Mesothelioma Foundations

Mesothelioma Doctors

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Dana Farber Cancer Institute

Contact Information

450 Brookline Avenue Boston, MA 02215
(866) 408-3324

Affiliated Doctors

Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center (DF/HCC) is recognized around the globe for its leadership in cancer research and treatment. U.S. News and World report ranked Harvard Cancer Center as the fifth best cancer hospital in the nation. In 2009, Dana-Farber was the sixth hospital to receive the National Cancer Institute’s CEO Cancer Gold Standard accreditation. The accreditation was given in conjunction with the American Cancer Society and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The center earned the accreditation by exhibiting exceptional cancer prevention and a strong commitment to health and wellness.

Over 1000 research scientists contribute to the center’s research efforts. The Harvard Cancer Center is based in Boston, Massachusetts and receives funds from the National Cancer Institute. Boston is not its only location; Facilities are also located in Jamaica Plain and Milford, Massachusetts as well as Londonderry, New Hampshire. A total of seven organizations have formed an alliance with the Harvard Cancer Center to provide the most comprehensive service possible:

Massachusetts General Hospital
Harvard School for Public Health
Harvard Medical School
Children’s Hospital Boston
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
Brigham and Women’s Hospital
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

In 2011, the “state-of-the-art” Yawkey Center for Cancer will open. The facility will maintain its affiliation with the Dana-Farber Cancer Center and the same quality of care. However, the facility will promote holistic healing with a healing garden, open well-lit spaces, leading edge equipment, and an environment that promotes healing and well-being. One hundred exam rooms, 150 infusion chairs, and 15 consultation rooms will be available to administer care and treatment.

The mission of Harvard Cancer Center is to serve all populations and all types of cancer, including underserved populations and rare cancers. They strive to promote a collaborative and empathetic environment, while seeking to maintain highest quality research, patient care, education and outreach programs. Their mantra and approach puts patient care and family first. Sidney Farber, M.D. was the founder of the Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center in the 1950s. His pioneering service toward providing the patient with comprehensive care has improved cancer patients' prognosis significantly over the years. Integrative care includes social workers, psychologists, and nutritionists.

Nearly 400 clinical trials are currently conducted at the Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center. While clinical trials provide great hope and promise for patients suffering from cancer, the reality is that only eight in 100 medications will be proven safe and effective enough to receive the Food and Drug Administration’s stamp of approval. Scientists take great efforts to protect patients in clinical trials and many show an improved prognosis.

A new technique called “cell-specific in vitro bioluminescence imaging (CS-BLI)” has proven effective in assisting scientists in determining which cancer drugs are most effective in treatment. When the cells are injected with photo-reactive compound, the cancer cells absorb the compound at a faster rate than normal cells. The affected gene causes the cancer cells to glow. The technique measures the amount of light emitted by the cells before and after treatment. The measurement indicates the effectiveness of the treatment. Counter screens are also conducted to ensure that normal cells remain unaffected by the cancer killing drugs.

Currently, Gavin Gordon, M.D. is conducting research to assist patients suffering from lung cancer and rare cancer diseases, such as mesothelioma. Diagnostic and prognostic tests are important in identifying this rare asbestos-related cancer disease in its early stages of life.