07/23/2010: MGHfC honors amazing mothers
MGH Hotline 7.23.10 CANCER DOESN'T just affect the people diagnosed with it -- it affects entire families.
07/15/2010: Largest study of genomes and cancer treatments releases first results
The largest study to correlate genetics with response to cancer drugs releases its first results today. The researchers behind the study, based at the MGH Cancer Center and the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, describe the responses of 350 cancer samples to 18 anticancer therapeutics.
06/25/2010: Celebrating the one hundred
MGH Hotline 06.25.10 MORE THAN 650 guests attended the MGH Cancer Center’s annual fundraiser, the one hundred, held June 2 at the Westin Boston Waterfront.
06/18/2010: Cancer Center recognizes employees of the year
MGH Hotline 06.18.10 The MGH Cancer Center recognized not one but two individuals during this year’s employee of the year celebration.
06/18/2010: 2010 Claflin awards support six women researchers
MGH Hotline 06.18.10 Named for Jane D. Claflin, an honorary trustee who has championed women in academic medicine at the MGH, the Claflin Distinguished Scholar Awards are presented each year to outstanding women researchers who have the dual responsibility of caring for children.
06/15/2010: Combined BRAF-targeted and immunotherapy shows promise for melanoma treatment
Combined targeted therapy against the BRAF/MAPK pathway with immunotherapy shows promise as a new therapeutic approach for the treatment of melanoma, according to results of a preclinical study by MGH researchers.
06/03/2010: Study finds epigenetic similarities between Wilms tumor cells and normal kidney stem cells
A detailed analysis of the epigenetics – factors controlling when and where genes are expressed – of Wilms tumor reveals striking similarities to stem cells normally found in fetal kidneys. These findings by MGH Cancer Center researchers reveal new cellular pathways critical for Wilms tumor development that may apply to other pediatric cancers.
05/17/2010: Treatment reverses hearing loss in patients with neurofibromatosis type 2
Neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) is a genetic condition associated with bilateral vestibular schwannomas. It is rare, affecting only about one in 25,000 people.
05/15/2010: Avon Walk Boston supports research and care at Mass General
As part of the Eighth Annual Avon Walk Boston, the Avon Foundation awarded a generous research and patient care grant to Mass General's breast cancer program.
05/07/2010: In General awards and honors
MGH Hotline 5.07.10 In General awards and honors
04/18/2010: A Multidisciplinary Approach to Cancer Detection and Treatment: What’s On the Horizon
Cancer is a multifaceted disease that requires multiple approaches to diagnosis and management. At the American Association for Cancer Research 101st Annual Meeting 2010, scientists and clinicians will present more than 6,300 abstracts dealing with innovative aspects of biology, technology and emerging therapies.
04/16/2010: CUTS FOR A CAUSE
MGH Hotline 4.16.10 FOR THE THIRD YEAR IN A ROW, Boston Bruins players stepped into the "hot seat" -- or in this case, barber shop chairs -- to raise money for the Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Unit at MassGeneral Hospital for Children (MGHfC).
04/02/2010: Martin Research Award honorees
MGH Hotline 4.2.10 STUDIES REVEALING NETWORKS underlying key aspects of the immune system and describing a novel application of an antiangiogenesis drug were recognized with the second annual Joseph B. Martin Research Awards at the Feb. 24 Celebration of Science, held in conjunction with the Scientific Advisory Committee meeting.
04/01/2010: Treatment resistance in some cancer cells may be reversible
The ability of cancer cells to resist treatment with either targeted drug therapies or traditional chemotherapy may, in some cases, result from a transient state of reversible drug "tolerance."
03/31/2010: Improved device provides more rapid, comprehensive analysis of circulating tumor cells
Technical improvements to a microchip-based device for detecting and analyzing tumor cells in the bloodstream are revealing cellular differences that may reflect a tumor's aggressiveness and long-term response to treatment.
03/31/2010: Colorectal Screening Saves Lives
Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer death among men and women nationwide. But, if detected early colorectal cancer is treatable and beatable.
03/23/2010: A young mother battles a rare cancer
Sarcomas are malignant tumors that develop in muscle, bone, fat and other connective tissue in the human body. The Center for Sarcoma and Connective Tissue Oncology at the MGH Cancer Center is one of the few centers in the United States that specializes in the detection and treatment of these rare cancers. The Center is supported in part by the Jennifer Hunter Yates Sarcoma Foundation, which was established in honor of Yates, a patient at Mass General. Since 2005, the Foundation has raised nearly $600,000 and is helping patients from around the country battle this devastating disease.
03/21/2010: "Good" cells can go "bad" in a "bad neighborhood"
A new study by Harvard researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital indicates that “good” cells can become cancerous because of exposure to a “bad” environment within the body — similarly to the way a “good boy” may turn to crime when exposed to the pressures of life in a crime-ridden neighborhood.
03/19/2010: José Baselga, MD, PhD, joins MGH Cancer Center
MGH Hotline 3.19.10 RELOCATING FROM BARCELONA, Spain, to Boston, José Baselga, MD, PhD, chairman of the Medical Oncology Service and director of the Division of Medical Oncology, Hematology and Radiation Oncology at the Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology, will join the MGH this summer as chief of the Division of Hematology/Oncology and associate director of the MGH Cancer Center.
03/16/2010: Increased radiation dose does not increase long-term side effects for prostate cancer patients
Boosting the radiation dose given to prostate cancer patients to a level that cut recurrence in half did not increase the severity of side effects reported by patients up to a decade later. Patients also found the impact of continuing side effects on their quality of life to be less bothersome than would be expected, based on earlier studies.
03/11/2010: Possible ovarian cancer treatment target identified
A multi-institutional study has identified a potential personalized treatment target for the most common form of ovarian cancer.
02/23/2010: Combined Mammography and Breast MRI Useful for Some High-Risk Women
Annual breast cancer screening with both mammography and magnetic resonance imaging is likely to be a cost-effective way to improve life expectancy in women with an increased risk of breast cancer.
02/01/2010: Radiation Oncology Safety at Mass General
An open letter to the Mass General community in response to national concerns about the safety of radiation delivery technology.
01/21/2010: Lack of cellular enzyme triggers switch in glucose processing
A study investigating how a cellular enzyme affects blood glucose levels in mice provides clues to pathways that may be involved in processes including the regulation of longevity and the proliferation of tumor cells.
01/05/2010: Landmark bone study addresses debilitating side effect of prostate cancer treatment
Vertebral fractures in men receiving androgen-deprivation therapy for prostate cancer are associated with pain, loss of mobility, and decreased survival.
12/18/2009: Cervical Cancer Screening
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recently released new guidelines for cervical cancer screening. Dr. Marcela Del Carmen from the Obstetrics and Gynecology Service and Dr. Elizabeth Roth from the Women’s Health Associates at Mass General help put this in context.
12/14/2009: Connecting the Dots
A team of researchers led by Daniel Haber, MD, PhD, director of the MGH Cancer Center, recently announced that they have revealed a unique molecular mechanism that might control the growth of cancer cells.
12/08/2009: Possible ovarian cancer treatment target identified
A multi-institutional study has identified a potential personalized treatment target for the most common form of ovarian cancer.
09/22/2009: New drug could significantly improve patient quality of life:
Matthew Smith, MD, PhD, of the Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, led a study on a new targeted therapy to stop bone loss, increase bone density and prevent spinal fractures in men receiving androgen-deprivation therapy for prostate cancer.
08/24/2009: Minimally invasive surgery lessens pain of esophageal cancer
Christopher Morse, MD, of the Division of Thoracic Surgery at Massachusetts General Hospital has been able to remove esophageal tumors using an innovative minimally invasive procedure that offers patients less postoperative pain and a shorter recovery time
08/11/2009: Denosumab increases bone density, cuts fracture risk in prostate cancer survivors
Twice-yearly treatment with denosumab, a new targeted therapy to stop bone loss, increased bone density and prevented spinal fractures in men receiving androgen-deprivation therapy for prostate cancer.
07/15/2009: MGH study identifies first molecular steps to childhood leukemia
A Massachusetts General Hospital-based research team has identified how a chromosomal abnormality known to be associated with acute lymphoblastic leukemia – the most common cancer in children – initiates the disease process.
07/13/2009: Avoiding the dangers of sun exposure
David Fisher, MD, PhD, chief of Dermatology at Massachusetts General Hospital, offers advice on how to avoid long-term photo damage from sun exposure.
07/08/2009: Antiangiogenesis treatment improves hearing in some NF2 patients
Treatment with the angiogenesis inhibitor bevacizumab improved hearing and alleviated other symptoms in patients with neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2). The study by researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) represents the first report of a successful NF2 treatment not involving surgery or radiation.
06/22/2009: A New Milestone in the Fight Against Cancer
A landmark grant funds groundbreaking cancer research led by the Cancer Center to accelerate CTC-chip research, offering the potential to revolutionize how oncologists detect, monitor and treat cancers in the future.
06/12/2009: Celebrating the one hundred
MGH Hotline 06.12.09 It can be hard to quantify the emotional impact caregivers, researchers, donors, volunteers and advocates have on cancer patients and their families, but in many ways, the MGH Cancer Center’s the one hundred does just that.
06/05/2009: Employees of the year
MGH Hotline 6.5.09 Though in different departments, the winners of the MGH Cancer Center and the Radiation Oncology Department employee of the year awards have one thing in common: an outstanding ability to treat all patients with respect and kindness.
06/01/2009: Hitting where it hurts
A new study uncovers a gene expression signature that reliably identifies cancer cells whose survival is dependent on a common signaling pathway, even when the cells contain multiple other genetic abnormalities. The study from MGH Cancer Center researchers identifies critical molecular vulnerabilities, thereby revealing promising therapeutic targets for a common and notoriously treatment resistant cancer.
05/29/2009: MGH Cancer Center receives $15 million grant from SU2C
MGH Hotline 05.29.09 The MGH Cancer Center has been awarded a $15 million research grant from the proceeds raised by the landmark Sept. 5, 2008 Stand Up to Cancer (SU2C) telethon.
05/29/2009: In General awards and honors
MGH Hotline 05.29.09 In General awards and honors
05/22/2009: Michael Birrer, MD, PHd Elected to GCSC
Michael Birrer, MD, PhD, director of Massaschusetts General Hospital Cancer Center gynecologic medical oncology, has been elected as the new co-chair of the Gynecologic Cancer Steering Committee (GCSC).
05/22/2009: Jennifer Temel, MD Receives Palliative Care Grant Award
Jennifer Temel, MD has been awarded an American Cancer Society Pilot Project Support Grant.
05/22/2009: Avon Walk for Breast Cancer
The seventh annual Avon Walk for Breast Cancer, held in Boston the weekend of May 17, 2009, helped raise $5.6 million to advance access to care and finding a cure for breast cancer.
05/18/2009: Study examines trends in gallbladder cancer over 4 decades
Overall prognosis for gallbladder cancer appears to be improving, although many patients still have incurable disease and poor survival rates.
05/15/2009: Bernstein and Hochedlinger among 50 HHMI Early Career Scientists
MGH Hotline 5.15.09 Two MGH scientists — Bradley Bernstein, MD, PhD, of the Department of Pathology, and Konrad Hochedlinger, PhD, of the Center for Regenerative Medicine – are among the first group of Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) Early Career Scientists.
05/15/2009: The one hundred announced
MGH Hotline 5.15.09 Exactly 100 flowers were planted in the Howard Ufelder, MD, Healing Garden April 28 to recognize the newly announced members of the one hundred – 100 groups and individuals who are making a difference in cancer care.
05/04/2009: Screening the options: Dialogue an important part of prostate cancer screening and treatment
Prostate cancer experts at the Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center weigh in on best guidelines for screening.
04/13/2009: The Partnership Symposium: Conquering Breast Cancer
On Sunday, April 26, the 92nd Street Y in New York City brings together three of the leading breast cancer organizations, top scientists and researchers, and breast cancer survivors to provide clear and current information on the disease.
04/08/2009: Tiny sacs released by brain tumor cells carry information that may guide treatment
Exosomes deliver factors that promote tumor growth and may serve as blood biomarkers.
03/30/2009: Angiogenesis inhibitor improves brain tumor survival by reducing edema
The beneficial effects of anti-angiogenesis drugs in the treatment of the deadly brain tumors called glioblastomas appear to result primarily from reduction of edema – the swelling of brain tissue – and not from any direct anti-tumor effect.
03/23/2009: Her toughest opponent: Cathy and her team take on pancreatic cancer
Cathy partnered with Cancer Center physicians and staff to fight pancreatic cancer and regain her active lifestyle.
03/23/2009: Breast Cancer Fashion Fundraiser April 30
03/18/2009: Chemotherapy desensitization
What happens when you are allergic to a treatment that could save your life?
03/09/2009: Genetic profiling
Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center opens molecular pathology lab to genetically profile all patient tumors
03/06/2009: Both Latino and non-Latino women likely to accept HPV vaccination for selves and children
Most women responding to a survey conducted at MGH clinics indicated they would be willing to be vaccinated against the human papillomavirus and to have their daughters and even sons vaccinated in order to prevent cancer in their children. The report also found that Latino women are just as likely, if not more so, to accept HPV vaccine as non-Latinos.
03/06/2009: Personalizing cancer care
MGH Hotline 3.6.09 Cancer is most commonly classified by its location – in the lungs, liver, breast or elsewhere. In truth, however, every tumor is unique, and the genetic makeup of a tumor can often be more important than where it is located.
02/17/2009: New imaging technology shows promise in future cancer treatment
The first combined MRI/PET machine is being tested on brain cancer patients.
01/29/2009: MGH Cancer Center now offers pencil-beam proton therapy treatment
The MGH Cancer Center has added pencil-beam scanning to the radiation therapy modalities offered at the hospital’s Burr Proton Therapy Center.
01/23/2009: A gift in loving memory of a father
MGH Hotline 1.23.09When his father Kenneth died of a brain tumor at age 48 in 2005, then 17-year-old Justin Stanton knew he wanted to honor his father's memory in a way that would help others.
01/09/2009: Cancer genome research
The MGH Cancer Center and the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute of the United Kingdom have begun a new alliance in cancer genome research.
01/09/2009: Erika Barrett, NP, honored
Erika Barrett, NP, of the MGH Cancer Center, recently was chosen the first recipient of the center's Hematology-Oncology Nurse Practitioner Excellence Award.
12/11/2008: Cancer Center Media Coverage
Browse news articles across local and national media outlets.
12/10/2008: Hormone therapy for prostate cancer does not appear to increase cardiac deaths
Treating prostate cancer patients with drugs that block hormonal activity does not appear to increase the risk of death from cardiovascular disease, according to a study led by MGH researchers
12/09/2008: Combining targeted therapy drugs may treat previously resistant tumors
Blocking two cell signaling pathways leads to dramatic shrinkage of K-Ras-mutated tumors in animal model
12/05/2008: In General
MGH Hotline: 12/05/08
12/05/2008: MGH Cancer Center staff visit Kazakhstan
MGH Hotline 12/05/08: A multidisciplinary team from the MGH Cancer Center recently traveled to Kazakhstan’s capitol Astana to work with the city’s Department of Health to improve the oncology services at a local hospital.
12/05/2008: MGH Cancer Center staff visit Kazakhstan
MGH Hotline 12/05/08 A multidisciplinary team from the MGH Cancer Center recently traveled to Kazakhstan’s capitol Astana to work with the city’s Department of Health to improve the oncology services at a local hospital.
12/05/2008: The fight against lung cancer lights up
MGH Hotline 12/5/08 Prudential Tower Hundreds of individuals supporting the fight against lung cancer joined special guests from the MGH, the Massachusetts chapter of the Lung Cancer Alliance, WCVB-TV’s Heather Unruh, and state public health and public policy leaders for a touching candlelight vigil at the Prudential Center Courtyard Nov. 20.
11/16/2008: Tiny sacs released by brain tumor cells carry information that may guide treatment
MGH researchers have found that tiny membrane-covered sacs released from glioblastoma cells contain molecules that may help guide treatment of the deadly brain tumor.
06/11/2008: Massachusetts General Hospital ranked on U.S. News national honor roll
The third oldest general hospital in the United States and the oldest and largest hospital in New England, Mass General continues its tradition of excellence today. The hospital is consistently ranked among the top five hospitals in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. In 2008, Mass General was redesignated a Magnet hospital, the highest honor for nursing excellence awarded by the American Nurses Credentialing Center.
06/14/2010: Synergy Magazine: Spring 2010
Read Synergy Magazine
This issue, entitled "A year in review...a look to the future" highlights the Cancer Center's progress in understanding, preventing and curing cancer over the last year.
06/07/2010: Advances at the Mass General Cancer Center - Summer 2010
Advances at the Mass General Cancer Center - Summer 2010
Introducing ADVANCES
at the MASS GENERAL CANCER CENTER,
a new physician publication of the
Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer
Center. This newsletter will update you twice
a year on how Mass General Cancer Center
researchers and clinicians are helping to
transform cancer care by approaching new
thresholds in treatment that help us better
understand the disease.
Subscribe to Advances at the Mass General Cancer Center
05/17/2010: Advances at Mass General
Advances at Mass General, spring 2010 issue
Read Advances at Mass General, a bi-annual news magazine published for our colleagues from the physicians of Massachusetts General Hospital.
10/09/2009: Synergy Magazine: Fall 2009
Synergy: Fall 2009
This issue of Synergy focuses on sarcoma and soft tissue cancers.
04/01/2009: Proto: Dispatches from the frontiers of medicine
Proto magazine, Spring 2009 issue
The Spring 2009 issue of Proto, a magazine that reaches 75,000 thought leaders nationwide, explores new developments in organ transplantation, the relationship between public art and public health, creating stem cells from an unlikely source and the rollercoaster history of hormone replacement therapy.
01/01/2009: Proto: Dispatches from the frontiers of medicine
Proto magazine, Winter 2009 issue
The Winter 2009 issue of Proto, a magazine that reaches 75,000 thought leaders nationwide, features sociable robots, the model organism C. elegans, restorative neuroscience, micro medical practices and an elite set of HIV patients.
12/11/2008: A Guide to the Cancer Center for Patients and Families
View the PDF
A guide to treatment programs, as well as support, education and wellness services available to patients and families.
12/01/2008: Synergy
View this publication
Synergy
07/01/2008: Synergy- Summer '08
View this publication
Synergy: Summer edition, 2008
12/12/2007: Journeys
View this publication
Massachusetts General Hospital Annual Report 2007
01/11/2007: Vision
View this publication
Vision is a magazine for the MGH community, donors and friends. In this issue read about the Massachusetts General Hosptial Cancer Center.
10/29/2010: Surgery of the Thyroid & Parathyroid Glands
October 29 - 30, 2010. This course is intended to be a two-day comprehensive review and update of surgery of the thyroid and parathyroid glands.
07/31/2010: McKenzie Motorcycle Run benefiting MassGeneral Hospital for Children's Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Unit
First Annual McKenzie Motorcycle Run benefiting MassGeneral Hospital for Children's Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Unit.
07/26/2010: Seventh Annual John "Ace" Estrella Memorial Golf Tournament
Join us for a day of golf benefiting the Mass General Cancer Center.
07/17/2010: Ovarian Cancer Survivors Course
A full-day course for ovarian cancer survivors, their loved ones, and anyone interested in learning more.
07/17/2010: Walk for Sarcoma Awareness
Walk the freedom trail while raising awareness for Sarcoma
07/10/2010: Granite State Quest
The mission of the Granite State Quest is to raise funds to conquer childhood cancer.
07/10/2010: 2010 Granite State Quest
The mission of the Granite State Quest is to raise funds to conquer childhood cancer.
06/26/2010: The Julie Fund Walk
Come on down and take a walk around the Charles to help support The Julie Fund.
06/12/2010: Run of Hope
Join us for the Run of Hope, a 5k run/2k walk benefiting the Hematology-Oncology Program at MassGeneral Hospital for Children.
06/03/2010: Epigenetics and Disease Symposium
The Epigenetics and Disease Symposium will take place on June 3, 2010.
05/15/2010: Thoracic Malignancies
Current practice and controversies in thoracic malignancy
05/08/2010: 6th Annual 12,402 Steps to Cure Sarcoma Walk
The Jennifer Hunter Yates Sarcoma Foundation (JHYSF) is hosting its 6th annual walk in support of sarcoma research, education and family support.
05/06/2010: Friends of the Mass General Cancer Center Luncheon
Luncheon celebrating 25 years of the Friends of the Mass General Cancer Center
04/24/2010: Tim Quinn, Celebrity Face Designer @ Saks to Benefit Mass General Cancer Center
Tim Quinn of Giorgio Armani Beauty appearance at Saks Fifth Avenue, benefiting the Mass General Cancer Center.
04/10/2010: Sandra L. Olson Lung Cancer Fund 1st Annual Springtime Gala
A fundraising gala in support of lung cancer research.
11/21/2009: Julie Fund Gala
Enjoy cocktails, dinner, dancing and a live auction -- all to benefit the Julie Fund for Women's Cancers.
11/19/2009: Wilkins Visiting Professor Lecture
David Jones, MD, presents "Introduction of Molecularly-Targeted Therapies for Lung Cancer by Surgeons: The Road Less Travelled."
11/12/2009: Friends of the Cancer Center 2009 Event
The Friends of the Mass General Cancer Center present a Holiday Shopping Benefit at Saks Fifth Avenue
10/18/2009: When a Child Knows Someone with Cancer
Helping Young Children Cope with the Cancer Diagnosis of a Loved One
06/03/2009: theonehundred
06/03/2009: theonehundred
Esophagectomy
An esophagectomy is the removal of part or all of the esophagus. It is usually performed to remove cancerous tissue from the body.
Proton Beam
Introduction to Department of Radiation Oncology at the Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center
What to Expect - Types of Radiation and Proton Beam Therapy Procedures
Important information about types of cancer treatment at Mass General.
Cancer Breakthroughs
Research at Mass General leads to breakthroughs in cancer treatment and prevention.
Illuminations February - May 2010
View images from the Illuminations February - May 2010 exhibition.
Genotyping and Targeted Therapies Radio Ad
David P. Ryan, MD, clinical director of the Cancer Center and Tucker Gosnell Center for Gastrointestinal Cancers talks about targeted therapies and genetic testing at the Cancer Center.
Illuminations: June - September 2010
View images from the Illuminations June - September 2010 exhibition.
Trailer for Boston Med
Trailer for the eight-part documentary featuring clinicians at Mass General.
The HOPES Program: Expressive Arts Therapy
With support from our art therapist, creative activities like making a collage, painting or writing can help people with cancer feel better. Art therapy can help them reduce stress, provide a way to express their feelings and develop coping skills to manage their cancer journey. "Creating art is wonderful therapy. It is very relaxing and helps me work through my feelings about cancer." - Patient with cancer
The HOPES Program: Music Therapy
By making music, listening to music or composing songs with our music therapist people with cancer can develop skills to help them through their cancer experience. Music therapy provides an outlet for their emotions, and can help reduce stress, decrease side effects like nausea and manage pain. “My daughter told me that while she was playing music with you, she didn't feel the pain at all. So please keep doing what you are doing and know that you do make a difference.” - Mom of patient with cancer
Translational Research Lab (TRL)
The Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center is committed to advancing oncology care by tailoring treatment options to the individual cancer patient. The basic mission of the Translational Research Laboratory (TRL) is to provide rapid personalized genomic testing as an important component of routine care, thereby minimizing generalizations made in treatment decisions.
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