Dr. Michael Birrer is a Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School, the Director of Medical Gynecologic Oncology, Gynecologic Oncology Research Program, and the Gellete Center for Gynecologic Oncology at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) in Boston, Massachusetts. He is also a practicing physician at MGH.

The Birrer laboratory has had a long-term interest in characterizing the molecular origins of gynecologic cancers. This interest includes the identification and characterization of mutations in oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes within cancers of the ovary, endometrial and cervix. In addition, they have extensively characterized the differential gene expression in these tumors. The role of these genes in the development of these cancers has been tested using in vitro and in vivo model systems. The laboratory is focused on using the genomic events characterized in these cancers to produce translational science endeavors, which will result in clinically important discoveries. These genomic abnormalities form the basis for early detection assays, prevention strategies, and novel therapeutic approaches. Dr. Birrer’s laboratory focuses on bench-to-bedside-and-back-again approaches to produce clinically relevant strategies to better manage women with these cancers.



MD, Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology-Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA