In the last two decades, Stephen A. Cannistra, MD, has become an
increasingly integral member of Journal of Clinical Oncology (JCO),
serving as a reviewer, associate editor, consultant editor, and
editorial board member. In May 2011, he will replace Daniel G.
Haller, MD, as editor-in-Chief.
The
Boston-based oncologist received his Bachelor of Science and
Medical degrees from Brown University. Following internship and
residency training in medicine at Johns Hopkins Hospital, Dr.
Cannistra completed his fellowship training in medical oncology at
the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. He currently works at the
Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center, Beth Israel-Deaconess Medical
Center, and Harvard Medical School.
Dr. Canninstra's investigator-initiated clinical trials include
studies of combination chemotherapy in ovarian cancer and the role
of oral antiangiogenesis agents in treating early relapse in
patients with ovarian cancer. Through his basic research efforts
Dr. Cannistra identified novel adhesion molecules in ovarian cancer
cell metastasis and defects in the apoptotic pathway contributing
to ovarian cancer drug resistance.
Shoot for the Moon
With so many obligations, Dr. Cannistra spends the majority of
his time focused on oncology. When he does get a rare break, he
turns to astronomy for peace of mind.
"I've always marveled at the night sky-not only is it beautiful,
but once you understand how large the universe is, how small we
are, and how we are most definitely not the center, it helps to
place everything else into proper perspective."
It is this perspective that has kept Dr. Cannistra content with
a simplified lifestyle.
"I still cut my own grass and do all of my own gardening. I
don't own a Blackberry or GPS unit and have never missed a meeting
or gotten lost," he said.
Had Dr. Cannistra missed his calling as an oncologist, the
science buff says he would most likely be a physicist or
astronomer, and has invested a good deal of time into
astrophotography, a technically challenging hobby that combines his
passion for astronomy and his love of pictures.
"It's the perfect combination of left and right brain
activities," he said.
Sciences aside, Cannistra loves the American west and has hiked
in several places, including the Grand Canyon, the Grand Tetons,
Zion, Yellowstone, and Glacier National Park.
"There is something very special and transcendent about seeing
the sunrise over the Grand Canyon on a clear, crisp morning," he
said. "I'm a New Englander through and through, even though I've
never become used to the winters. But when I retire, I'm going to
Arizona."
Until then, Dr. Cannistra will continue to make his mark in the
oncology world.
© 2010. American Society of
Clinical Oncology. All Rights Reserved.
