Welcome to the Ligibel Research Lab
Advancing Cancer Care Through Lifestyle
"Our goal is simple: to prove that what you do in your daily life can change the course of your disease. We are committed to rigorous science that empowers patients to take an active role in their own care."
— Jennifer Ligibel, MD
At the Ligibel Lab, we are redefining survivorship. Our research investigates the powerful connection between lifestyle factors—specifically physical activity, nutrition, and weight management—and cancer outcomes.
Based at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School, our group is dedicated to moving "diet and exercise" from general advice to precision medicine. We conduct rigorous, large-scale randomized clinical trials to understand if, how, and for whom lifestyle changes can improve survival, reduce the risk of recurrence, and enhance quality of life for cancer patients.
While treatments like chemotherapy and immunotherapy are critical, we believe that patient care extends beyond the clinic. Our mission is to build the evidence base necessary to integrate lifestyle interventions into the standard of care for cancer survivors worldwide.
Impact of Lifestyle Interventions on Cancer Outcomes
Above all, we want to harness the power of lifestyle interventions to help patients live the longest and best lives possible after cancer diagnosis. We think of lifestyle interventions—like exercise and weight loss—as cancer treatments and study how they affect the risk of cancer recurrence and mortality. This includes leading landmark studies like the BWEL (Breast Cancer Weight Loss) Trial, which examines whether a lifestyle-based weight loss program can prevent cancer recurrence and increase survival in more than 3000 women with breast cancer across the US and Canada.
Energy Balance & Cancer
We investigate the biological links between energy balance factors--like body weight, nutrition, exercise--and cancer risk and progression. This work helps us to understand how things like obesity, poor dietary quality, and inactivity contribute to cancer risk and progression, to help us develop the right interventions, for the right patients, at the right time in their cancer journeys to help prevent and treat cancer.
Preserving Function & Quality of Life
Survivorship is not just about living longer; it is about living well. We design exercise interventions aimed at preventing the physical decline and frailty often associated with cancer treatment, ensuring survivors maintain their independence and vitality.
Scalable, Distance-Based Interventions
We specialize in remote and digital health solutions. By delivering interventions via telephone, mobile apps, and wearable technology, we ensure that evidence-based support reaches patients wherever they are—not just those who live near major academic centers.
Integrative Therapies
In collaboration with the Zakim Center, we study holistic approaches (such as acupuncture and mindfulness) to manage treatment side effects and improve patient well-being.
Join us in exploring the science of healthy living to create a future where every cancer survivor has the tools to thrive.
