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Cancer Research
Joe Biden’s longtime ties to Penn
Joe Biden’s longtime ties to Penn
As the nation prepares for its 46th president to take office Wednesday, Jan. 20, Penn Today reflects on the lasting impact he’s had at the University.
The backlog in mammograms during the COVID-19 pandemic
The backlog in mammograms during the COVID-19 pandemic
The backlog of diagnostic mammograms is not expected to return to regular operations for nearly six months at best, and a lack of early detection will have health implications on cancer management for years to come.
Researchers unlock the door to tumor microenvironment for CAR T cells
Researchers unlock the door to tumor microenvironment for CAR T cells
A new study finds that combining CAR T thereapy with an enzyme-inhibitor drug allows the engineered cells to battle through jumbled blood vessels and attack tumors.
Donita Brady is ready for the next steps in cancer biology research
Donita Brady is ready for the next steps in cancer biology research
The Presidential Professor of cancer biology leads a team that is working to understand how cancer grows uncontrolled in cells and discovering novel ways to stop it.
Diagnostic imaging may increase risk of testicular cancer
Diagnostic imaging may increase risk of testicular cancer
New research shows a statistically significant increased risk of testicular cancer among those reporting at least three exposures to X-ray, including a colon X-ray, and CT below the waist.
Two key events that turn normal cells into cancer
Two key events that turn normal cells into cancer
The discovery of a unifying mechanism could inform new therapeutic approaches to prevent normal cells from transforming into any type of tumor.
‘Fast’ MRI detects breast cancers that 3-D mammograms may miss
‘Fast’ MRI detects breast cancers that 3-D mammograms may miss
Abbreviated MRI shortens the screening time and requires only three sequences, while traditional ultrasound’s limitations don’t detect cancer as reliably for women with higher breast density.
Priming the immune system to attack cancer
Priming the immune system to attack cancer
An international team, co-led by the School of Dental Medicine’s George Hajishengallis, showed how immune “training” transforms certain immune cells to target tumors.
Nudges and machine learning triples advanced care conversations
Nudges and machine learning triples advanced care conversations
During the pandemic, a Penn-developed algorithm helped sustain end-of-life care discussions with patients with cancer.
Anthony Fauci and Penn Medicine physicians on cancer care during pandemic
Anthony Fauci and Penn Medicine physicians on cancer care during pandemic
A virtual conference on cancer and COVID-19 discussed how medical professionals adapt to a rapidly changing environment and enforce protocols to deliver care safely, while individuals are choosing to skip cancer screenings or delay treatments.
In the News
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.
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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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Interesting Engineering
Scientists create tiny anticancer weapons that make tumors destroy themselves
Xiaowei (George) Xu of the Perelman School of Medicine and colleagues have unveiled an innovative approach to cancer treatment that leverages tiny capsules known as small extracellular vesicles to target a specific receptor on tumor cells.
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HealthDay
Keto diet supplement could boost a cancer treatment's effectiveness
A study by Perelman School of Medicine student Puneeth Guruprasad and postdoc Shan Liu suggests that a component of the keto diet could boost CAR T cell therapy to help treat cancer.
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Forbes
Carl June: 2024 will be seen as a breakthrough year for brain cancer
Carl June of the Perelman School of Medicine shares five insights on using CAR T cell therapy to combat cancer, featuring remarks from Bruce Levine.
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Philadelphia Inquirer
Penn plans to build a proton center for cancer treatment at Presbyterian Medical Center
Penn Medicine will build its fourth proton beam center for cancer treatment at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center in University City.
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