A cure for WM is within reach, now more than ever
The International Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia Foundation (IWMF) is honored to share exciting news from Dana-Farber Cancer Institute: Dr. Steven P. Treon has been named the inaugural Robert F. Tannenhauser Chair for Waldenström’s Research.
Honoring a Legacy in the WM Community
Established through a visionary anonymous gift, this endowed chair honors the legacy of Robert F. “Bobby” Tannenhauser, a beloved member of the WM community who lived with Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia (WM) for nearly four decades. Bobby’s journey reflects the powerful role patients and families play in advancing research and helping drive discoveries that benefit future generations.
The Robert F. Tannenhauser Chair recognizes Bobby’s lasting commitment to progress in WM research. By establishing this position, Dana-Farber ensures that his legacy will continue to inspire advancements that improve the lives of people living with WM.
Supporting Research at the Bing Center
The endowed chair will support Dr. Treon’s pioneering work at the Bing Center for Waldenström’s Macroglobulinemia at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, the world’s leading center dedicated to WM care and research. The gift also establishes the Steven Treon, MD, PhD, Fund for Advancing Waldenström’s Research, which will support ongoing and future studies aimed at accelerating discoveries for people living with WM.
Since founding the WM program at Dana-Farber in 1999, Dr. Treon has helped build the Bing Center into a global leader in WM care and research, with its clinical team caring for nearly 2,500 WM patients annually.
Breakthrough Discoveries in WM
Over the past two decades, Dr. Treon and his colleagues have led discoveries that reshaped the understanding and treatment of WM. Their identification of key genetic mutations—including MYD88 and CXCR4—helped unlock new insights into how the disease develops.
These discoveries led to targeted therapies such as ibrutinib, the first FDA-approved treatment specifically for WM. As a result, survival for many patients has improved dramatically—extending from years to decades.
Advancing the Next Generation of Research
The Robert F. Tannenhauser Chair will provide sustained support for bold, high-impact research. Through the Steven Treon Fund for Advancing Waldenström’s Research, investigators will pursue long-term studies aimed at understanding the earliest stages of WM and enabling earlier intervention and more personalized treatments.
A Milestone for the WM Community
This announcement represents both recognition of Dr. Treon’s extraordinary leadership and an important investment in the future of WM research.
The IWMF is deeply grateful to the anonymous donor whose generosity made this milestone possible, and to the patients, families, researchers, clinicians, and advocates whose partnership continues to drive progress.
Together, the WM community has helped transform research discoveries into real improvements in patients’ lives. With continued collaboration and investment, we believe more than ever that a cure for Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia is within reach.
Learn more about IWMF’s Research Strategy.