Matthew B. Yurgelun

Matthew B. Yurgelun, MD, is an Associate Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School and a gastrointestinal medical oncologist at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI). He serves as Director of the DFCI Lynch Syndrome Center and Director of Clinical Research for the DFCI Division of Cancer Genetics and Prevention, where he leads initiatives in inherited cancer risk assessment and management.

Dr. Yurgelun specializes in hereditary gastrointestinal cancer syndromes, with a focus on Lynch syndrome and pancreatic cancer surveillance. His research explores germline cancer susceptibility gene variants, somatic second hits in pancreatic adenocarcinoma, and the implementation of multigene germline testing in patients with colorectal and pancreatic cancers. He has contributed to national guideline panels and served as President of the Collaborative Group of the Americas on Inherited Gastrointestinal Cancer.

His recent publications, spanning from 2017 to 2023, highlight a consistent focus on early detection, genetic risk stratification, and translational applications of cancer genetics. Key themes include the role of germline testing in pancreatic cancer, metabolic wasting as an early biomarker, and systematic approaches to genetic counseling. His work bridges clinical oncology and molecular genetics, aiming to improve outcomes for high-risk patients.

Dr. Yurgelun has been recognized with honors including FASCO (Fellow of the American Society of Clinical Oncology) and CGAF (Certified in Adult Genetics). These reflect his contributions to clinical oncology and cancer genetics.

He advises on national policy and clinical implementation in cancer genetics and has led research supported by major institutions. His collaborative work with teams at DFCI and Harvard underscores a strong commitment to multidisciplinary, patient-centered research. While specific grant details are not listed, his leadership roles indicate active funding and institutional support.

Dr. Yurgelun is a key member of the DFCI Division of Cancer Genetics and Prevention, working closely with investigators such as Brian Wolpin, Andrew Aguirre, and Sahar Nissim. His lab and clinical team focus on integrating genetic insights into cancer prevention and early detection strategies, particularly for gastrointestinal malignancies.