4/16
Meredith Mann
meredith.mann@pennmedicine.upenn.edu
Medicine
First in-human clinical trial of CAR T cell therapy with new binding mechanism shows promising early responses
First in-human clinical trial of CAR T cell therapy with new binding mechanism shows promising early responses
The therapy tested in a Phase 1 clinical trial might drastically change the way the T cells work, potentially allowing the new CAR T cell product to work where other products have failed.
One in six patients with opioid use disorder leaving the hospital before completing treatment
One in six patients with opioid use disorder leaving the hospital before completing treatment
A new Penn Medicine analysis shows that discharges too early for patients with opioid use disorder increased over 50% between 2016 and 2020.
Inclusive, ambitious research to meet the needs of a changing planet
Inclusive, ambitious research to meet the needs of a changing planet
Collaborative research communities supported by the Environmental Innovations Initiative are addressing issues related to climate action, stewardship of nature, and societal resilience.
Could a single shot heal heart disease?
Could a single shot heal heart disease?
Experts at Penn Medicine are researching novel treatments for heart disease, including CRISPR gene editing technology, CAR T technology, and mRNA injections.
Lidocaine may be able to kill certain cancer cells by activating bitter taste receptors
Lidocaine may be able to kill certain cancer cells by activating bitter taste receptors
A preclinical Penn Medicine study explains the previously observed anti-cancer effect of the common anesthetic drug.
From high school to the hospital
From high school to the hospital
An immersive program at the Perelman School of Medicine gives high school students a sneak peek at a potential future in the medical field.
A space for lifesaving, collaborative work
A space for lifesaving, collaborative work
Gov. Josh Shapiro, President Liz Magill, and others from the University community celebrated the new home of the Penn Institute for RNA Innovation.
New ‘patch’ uses natural body motion to fix disc herniation
New ‘patch’ uses natural body motion to fix disc herniation
The tension-activated repair patch plugs holes in discs in the spine like car tire patches, and could prevent further disease progression.
Pain scores, age can help identify patients more likely to use few or no opioids after surgery
Pain scores, age can help identify patients more likely to use few or no opioids after surgery
A Penn Medicine study shows that patient pain scores are a good predictor for opioid use, but younger patients and those who hadn’t used opioids before are less likely to take them.
Vaccine confidence falls as belief in health misinformation grows
Vaccine confidence falls as belief in health misinformation grows
A new survey from the Annenberg Public Policy Center finds that finds that the number of Americans who think vaccines approved for use in the United States are safe dropped to 71% from 77%.
Media Contact
In the News
Philadelphia Inquirer
Mayor Parker’s plan to ‘remove the presence of drug users’ from Kensington raises new questions
Shoshana Aronowitz of the School of Nursing and Ashish Thakrar of the Perelman School of Medicine comment on the lack of specificity in Philadelphia’s plan to remove drug users from Kensington and on the current state of drug treatment in the city.
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Philadelphia Inquirer
How many patients would recommend their Philly-area hospital to family and friends? Check your local hospital
The Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania has been named one of the most recommended acute-care facilities by patients in the Philadelphia area.
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WHYY (Philadelphia)
Homeward bound: When a Penn Medicine nurse was diagnosed with uterine cancer, she turned to the service dogs she helped to train
A profile highlights Maria Wright of Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health, from her volunteer work connecting people with service dogs to her cancer diagnosis and her own journey applying for a service dog.
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The New York Times
Is apple cider vinegar really a cure-all?
Nitin K. Ahuja of the Perelman School of Medicine says there’s no supportive data that adding acid to the stomach will somehow help control acid reflux.
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CNN
There’s still no standard test to detect pancreatic cancer early. Scientists are working to change that
A 2020 study from the Perelman School of Medicine found that a blood test to screen for certain biomarkers associated with pancreatic cancer was 92% accurate in its ability to detect disease.
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USA Today
Many parents give their children melatonin at night. Here’s why you may not want to
Ilene Rosen of the Perelman School of Medicine supports practicing proven-bedtime-routine behaviors and avoiding bright lights and electronics in the bedroom to encourage the body’s natural production of melatonin.
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