Cancer Research | Penn Today

Fluorescent imaging of glioblastoma under a microscope.

A serendipitous find leads to lifesaving discoveries

A Penn-led team has revealed a how hydralazine, one of the world’s oldest blood pressure drugs and a mainstay treatment for preeclampsia, works at the molecular level. In doing so, they made a surprising discovery—it can also halt the growth of aggressive brain tumors.

3 min. read

2025 Basser Center Awards

The Basser Center for BRCA at the Abramson Cancer Center has announced two awards for 2025. Ephrat Levy-Lahad of Shaare Zedek Medical Center and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem is the recipient of the 2025 Basser Global Prize for her BRCA1 and BRCA2-related research. Alan D. D’Andrea of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is awarded the 2025 BRCA Impact Award for his research in in cancer genetics.

Study finds mRNA coronavirus vaccines prolonged life of cancer patients

Katalin Kariko of the Perelman School of Medicine says that there are about 150 ongoing clinical trials of mRNA vaccines around the world, with almost half for treatment of infectious diseases and many others for cancers.

‘Weaponized’ CAR T-cell therapy shows promise against solid tumors

Steven Albelda of the Perelman School of Medicine comments on CAR T therapy for solid tumors.

Tumor-on-a-chip offers insight into cancer-fighting cells in immunotherapy

Penn engineers and collaborators have built a living tumor on a chip to expose how cancers block immune attacks, and how one existing drug could make immunotherapy like CAR T more effective against solid tumors.

3 min. read

Researchers seek to halt breast cancer recurrence by targeting ‘sleeper cells’

A team at Penn Medicine is conducting a clinical trial that identifies and targets breast cancer “sleeper cells.”

AI mammogram readings are already helping doctors detect breast cancer

Penn Medicine is among major academic medical centers using AI in their imaging centers.

Breast cancer breakthrough—from new treatments to lingering challenges

Angela DeMichele discusses the Breast Cancer Program at the Abramson Cancer Center.

Penn Medicine is investing more than $500 million in new cancer facilities

Penn Medicine is spending more than $500 million on two new cancer facilities in Philadelphia and central New Jersey, featuring remarks from Julia Puchtler, Robert Vonderheide, and Jim Metz.

Biden completes a course of radiation therapy for prostate cancer

As former President Joseph Biden completes cancer treatment, his daughter, Ashley, wrote on Instagram, “Thank you to the incredible doctors, nurses, and staff at Penn Medicine. We are so grateful!”

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