Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

Save the date for our 12th Annual Cancer Disparities Research Symposium with keynote speaker Rachel Isaaka, MD, MAS. Register here: https://bit.ly/4hBo9IQ

With emerging therapies and ongoing trials, Giada Bianchi, MD, and colleagues are leading significant advancements in treating AL amyloidosis and improving quality of life for patients. https://bit.ly/3FoEPFq

During Child Life Specialist Month, we’re shining a light on the incredible team that helps young patients navigate their diagnosis, treatment, and visits with comfort and confidence. Through play, education, and emotional support, our child life specialists turn uneasy moments into empowering experiences, helping kids feel safe, informed, and cared for every step of the way. 💙

We’re excited to announce that we’ve signed a letter of intent to collaborate with Sturdy Health to provide outpatient cancer care in Attleboro, MA. This collaboration will advance our mission to meet the needs of cancer patients throughout the Commonwealth and provide our world-class care in the community, closer to their homes. Learn more: https://bit.ly/43nP8U1

The FDA has approved cabozantinib for patients with advanced neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) based on evidence from the CABINET trial, led by Jennifer Chan, MD, MPH. Learn more: https://bit.ly/42433MO

When Pedro Vianna, MD, was 5, his mother took him to a pediatrician in their home country of Brazil. A lymph node on the left side of his neck had been swollen for weeks. While the pediatrician reassured his family that it was likely a reactive viral infection, Vianna's mother, a hematologist, had a gut feeling that it was something more. "My mother insisted on a biopsy," recalls Vianna, now a physician in the Amyloidosis Program and the Hematology Treatment Center. The procedure confirmed his mother’s instincts – Vianna was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma, a rare blood cancer that originates in the lymph nodes. Vianna, now in remission for more than 30 years, doesn’t remember much about the cycles of chemotherapy and radiation he underwent, nor the years of follow-up care. What he does remember vividly is the impact that his illness had on his family "The intense concern my parents felt lasted for [many] years," he recalls. "They were hypervigilant about any symptoms I had." Now a hematologist, Vianna is keenly aware of how a cancer diagnosis affects a family unit. "I watched my mother and stepfather, who was also a hematologist, build strong therapeutic relationships with their patients," recalls Vianna. "They had genuine concern for their patients, and that left a lasting impression on me." After earning his medical degree from the University of Central Florida, Vianna completed his residency at Stanford University, followed by a fellowship at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University. Determined to earn good marks, Vianna devoted his time to studying and clinical rotations, but it took a toll on his personal well-being. "During those years, I gained a significant amount of weight because I wasn’t prioritizing my personal health," Vianna explains. "My fiancée and I started going on runs together because she’s a seasoned long-distance runner. Running is a sport that made me more well-rounded as a person, and it taught me the importance of nurturing my physical, emotional, and spiritual health." That holistic view of well-being now informs his approach to patient care. "Because of my own experience with cancer and my personal health journey, when I meet with patients, I don’t treat just the disease," says Vianna. "I care for the whole person. Medicine has always been both humanistic and scientific, and my goal is to create a balance. I care for the person in front of me while understanding that they have a life and loved ones before and after they leave my office." Vianna also embraces the personal touch he observed growing up. In addition to discussing treatment regimens and side effects, he takes time to get to know his patients beyond their medical charts. "I see my patients and their families almost every week for months or, in some cases, years," explains Vianna. "My approach to patient care is informed by my own experiences and knowledge of how cancer affects the patient, their family, and their lives."

When Rick Porter was hospitalized in 2015, a young couple visited to brighten his day. After chatting at his bedside, Porter asked if they’d like to take a walk for a change of scenery – and greenery. Winding through the halls of Brigham and Women’s Hospital, with IV pole in tow, Porter led his friends across the Bridge of Hope to the Thea and James Stoneman Healing Garden. It was a quiet weekend, and Porter, who was diagnosed with multiple myeloma that April, relished the opportunity to connect with friends amid the tranquility and beauty of the garden. Over the years, the Stoneman Healing Garden has become a touchpoint for Porter, who now comes monthly for follow-up care. "My mother loved gardening while I was growing up in Ohio, and she used to take me to a greenhouse near our home," recalls Porter, a former pastor and teacher. "The greenhouse had a particular smell that I loved, especially in the winter because it was a reminder that nature was growing even in the cold." The Stoneman Healing Garden is dotted with lush greenery, soaring bamboo shoots, and elegant sculptures cradled under a blend of natural sunlight and soft lighting. When Porter visits the garden, the colors, variety, and fragrances of the plants evoke a sense of nostalgia and a feeling of respite. "The first thing I always notice is the smell of the plants, which remind me of those trips to the greenhouse with my mother," says Porter. "The garden takes you out of the clinical environment of Dana-Farber. I experience a different calling there. It’s an invitation of hope, life, and growth." When the Yawkey Center for Cancer Care opened in 2011, it was designed to enhance the patient experience and provide a welcoming natural space. Research shows that features such as green spaces, artwork, calming music, and access to natural light can lead to better patient outcomes. A typical day managing the garden often begins with Olivia Mullen, manager of General Services, pruning dried leaves and ensuring the space is clean and tidy. Once a week, she meets with gardeners from Foliaire Inc who tend to the air plants, bamboo trees, and orchid bromeliads. Plants are rotated every 6-8 weeks, with colors and species that adapt to the seasons. "The specific variation of plants was originally selected by a committee at Dana-Farber before the garden opened," explains Mullen. "Foliaire has followed these guidelines to provide a tranquil atmosphere. Over the years, the garden has matured and become a lush collection of plants and a peaceful retreat where patients, families, and staff can reflect, meditate, or simply take in the natural beauty." For Porter, the garden is also a testament to how we care for patients in a holistic way. "Had they wanted to, staff could have turned those two stories into beautiful office space or infusion areas," he says. "Instead, Dana-Farber chose to make a statement by putting a garden there for people to find a different type of healing."

Clifton Mo, MD, provides an update on our ongoing clinical research to advance cutting-edge therapies for patients with multiple myeloma. https://bit.ly/4im53qt

Newsweek has named Dana-Farber one of America's Greatest Workplaces for Inclusion and Diversity in 2025. The recognition underscores the Institute's unwavering commitment to fostering an environment where all staff feel valued and empowered. Using staff surveys, input from Human Resources, and publicly available data, Newsweek evaluates the inclusive practices of United States-based companies annually with the goal of providing a guide for workplaces that champion inclusion and diversity. Dana-Farber's appearance on this list – alongside a perfect five-star rating – identifies the Institute as a leader in this field. "We are so proud of the work being done at Dana-Farber," remarks Ian Matthew-Clayton, vice president and chief inclusion, diversity, and equity officer. "Creating a more inclusive and diverse scientific and medical community can improve patient outcomes, patient satisfaction, and innovation. It is an honor to be recognized for our investment, hard work, and accountability." Inclusion, diversity, and equity in the workforce is baked into our mission of providing expert, compassionate, and equitable care to children, adults, and their loved ones while advancing the understanding, diagnosis, treatment, cure, and prevention of cancer and related diseases. Our Human Resources team prioritizes equitable and inclusive hiring practices, aspiring for a diverse workforce that represents the communities the Institute serves. Additionally, the Workforce Development Program partners with Boston Public Schools and community-based organizations to prepare young people and adults to pursue post-secondary education or careers in health care. We also provide a support structure for staff that fosters inclusion and celebrates diverse backgrounds and experiences, including employee resource groups such as Mosaic and LGBTQ+ and Friends.

In March 2016, two months before joining our workforce, Sara Menendez, LAT, ATC, attended LYNKED IN, a conference hosted by our Lynch Syndrome Center. It allowed her to meet colleagues and learn about Lynch syndrome, an inherited condition increasing cancer risk. In April 2024, Menendez learned about Lynch syndrome again, but this time as a patient. "My genetic counselor shared my diagnosis, and I remember feeling an immediate sense of being overwhelmed and uncertain," recalls Menendez, a practice manager of the Leonard P. Zakim Center for Integrative Therapies and Healthy Living. "My mind jumped to several unfounded conclusions and 'what ifs.'" While much of that day is a blur, Menendez recalls one key phrase from her genetic counselor: "She said, 'Knowledge is power,' which brought me back from the flurry of worrying thoughts," she remembers. "Knowing I have an increased risk of certain cancers means I have the power to take action through surveillance and prevention." In the United States, about one in 279 people has Lynch syndrome, caused by a mutation in one of five genes. Common cancers associated with Lynch syndrome are colorectal and uterine. Others include ovarian, urinary tract, and stomach cancers. Rare skin tumors can also occur. "The average age for several Lynch syndrome cancers is in the mid-40s, but some can occur much earlier in adulthood," explains Matt Yurgelun, MD, director of the Lynch Syndrome Center. "With early detection and screening, many of these cancers can be caught and treated early or, in many cases, prevented." Our Lynch Syndrome Center is the largest and most comprehensive multidisciplinary cancer genetics group in the region to specialize in Lynch-related care. It offers personalized care supported by research, diagnostics, and screenings. Menendez, who met with Yurgelun post-diagnosis, felt well-informed thanks to LYNKED IN, but was still uneasy about managing her care, especially preventive screenings. Most Lynch syndrome patients undergo yearly colonoscopies, skin checks, and endoscopies. Those assigned female at birth receive gynecological imaging and may opt for risk-reducing surgery. Additional screenings depend on family and personal history. Staff coordinate care with primary providers for referrals and scheduling. "Dr. Yurgelun met me where I was and was honest about the implications that my diagnosis could have in the future," shares Menendez, who remains cancer-free. "Regardless of being a staff member, that’s why I chose Dana-Farber – the coordination of my care is handled and documented for me." Beyond a sense of empowerment, Menendez's diagnosis has positively impacted her career. "My diagnosis has allowed me to access a deeper sense of compassion for the patients I interact with at the Zakim Center," she explains. "We don’t know the extent of what a patient may be going through, but we can do everything in our power to be a bright spot in their day."