About the Immuno-Oncology Program
Immuno-Oncology at BIDMC
Our program has helped develop new standard approaches to treating kidney cancer and melanoma. Clinicians see 200 new patients a year, offer more than 20 open research protocols, and enroll 150 plus patients annually in research studies. Specialized areas of research and treatment include:
- Interleukin-2 based therapy
- Vaccines, cytokines and other immunotherapies
- Angiogenesis and signal transduction inhibitors
- Pro-apoptotic agents to promote programmed cell death
Research study grants from NIH, foundations and industry support this groundbreaking work, as do two National Cancer Institute (NCI)-sponsored SPORE grants in skin and kidney cancer as a member of the Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center (DF/HCC).
A Note from the Program Director
On behalf of my colleagues and myself, welcome to the Immuno-Oncology Program. Our program is nationally recognized for leadership in the treatment of metastatic melanoma and kidney cancer. We offer our patients access to leading-edge treatment options and clinical trials. Our clinical and research philosophy is based on providing the highest quality care to support the whole patient and their families.
Our website provides detailed information about the Immuno-Oncology Program. You will find information about your disease, including multimedia presentations and information on available treatment options. Under Meet Our Team, you can learn about the medical staff that will care for you and how to contact them either by phone or e-mail.
In the Immuno-Oncology Program, we utilize a team approach to offer full service cancer care. Our team consists of Medical Oncologists, Surgical Oncologists, Nurse Practitioners and Nurse Coordinators, Oncology Fellows, and Clinical Research Associates. At your initial visit, an Oncology Fellow, a Nurse Coordinator, and one of our attending Medical Oncologists will review your case in detail. The information that is gathered at your first visit is presented at our weekly patient conference. Therefore, our final recommendations for your treatment plan are developed through a comprehensive review and input from all members the Immuno-Oncology Program. Throughout your treatment process, you will be cared for by our renowned nursing staff.
A Clinical Research Associate may meet with you at one of your appointments to ask if you would be interested in participating in a study. Our studies are completely voluntary and will not affect your medical care should you decide not to participate.
Our program has access to many exceptional resources at BIDMC. We regularly consult with surgeons, radiologists, radiation oncologists, nutritionists and pain management specialists, and can offer our patients timely and efficient referrals to these services as needed. We have a team of social workers dedicated to the special needs of oncology patients. They will be glad to meet with you and your family at any time.
We are pleased that your physician decided to refer you to our program and recognize that he or she is placing enormous trust in our ability to offer you outstanding care. We are always available by phone, if you or your referring physician have any questions. We will work with you to ensure that your physician's trust is rewarded and that the care you receive is a very positive experience for you and your family.
Sincerely yours,
David F. McDermott, MD