Biography
Daniel Danso, M.D., is an experienced medical oncologist/hematologist with MyMichigan Medical Group and is a member of the comprehensive cancer care team at MyMichigan Health. This team includes medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, specialized surgeons, interventional radiologists, genetic counselors, as well as breast and lung health navigators.
After medical school, Dr. Danso completed an internship in pediatrics and was involved in the care of children in Ghana with Burkitt lymphoma, a form on non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in which cancer starts in immune cells. “I became intrigued by the variations in treatment responses and decided to delve more into cancer care,” he said. “I later switched to adult care which prompted my move to the U.S. where I first studied pharmacology therapeutics and then moved into adult hematology and oncology.”
Philosophy of Care
According to Dr. Danso, his hope is always that his patients know that they can talk with him and that he’s here for them not only in the happy moments but also the sad. “I discuss situations with my patients and their family members no matter how difficult, and help them make decisions about their care,” he said. “I also reassure them that I am there for them at all times during their journey. I want my patients to know that they can always speak with me and that they will have a compassionate listener. They can also expect me to be honest and frank with them regarding their treatment options and prognosis, but in a caring and considerate way.”
When asked about the most satisfying aspects of his work, Dr. Danso shared that it’s when a previously ill patient feels better and can begin enjoying life again or when he can help a patient be at peace with their illness, even if it’s terminal.
Special Interests and Procedures
As a medical oncologist and hematologist, Dr. Danso has in-depth expertise in the diagnosis, evaluation and treatment of various forms of cancer, as well as blood diseases. Common blood disorders include anemia, bleeding disorders, blood clots, and blood cancers such as leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma. Additionally, Dr. Danso has training in monoclonal antibody therapy and bone marrow aspiration, as well as hematologic disorder treatment. He has also been involved in a variety of clinical cancer trials.
When asked about the biggest advancements in the field of oncology, Dr. Danso mentioned targeted therapy where a patient’s tumor DNA is screened for vulnerabilities for which there are available drugs that can then be used to treat them with the expectation of good response at less toxicity than standard chemotherapy. He also mentioned immunotherapy where a patient’s own immune system is harnessed to attack the cancer, as well as improved cancer imaging techniques.
Dr. Danso and his wife Connie have two daughters, Maxine and Danielle. In his free time, he enjoys travelling and participating in target shooting.
