Cancer Research | Penn Today

New technology is poised to bring gene therapy to common chronic diseases

New research from Penn Medicine reveals a safe delivery system of DNA-loaded lipid nanoparticles directly to cells, which could transform treatment for common chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.

2 min. read

Immunotherapy may boost KRAS-targeted therapy in pancreatic cancer

A preclinical study from the Perelman School of Medicine and Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer Center that combines RAS inhibition and immunotherapy shows promise for future clinical trials in pancreatic cancer treatment strategies.

1 min. read

“Good Morning America,” ABC News

A common blood test for ovarian cancer is more likely to fall short for Black and Native American women

A study from the Perelman School of Medicine indicates that a common test for ovarian cancer is less effective for Black and Native American women than for others.

HealthDay

CA-125 levels vary by patient race at ovarian cancer diagnosis

A study by Anna Jo Bodurtha Smith of the Perelman School of Medicine and colleagues found that Black and American Indian patients are less likely to have elevated cancer antigen levels at ovarian cancer diagnosis.

The Washington Post

Ovarian cancer test may not work on some Black, Native American patients

Research from the Perelman School of Medicine indicates that a common test for ovarian cancer may be less effective on Black and Native American patients.

Oblong-shaped terminals and wall art portraying the workings of the brain.

Brain power on display at the Franklin Institute

Several researchers from Penn Medicine’s Department of Neurology are featured throughout the Franklin Institute’s Body Odyssey exhibit.

1 min. read

Healio

Clinician nudge at suspected ovarian cancer diagnosis improves oncology referral rate

A study by Anna Jo Smith of the Perelman School of Medicine and colleagues found that a clinician nudge for referral to a gynecologic oncologist at the time of a suspected ovarian cancer diagnosis improved referral rates by 20%.

Four Penn cancer researchers elected as Fellows of the AACR Academy

Penn Medicine’s Garrett M. Brodeur, Susan Domchek, Stephan Grupp, and Robert Vonderheide have been elected to the 2025 class of Fellows of the American Association for Cancer Research Academy for their contributions in the fight against cancer.

Science News

A child who got CAR-T cancer therapy is still disease-free 18 years later

Carl June of the Perelman School of Medicine says that neuroblastoma is the first solid tumor for which there could be curative effects with CAR T cells.

The Hill

The U.S. is losing its next generation of health scientists

In a co-written opinion essay, James Alwine of the Perelman School of Medicine says that slashing of research funding for NIH and the National Science Foundation will eliminate the next generation of health scientists.

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