Mass General Brigham Receives $50 Million Gift to Advance Cancer Research

Somerville, Mass. – March 12, 2026 – Mass General Brigham (MGB) has received a transformative $50 million gift from anonymous donors to accelerate research and innovation in cancer care, particularly in the rapidly evolving fields of gene and cell therapy. This substantial investment will empower the next generation of research and clinical trials, aiming to deliver life-changing treatments for patients with cancer and other diseases.

Fueling the Future of Cancer Care

The generous gift will be instrumental in advancing clinical research led by experts at the Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute and throughout the entire Mass General Brigham system. MGB is focused on building research and clinical spaces, enhancing the quality of care, and adopting a multidisciplinary approach that prioritizes the patient experience. The funding will specifically support physical spaces, specialized programs, and the recruitment of leading experts in gene and cell therapies.

Investing in Cutting-Edge Therapies

A key component of the gift will be dedicated to establishing and expanding facilities crucial for gene and cell therapy, including dedicated spaces for apheresis – a process to collect cells – and a state-of-the-art cell pharmacy. These resources are essential for the development and delivery of these complex treatments.

Promising Research and Clinical Trials

Mass General Brigham researchers have already demonstrated the potential of these therapies, recently publishing encouraging results from a clinical trial utilizing CAR T-cell therapy to treat glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer. Mass General Brigham is a national leader in research, and this gift will further solidify that position.

Understanding Gene and Cell Therapy

Gene therapy involves using genetic material to modify how cells function, potentially enhancing their ability to fight disease or reduce its impact. Cell therapy utilizes intact human cells – either from the patient or a donor – to replace or repair damaged tissues and combat illness. These therapies have already revolutionized treatment for leukemia and other cancers, and hold significant promise for a wider range of conditions, including lung diseases, autoimmune disorders, stroke, neurodegenerative diseases, and spinal cord injuries.

Donor Gratitude and Institutional Response

The anonymous donors expressed their commitment with “deep gratitude for the compassionate and expert care provided by staff across Mass General Brigham.” David F.M. Brown, MD, President, Academic Medical Centers, Mass General Brigham, stated, “Our gratitude for this transformative support cannot be overstated. To cure disease and alleviate suffering, we must equip the world’s best minds with the support to push the boundaries of science. This gift gives our experts the critical resources they need to drive research and turn aspiration into life-saving innovations.”

Expanding Clinical Trials and Infrastructure

The gift will also fund clinical trials for emerging gene and cell therapies across multiple diseases, accelerating the process of bringing promising new treatments to patients. David Ryan, MD, President, Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute, added, “This support represents a remarkable opportunity to redefine the future for diseases once deemed incurable including cancer and autoimmune disease. It will help us expand our infrastructure, support our world-class talent as they harness the power of the immune system, and accelerate groundbreaking research—bringing hope and healing to patients and families around the world.”

Learn more about the gift and Mass General Brigham’s cancer research initiatives.