James F. Holland

American physician and oncologist

James F. Holland, 1925-2018

James F. Holland (May 18, 1925 – March 22, 2018) was a pioneering American physician and oncologist, renowned for his contributions to the field of cancer research and treatment. He was instrumental in the development of combination chemotherapy, a cornerstone in the treatment of various cancers.

Early Life and Education

James Frederick Holland was born in Morristown, New Jersey. He pursued his undergraduate studies at Princeton University, where he developed an interest in the biological sciences. Holland then attended the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, earning his medical degree in 1947.

Career

Holland began his medical career at the National Cancer Institute (NCI), where he worked on early chemotherapy trials. His work at the NCI laid the foundation for his future contributions to oncology. In the 1950s, Holland joined the faculty at the Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center in Buffalo, New York, where he continued his research on leukemia and other cancers.

Combination Chemotherapy

Holland was a key figure in the development of combination chemotherapy, which involves using multiple drugs to treat cancer. This approach was revolutionary at the time and significantly improved survival rates for patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and other malignancies. Holland's work demonstrated that using a combination of drugs could overcome resistance and achieve better outcomes than single-agent therapies.

Mount Sinai School of Medicine

In 1973, Holland became the chairman of the Department of Neoplastic Diseases at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City. Under his leadership, the department became a leading center for cancer research and treatment. Holland's work at Mount Sinai further solidified his reputation as a leader in the field of oncology.

Contributions to Oncology

Holland's contributions to oncology extend beyond his work on chemotherapy. He was a founding member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and served as its president in 1970. Holland was also involved in the establishment of the Cancer and Leukemia Group B (CALGB), a cooperative group that conducts clinical trials in cancer treatment.

Awards and Honors

Throughout his career, Holland received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to medicine and oncology. These include the Lasker-DeBakey Clinical Medical Research Award and the American Cancer Society Medal of Honor. His work has had a lasting impact on the field of cancer treatment and research.

Personal Life

Holland was married to Jimmie C. Holland, a psychiatrist who was also a pioneer in the field of psycho-oncology. Together, they had six children. Holland was known for his dedication to his family and his passion for teaching and mentoring young physicians and researchers.

Legacy

James F. Holland's legacy in the field of oncology is profound. His work on combination chemotherapy has saved countless lives and continues to influence cancer treatment protocols today. Holland's commitment to research, education, and patient care has left an indelible mark on the medical community.

Related Pages

• Oncology
• Chemotherapy
• Acute lymphoblastic leukemia
• American Society of Clinical Oncology