Dana-farber Cancer Institute

This study tested a drug called niraparib in 32 people with advanced pancreatic cancer that has specific gene changes (BRCA, PALB2, or others). The goal was to see if the drug could slow down or stop the cancer from growing. While not a cure, the treatment aims to control the dis…

This study looked at 800 children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia to compare two forms of the drug asparaginase: one given through a vein (PEG-asparaginase) and one given as a shot (E. coli asparaginase). The goal was to see which caused fewer side effects like allergic reactio…

This early-phase study tested the drug venetoclax in 5 adults with a rare and aggressive blood cancer called BPDCN that had come back or not responded to prior treatment. The goal was to find a safe dose and see if the drug could shrink or control the cancer. Because BPDCN often …

This study tested a program to help people with lung cancer stop smoking. Researchers worked with 263 patients to provide support and medication. The goal was to see if the program could help more patients quit and improve how doctors track tobacco use.

This study tested a mix of chemotherapy (CAPOX) and two antibody drugs (bevacizumab and trastuzumab) in 37 adults with HER2-positive stomach or esophageal cancer that had spread. The goal was to see if the combination could shrink tumors and control the disease. The results help …

This study tested whether giving personalized doses of the chemotherapy drug L-asparaginase could be safer and more effective for adults aged 18 to 50 with untreated acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Researchers used a pediatric-inspired treatment plan and adjusted doses based …

This study tested a combination of two drugs, Imprime PGG and Rituximab, in 25 people with a type of blood cancer called indolent non-Hodgkin lymphoma that had come back or not responded to prior treatment. The goal was to see how many patients had their tumors shrink or disappea…

This early-phase study tested the safety of combining two drugs—pembrolizumab (an immunotherapy) and AMG386 (which targets blood vessel growth)—in 62 people with advanced solid tumors, including melanoma, ovarian, renal, and colorectal cancers. The main goal was to find the safes…

This study tested whether a targeted drug called T-DM1 could be as effective as standard chemotherapy (paclitaxel plus trastuzumab) for people with early-stage HER2-positive breast cancer, but with fewer side effects. About 500 participants received either T-DM1 alone or the stan…

This early-phase trial tested a new approach for people with advanced head and neck cancer that had come back or spread. It combined special immune cells (memory-like NK cells) with drugs that boost the immune system. The main goal was to see if the treatment was safe and to find…

This study looked at whether giving blood transfusions at home is practical and acceptable for people with advanced blood cancers who have a life expectancy of six months or less. Ten patients were enrolled to receive transfusions at home instead of in a clinic or hospital. The g…

This study tested whether a single online educational session could improve sleep in cancer survivors who have trouble sleeping. 70 survivors aged 40-89 with significant insomnia took part. The program aimed to teach simple strategies to reduce insomnia severity and improve mood.

This study looked at whether acupuncture can help reduce hot flashes in people with hormone-positive breast cancer. 84 participants who had finished primary cancer treatments and were on hormone therapy were randomly assigned to acupuncture or usual care. They tracked their hot f…

This study tested a program called PRISM (Promoting Resilience in Stress Management) to see if it could help young adults aged 18-39 with cancer or desmoid tumors manage symptoms of depression and anxiety. The program involved sessions and a phone app to practice coping skills. T…

This study tested a new program called BOLSTER, designed to give extra support to people with gynecologic or gastrointestinal cancers and their caregivers after a hospital stay. The goal was to see if the program was practical and if participants liked it. 121 patients and caregi…

This study looked at whether acupuncture can ease tingling, burning, numbness, and pain in the hands and feet caused by chemotherapy in breast cancer patients. It involved 57 women who had completed taxane-based chemotherapy for early-stage breast cancer. The goal was to see if a…

This study tested whether a single online sleep education session, with or without extra coaching, can help young adult cancer survivors (ages 20-39) sleep better. 56 participants were enrolled. The program aimed to reduce insomnia severity and improve mood. The goal was to find …

This study looked at whether testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) can safely improve symptoms like low energy and sexual problems in men who had prostate cancer surgery. 136 men with low-risk, early-stage prostate cancer and stable PSA levels took part. The goal was to see if T…

This study tested whether showing patients videos about advance care planning and training doctors in communication could improve how cancer care is delivered. Over 13,800 patients and their doctors took part across multiple clinics. The goal was to see if these tools led to more…