Research and Innovation

At Brigham and Women’s Hospital, research and innovation are deeply ingrained in our approach to cancer care. We constantly strive to advance the frontiers of what is possible. We are committed to expanding knowledge and pushing the boundaries of clinical care to improve the lives of our patients.

Here are just a few examples of how we’re currently innovating care for patients:

• Dual Stem Cell Therapy for Brain Metastasis in Patients with Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: Scientists have developed a promising stem cell therapy for leptomeningeal brain metastasis, a severe form of metastatic brain cancer. Tested in preclinical models, this treatment boosts immune response and improves tumor sensitivity, supporting future clinical trials.
• New Drug Combo Shows Promise for TNBC:  Researchers found that combining EZH2 and AKT inhibitors makes triple-negative breast cancer more treatable by mimicking natural cell death after lactation, paving the way for future clinical trials.
• New Safety Switch Boosts Cancer Therapy: Scientists developed a RIPK3-based safety switch for cancer cell therapies, enhancing tumor-killing effects while improving immune response. This innovation could make cell-based treatments safer and more effective in the future.
• PSA Levels After Prostate Cancer Surgery: A study led by Anthony D’Amico, MD, PhD, found that checking PSA levels too soon after prostate cancer surgery can lead to unnecessary treatment. Researchers recommend waiting at least three months instead of the standard one-and-a-half to two months. This change could prevent patients from being misclassified as having recurring cancer and undergoing unnecessary radiation and hormonal therapy.
• Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center’s neuro-oncology physician-scientists are exploring the use of genetically-engineered oncolytic viruses that can attack glioblastoma tumors once injected inside. These viruses not only target the tumors directly but also activate the immune system to help fight against them.
• Our researchers called attention to perivascular epithelioid cell sarcoma, a rare sarcoma often mistaken for a different type of sarcoma. A small but influential prospective clinical trial led to the FDA approval of its first available treatment.