Massachusetts boasts some of the world’s most important health care institutions, including Massachusetts General Hospital, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, and Harvard Medical School.
Our state is also renowned for world-class cancer treatment and is regarded as the birthplace of modern oncology. From pioneering chemotherapy to establishing world-class research institutions, Massachusetts has long been hailed as a leader in the global fight against cancer thanks to the “father of modern chemotherapy,” Dr. Sidney Farber.
There are few names with as much impact as significant as Dr. Farber’s. His legacy is a testament to scientific innovation in Massachusetts and the shift that solidified the state as a leader in medical innovation and research.
Dr. Farber began his career as a pathologist, focusing on pediatric pathology at Boston Children’s Hospital. There, his interest in cancer, particularly in children, began to take shape at a time when cancer was typically seen as a death sentence. In 1947, Farber made a groundbreaking discovery: he successfully used a drug called aminopterin, a derivative of folic acid, to induce remission in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).
This was the first time that a chemical agent had been shown to temporarily halt cancer, marking the birth of modern chemotherapy. A monumental step forward!
Dr. Farber’s work caught the attention of influential philanthropists, which led to the creation of the Children’s Cancer Research Foundation in 1947. The foundation provided compassionate, state-of-the-art treatment for children with cancer while advancing research to develop future preventatives, treatments, and cures. This foundation grew into what is now known as the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute—one of the world’s leading centers for cancer treatment and research, based in Massachusetts.
Dr. Farber’s vision for Dana-Farber was to bridge the gap between laboratory research and patient care, ensuring that scientific discoveries could be translated into life-saving treatments. His work in both pediatric and adult cancer care has shaped the institute’s mission and continues to guide its work today. Dr. Farber’s innovation laid the groundwork for advances in chemotherapy and helped shift the focus of cancer treatment from palliative care to active, aggressive treatment aimed at curing the disease.
Today, the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute remains a leader in cancer research and treatment, building on Dr. Farber’s legacy of innovation, compassion, and relentless pursuit of a cure. The institute’s dedication to both cutting-edge research and holistic patient care reflects Farber’s belief that science and humanity must go hand in hand in the fight against cancer.
Dr. Sidney Farber’s story is one of hope and determination. In an era when cancer was often viewed as untreatable, he dared to challenge the norms and pursue new avenues of treatment. His groundbreaking work not only saved lives but also showed that cancer could be fought and beaten.
