Dana-Farber’s Cantor Center: 25 Years of Excellence in Nursing Science

The Phyllis F. Cantor Center for Research in Nursing and Patient Care Services at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is celebrating its 25th anniversary, marking a quarter-century of elevating nursing science to the forefront of oncology care. Established in 2001 through a gift from Richard Cantor in honor of his late wife, Phyllis, the center has evolved into a national leader, producing over 1,000 peer-reviewed studies aimed at easing the burden of cancer for patients and their families.

Under the leadership of Marilyn J. Hammer, PhD, DC, RN, FAAN, the center’s director since 2019, the mission has expanded to include precision health symptom science and health equity. However, the core of the center’s success remains its ability to bridge the gap between academic research and the clinical bedside.

In a recent interview, Hammer discussed the inherent challenges of involving frontline clinicians in research. “It's difficult. They're very busy with their clinical care,” Hammer noted. To address this, the center employs a dual approach to support staff nurses. “In some cases, they partner with us in our direct research studies, and in other cases we help them to lead evidence-based practice projects, so bringing existing evidence into clinical practice,” she explained.

This integration is facilitated through the Cantor Rounding Program and the Evidence and Innovation Committee. Hammer highlighted the importance of active outreach: “We do what's called clinic rounds to try to engage nurses into our projects. Sometimes just when we give presentations, they'll learn about it and want to work with us.” The center also collaborates with executive nursing leadership to identify clinicians whose expertise aligns with specific research needs.

Historically, PhD-level nurse scientists often required external academic appointments to conduct research, but the Cantor Center created a model where nursing research stands alongside other integrative research centers in rigor and institutional support. This infrastructure allows the center to transform informal clinical observations into rigorous studies, such as the development of taxane titration protocols to reduce hypersensitivity reactions.

Hammer emphasized that while this work is often “above and beyond their regular clinical work,” the center strives to make the process “as smooth as possible, so that it's not an extra burden on them.” The benefits for participating nurses extend to professional growth. According to Hammer, “they're excited, and they will often have the opportunity to co-publish with us, give presentations at national conferences, so it's, it helps them with their own career development.”

As the center looks toward the future, it continues to foster the next generation of researchers by encouraging advanced degrees and maintaining a robust partnership with institutions like Northeastern University. The enduring commitment of the Cantor family ensures that the center remains a powerhouse for translating discoveries directly into oncology clinical care.