Cancer affects us all in some way, whether we have experienced it personally or know someone who has. Yet, there is reason to be hopeful.
At Mass General Brigham, hundreds of investigators are working to advance the fight against cancer. From developing innovative diagnostic tools to creating cutting-edge therapies, these experts are using cancer research to better understand, treat, and ultimately cure one of the most complex diseases of our time.
Meet seven of the brightest minds at MGB who are at the forefront of improving cancer care through research.
Manisha Bahl, MD
Physician Investigator
Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute
“My research focuses on using artificial intelligence (AI) to improve treatment strategies and outcomes for women with high-risk breast lesions and early-stage breast cancer.
Our team aims to better identify which patients will benefit from aggressive treatment and which can safely avoid unnecessary surgery.
This approach supports more personalized and less invasive care for our patients, while also reducing the costs and health complications associated with overtreatment.“
Cesar Castro, MD, MMSC
Physician Investigator
Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute
"Our work seeks to harness the power of nanotechnology and CRISPR to identify and track tiny cancer vesicles (exosomes) in blood that contain information about the primary cancer site, including its genetic makeup (e.g., mutations).
When patients with solid tumors complete their primary therapy, it is very common for initial cases of 'no evidence of disease' to have cancer recur at some point later because microscopic disease was not visible with conventional imaging.
As such, our forward-thinking work could outperform the current 'state-of-the-art' liquid biopsy platforms and better position oncologists to track microscopic cancer and inform treatments."
Priscilla Brastianos, MD
Physician Investigator
Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute
"My research team and I are working to improve the lives of people with primary and metastatic brain tumors by uncovering what drives these cancers and turning that knowledge into better treatments.
For brain metastases, our research is advancing the development of new targeted and immune-based therapies.For papillary craniopharyngioma, a rare brain tumor, we have discovered an effective targeted treatment that is changing care for patients today.
Together, these efforts aim to ensure that patients facing brain tumors have access to more effective and personalized treatment options."
Anthony D'Amico, MD, PhD
Physician Investigator
Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute
"Randomized clinical trials have not conclusively determined whether additional treatment after radical prostatectomy (the complete surgical removal of the prostate gland) for prostate cancer is needed to optimize cure rates.
Our research has shown that a very specific group of patients, identifiable based on factors observed at prostatectomy, may experience higher cure rates if additional treatment with radiation and hormonal therapy is given."
David Ting, MD
Physician Investigator
Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute
“Most cancer drugs target just 2% of our genome—the part that codes for proteins. But the other 98%, known as the dark genome, is now showing up in cancers.
We’ve discovered a new target in this dark genome that could open up powerful new ways to fight cancer.
In pancreatic cancer, for example, a dark genome protein called LINE1 ORF1 helps tumors hide from the immune system and spread.
By targeting it, we could boost treatment response, stop the cancer from spreading, and give more patients a chance at long-term remission—even a potential cure.“
Daniel Faden, MD, FACS
Physician Investigator
Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute
“As a cancer surgeon, I see patients every week whose cancers are only discovered once they’ve reached an advanced stage, requiring harsh treatments.
That’s why my research team and I are working to develop blood tests that can detect cancer at its earliest stages—before symptoms appear.
With earlier detection, I and other cancer doctors could offer patients gentler, more effective treatment, with fewer side effects and better chances of cure. Too often, people are diagnosed only once their cancer is advanced. Our goal is to change that.“
Raymond Mak, MD
Physician Investigator
Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute
“[We developed] FaceAge, an AI tool that estimates biological age from a simple facial photo, offering clues about a patient’s resilience beyond their chronological age (their age based on their date of birth).
In cancer care, this could help identify which patients are more or less likely to need support to get through a difficult treatment like radiation, surgery or chemotherapy.
Our research has shown that by adding AI-based biomarkers of health like FaceAge into clinical care, we can give clinicians a new way to personalize treatment decisions.“
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