On the Cancer Research Frontier: Doreen Higgins, Research Nurse

On the Cancer Research Frontier is a series spotlighting the scientists, doctors, nurses, patients, and philanthropists at the Cancer Vaccine Institute. Join us in meeting the brilliant minds behind our cancer vaccines and immunotherapies as they share their professional journeys and personal stories. 

For 17 years, Doreen Higgins was often one of the first people participants met when considering a Cancer Vaccine Institute (CVI) clinical trial. Before they made the decision to take part, many sat down with Higgins to ask questions, voice concerns, and better understand what participation would mean. As a Research Nurse, she helped transform an unfamiliar and sometimes intimidating process into one built on trust, compassion, and understanding.

A few years ago, Higgins retired from the CVI. Today, she has returned from retirement to work on special projects at the CVI. Although her role has evolved, the foundation of her work has remained the same: helping people feel informed, supported, and seen. Her institutional knowledge and genuine care for others have made her not only an invaluable member of the CVI team but also a familiar and beloved presence among patients and the broader community. 

Helping others has been a constant throughout Higgins’ personal and professional life. Growing up, she had a next-door neighbor with cerebral palsy, and volunteering with Special Olympics deepened her appreciation for working alongside people of all abilities. Before joining the CVI, Higgins built a career working with people with disabilities, rising to the top of her field as a recreation therapist. Although she knew she wanted a career change, one thing remained constant: her desire to help others. She returned to school, earning her B.S. in Nursing in 1999, and began working in Swedish Hospital’s AIDS and Oncology unit. As the unit eventually transitioned to focus solely on oncology, Higgins developed a deeper understanding of cancer care and the unique needs of patients facing a cancer diagnosis.

When she was first asked if she wanted to become a Research Nurse at the CVI, Higgins had little experience in clinical research. Even so, she knew the opportunity and the community were the right fit. At the time, immunotherapy was still an emerging field, and therapeutic cancer vaccines were far from mainstream. The chance to contribute to groundbreaking research while continuing to care for others made the decision to join the CVI an easy one.

Over her 17 years at the CVI, Higgins saw immunotherapy transform the way physicians treat cancer. When she first joined the CVI, recruiting participants for cancer vaccine trials often meant introducing people to an entirely new concept. The CVI was among the early institutions leading clinical trials of cancer vaccines, and patients were unfamiliar with the idea of using the immune system to fight cancer. 

“This was the first time any of these patients participated in a clinical trial - especially an early-phase trial. I wanted them to feel appreciated and safe and be available for them if they had any questions or concerns.”

Higgins dedicated herself to educating prospective participants, answering questions, and building the trust needed for these life-changing studies. She became an important advocate and liaison between patients and physicians.

“My favorite part of the job is talking with patients and seeing them through the whole process. I’m very protective of my patients,” Higgins says. “I’ve met some amazing and brave people. I still have a connection with many of the participants to date.”

For Higgins, every interaction with a participant starts with seeing the person behind the diagnosis. “You have to look at the person first. They’re a person with cancer to me, not a cancer patient,” she says. Her patient-centered approach shapes the way she supports participants, ensuring they feel heard and valued throughout their clinical journey. Higgins’ ability to connect with participants influences the resources she creates to support them. Her treatment plans, protocols, and educational materials translate complex scientific concepts into more accessible information for participants and their loved ones.

Although immunotherapy has evolved since Higgins started her career at the CVI, her commitment to helping others has never changed. Whether she is having a conversation with a participant, preparing materials, or exploring new places in her free time, Higgins has led a life built on curiosity, connection, and care. For countless participants, she is more than a Research Nurse: she is a dependable advocate and a steady source of support throughout one of the most important journeys of their lives.