On Oct. 15-16, Northern Light Cancer Care was represented at the 2026 Dana-Farber Collaborative Symposium and Cellular Therapies Symposium, held virtually and in person at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston. Organized by the Dana-Farber Collaborative Network, the symposium brought together oncology professionals to explore advances in cancer care, clinical research, and cellular therapies.
The symposium featured updates from Dana-Farber leadership, presentations by oncology experts, and opportunities for collaboration among participating institutions.
Sarah Sinclair, DO, medical director, Cancer Care and Clinical Research at Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center, presented alongside Megan Derba, Pharm.D. BCOP, MBA, director of Pharmacy for Northern Light Cancer Care. Their presentation highlighted efforts to expand access to advanced cancer therapies in rural Maine, including the implementation of bispecific antibody treatments at Lafayette Family Cancer Institute.
The presentation emphasized the multidisciplinary coordination required to safely deliver these innovative therapies, including collaboration among outpatient oncology, inpatient services, emergency medicine, intensive care and pharmacy. It also highlighted efforts to reduce geographic barriers to treatment through partnerships with regional oncology clinics, allowing patients to receive appropriate aspects of their care closer to home.
Looking ahead, the presentation introduced the Jim and Cathy Gero Center for Genomics and Advanced Therapies, established through a transformational $10 million gift from Jim Gero in memory of his late wife, Cathy. The Center aims to expand access to genomic medicine, precision oncology, clinical research, and advanced therapies, bringing innovative treatment options closer to patients throughout Maine.
Participation in the symposium provided an opportunity to share Northern Light Health’s progress in advanced cancer care while exchanging experiences and approaches with colleagues across the Dana-Farber Collaborative Network.
Learn more about Jim Gero’s generous donation and how it will help advance cancer care for Mainers for generations to come at https://northernlighthealth.org/News/2026/Northern-Light-Cancer-Care-announces-$10-million-g.