Oncode Institute and its research community were saddened by the news of the unexpected death of David M. Livingston, MD. Livingston was the Deputy Director of the Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center; Chief of the Charles A. Dana Division of Human Cancer Genetics, and the Emil Frei Professor of Genetics and Medicine at Harvard Medical School. He was also the chair of Oncode’s International Advisory Board.

Livingston made transformative discoveries on the molecular origins of cancer, in particular breast and ovarian. His work was foundational for understanding cancer susceptibility in patients with mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. He was very passionate about studying ways to transforming that knowledge into better prevention and treatment of breast and ovarian cancer.

Geert Kops, head of Oncode Institute, says: ‘’David was an enthusiastic and very involved chair of Oncode’s International Advisory Board. With his broad view on and experience in cancer research and translational science, he helped shape Oncode’s scientific strategy and closely monitored its progress during its start-up years to ensure maximizing its potential. For this, we will be forever grateful. Science has lost a giant, and Oncode lost an inspirational advisor.’’

The in memoriam of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute can be found here.