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Cancer Research

Penn pioneers a ‘one-pot platform’ to promptly produce mRNA delivery particles
3D illustration showing cross-section of the lipid nanoparticle carrying mRNA of the virus entering a human cell.

Lipid nanoparticles present one of the most advanced drug delivery platforms to shuttle promising therapeutics such as mRNA but are limited by the time it takes to synthesize cationic lipids, a key component. Now, Michael Mitchell and his team at the School of Engineering and Applied Science have developed a faster way to make cationic lipids that are also more versatile, able to carry different kinds of treatments to target specific organs.

(Image: iStock / Dr_Microbe)

Penn pioneers a ‘one-pot platform’ to promptly produce mRNA delivery particles

New lipid platform enables rapid synthesis of molecules that can shuttle therapeutics for a range of diseases with a high degree of organ specificity.
The power of protons
Two nurses guiding a prone patient into a proton imaging machine.

(On homepage) Until recently, proton therapy has occupied a small niche within the field of radiation oncology. Penn Medicine has played a leading role in championing proton therapy and moving the field forward.

(Image: Scott Nibauer)

The power of protons

Penn Medicine has treated more than 10,000 cancer patients at three proton therapy centers across the region, including the largest and busiest center in the world—while also leading the way in research to expand the healing potential of these positive particles.

Kirsten Weir for Penn Medicine Magazine

Kotaro Sasaki and his team unveil the genetics of testicular cancer
Microscopic image of seminoma tissue. The image shows green-stained cells representing early-stage germ cells, red-stained areas indicating high gene activity linked to cancer growth, and gray-stained nuclei of various cells
Section of seminoma tissue, a type of testicular cancer, showing strong expression of proteins/RNAs (TFAP2C, green; BICD1, red) that are typically present in pre-migratory/migratory primordial germ cells, precursors of sperm.

(Image: Courtesy of Kotaro Sasaki)

Kotaro Sasaki and his team unveil the genetics of testicular cancer

Researchers from Penn Vet develop the first in vitro seminoma model, shedding light on chromosomal anomalies and signaling pathways.