Solid tumor research and treatment expand at Institute
Cancer centers such as Dana-Farber have historically focused their research efforts on blood-related diseases. Known as hematologic malignancies, these cancers — including leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma — affect tissue responsible for producing fluids such as blood and lymph.
Beginning in the early 1990s, however, DFCI leaders recognized that although hematologic malignancies made up a quarter of the Institute's adult-patient volume, they accounted for less than 10 percent of cancer occurrences. The majority of cases were so-called "solid tumors" — tumors of solid organs such as the breast, prostate, gastrointestinal tract, brain, and lungs — as well as skin cancer and tumors called sarcomas. Dana-Farber thus decided to make a concerted effort to fortify its solid tumor programs.
"Solid tumors are the leading cause of disease and death from cancer. Studying these tumors has been very difficult for a variety of reasons, including poor access to the tumor tissue," says Philip Kantoff, MD, who in his newest DFCI leadership role is chief of the Division of Solid Tumor Oncology within Dana-Farber's Medical Oncology Department.
"Our solid tumor disease centers have grown and matured over the past few years," he adds. "I am confident that major strides will be made against a number of solid tumors over the next few years, mainly due to the convergence of robust science, quality clinical research, and, most importantly, critical masses of talented, focused, and dedicated researchers who drive our programs."
