Jimmy Fund/Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

Since 1947, providing critical funds for breakthrough cancer research/treatment at Harvard-affiliated Dana-Farber Cancer Institute -- recognized by the NCI as "one of the premier cancer centers in the world."

Why do we exist?

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is a global leader in its comprehensive approach to cancer.  A world-class research and training institution, the Institute is home to some of the greatest discoveries being made in the basic science of cancer, and serves as a national model for new paradigm anchored in the formation of broad-based collaborations among research departments and with industry.  The Institute’s mission is to overcome the threats to life and well-being brought about by cancer, while providing the ultimate in state-of-the art, compassionate care to our patients.

What have you accomplished?

New Map of Brain Growth: Chuck Stiles, PhD, and Qiufu Ma, PhD have unveiled the first atlas showing the locations of the genetic switches, called transcription factors that control the development of specific areas in the brain.  When altered, these switches cause other genes to go awry, fueling irregularities that lead to brain tumors.

Tailor-Made Cancer Vaccines: By fusing patients’ tumor cells to those culled from their own immune systems, Donald Kufe, MD, and a team of vaccine researchers found they can tap the innate power of the body’s defenses to contain or even shrink breast and kidney cancers.  The custom vaccines coaxed the patients’ immune cells into attacking elements unique to their tumors. 

Genetic Backbone of Blood Development Revealed: Patricia Ernst, PhD, and Stanely Korsmeyer, MD, have discovered a key gene for the development of blood cells.  Call MLL, this genetic linchpin guides the growth and maturation of blood-building stem cells.  When mutated, it causes a distinct form of leukemia.  This work will shed light on what errors in blood cell development lead to cancer.

First Ever Lab Model of Pancreatic Cancer: Nabeel Bardeesy, PhD, and Ronald DePhinho, MD, have bioengineered a mouse model of pancreatic cancer, which will help researchers understand the biological reasons for the ineffectiveness of current treatments for this aggressive, rapidly fatal disease.

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