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Ministry of Health Saudi Arabia delegation, led by His Excellency AbdulAziz AlRamaih. The visit included in-depth discussions on key topics such as cancer genomics, early cancer detection, immunotherapy, targeted therapies, clinical research and AI in Oncology. Our team gained valuable insights into Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to transform the health sector and enhance health and wellness across the country. We look forward to continuing conversations that will help advance our shared goals in reducing the burden of cancer, with a commitment to patient-centered and personalized patient care.

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  • We’re proud to launch Direct Connect for Firefighters, a specialized cancer navigation initiative offered to organizations around the country to meet the unique needs of firefighters—a group at higher risk for cancer due to occupational hazards. Direct Connect for Firefighters, created after an initial collaboration with Massachusetts firefighter organizations began in 2024, focuses on three key areas: increasing engagement with local firefighter departments and unions, providing oncology content for their training programs; offering firefighter organizations expert, evidence-based clinical guidance on cancer screening and early detection; and collaborating on research to develop tailored cancer screening and early detection recommendations specifically for firefighters. "Firefighters in Boston and across the country face danger every day, from the fires they fight and from increased cancer risks due to exposure to harmful chemicals. We've witnessed too many of our own battling cancer at higher rates than the general population," said Sam Dillon, President of Boston Firefighters IAFF Local 718. "Expanding Dana-Farber’s Direct Connect program to better serve firefighters, who tirelessly protect our communities, is a vital initiative. It's incredibly rewarding to work with these brave individuals and contribute to their health and well-being and assure the best oncology care is available to them, when it is needed," said Elizabeth (Betsy) O’Donnell, MD, Director of Early Detection and Prevention of Malignant Conditions. Learn more about the program: https://bit.ly/4n4O52u

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  • We were delighted and honored to host the Department of Health Abu Dhabi Healthcare & Life-Science Delegation led by H.E. Dr. Noura AlGhaithi. During the visit, we explored opportunities for collaboration in cancer research, including early cancer detection, CAR-T cell therapies, cancer vaccines, and clinical trials.   Abu Dhabi's commitment to advance cancer care through early detection and personalized medicine, aligns with our mission to reduce the burden of cancer globally. Together, we can pave the way for groundbreaking advancements in cancer treatment and research. 

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  • In a new study published in Nucleic Acids Research, researchers at Dana-Farber, co-led by joint first author Parmit Singh, PhD, and the University of Bordeaux uncovered how retroviruses such as the foamy virus (FV) navigate the human genome during cell division. They found that FV DNA integration is guided by chromatin structure and replication timing, favoring compact, active regions of DNA. "Understanding where retroviruses insert their genetic material is crucial because it can affect how the virus impacts cellular physiology," says Singh. The study also drew parallels with HIV-1, offering new insights into how different retroviruses select their integration sites. While still in the early-stage, these findings could help improve the safety of virus-based gene therapies in the future. Learn more: https://bit.ly/3HFiww2

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  • At this year’s Nursing and Patient Care Services (NPCS) Recognition Event and Awards Ceremony, we honored the incredible individuals who make Dana-Farber a place of healing, hope, and compassion. One of the most moving moments came from Paul Calnan, a patient and member of the Patient and Family Advisory Council, who shared how deeply supported he felt throughout his five-year cancer journey. "I will miss those people—those heroes — every day for the rest of my life," he said. This year’s event celebrated the launch of the new Ning Zhao and Ge Li Simulation Center, national recognition for our Oncology Nurse Residency Program, more than 100 research publications, and 17,000+ volunteer hours contributed by NPCS team members. Congratulations to all our 2025 award recipients — your compassion, innovation, and dedication define the excellence we strive to deliver every day.

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  • In September, Patrick McCormick joined us in the newly established role of Senior Vice President for Hospital Transformation. In this pivotal position, McCormick will spearhead the planning and execution of our future cancer hospital, forging a dynamic collaboration with Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) to revolutionize cancer care. “It’s an honor to join Dana-Farber and to be a part of this next chapter,” remarks McCormick. “Our patients are at the center of everything we do at the Institute, and with this proposed future cancer hospital comes an incredible opportunity to build a facility that meets the unique needs of patients with cancer.” McCormick works with leaders from the Institute, BIDMC, and Harvard Medical Faculty Physicians to plan the proposed cancer hospital and enhance collaboration with BIDMC. He oversees constructions, coordinates clinical and administrative systems, and ensures seamless operations. McCormick also develops strategies to expand and integrate adult inpatient services for smooth care transitions. "We are embarking on an exciting chapter for Dana-Farber and the future of cancer care," says William C. Hahn, MD, PhD, executive vice president and chief operating officer. "Patrick shares our vision for transforming how cancer care is delivered in the region, enhancing the patient experience, and expanding access to and advancing equity in cancer care. We’re confident that with his leadership and expertise, we’ll continue building the future of cancer care and build on the promise of Dana-Farber." McCormick has extensive experience in expanding medical campuses and building high-performing teams. Before joining our team, he spent nearly 20 years at Oregon Health & Science University's (OHSU) Knight Cancer Institute, most recently serving as vice president for Oncology Services. There, he oversaw operations for the clinical cancer program and co-managed the Cancer Business Unit. He also spearheaded key initiatives in care management, patient navigation, and value-based care, including the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation’s Oncology Care Model. Additionally, McCormick co-led the design and implementation of an ambulatory building housing cancer clinics, treatment units, an early phase clinical trial unit, and a separate patient housing facility. Most recently, he served as the hospital administrator for a new 500,000-square-foot inpatient addition at OHSU, featuring 128 beds for cellular therapy, cancer medicine, and complex surgery, with additional floors planned for future expansion. "Dana-Farber is known for its world-renowned research and clinical care," says McCormick. "The proposed future cancer hospital presents an opportunity to bring our cutting-edge discoveries and compassionate care to more people."

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  • How can young adults assess their cancer risk? Family history, genetics, and lifestyle factors such as smoking can all contribute to cancer risk. Early detection and healthy habits are key to lowering that risk. Heather Parsons, MD, MPH, explains the importance of discussing family history with healthcare providers and recognizing key risk factors to take proactive steps for prevention.

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