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Cancer Research
Positive results in first-in-U.S. trial of CRISPR-edited immune cells
Positive results in first-in-U.S. trial of CRISPR-edited immune cells
Genetically editing a cancer patient’s immune cells using CRISPR/Cas9 technology, then infusing those cells back into the patient appears safe and feasible based on early data from the first-ever clinical trial to test the approach in humans in the United States.
To monitor cancer therapy, researchers tag CAR T cells with imaging markers
To monitor cancer therapy, researchers tag CAR T cells with imaging markers
With CAR T cell therapy, a patient’s own immune cells are genetically modified and inserted back into the body to find and kill cancer. Now scientists have now discovered a new way to track CAR T cells in the body.
Blood test can predict prognosis in deadly brain cancer
Blood test can predict prognosis in deadly brain cancer
A Penn study points to clinical utility of liquid biopsy in glioblastoma, allowing doctors the ability to measure the progression of the cancer based on the amount of cell-free DNA in the bloodstream
Algorithm identifies advance care planning needs
Algorithm identifies advance care planning needs
A Penn-developed system can be used to ensure that doctors talk to cancer patients about their values and goals before it is too late.
Basser Center takes aim at BRCA
Basser Center takes aim at BRCA
Twenty-five years after the discovery of genetic mutations that dramatically increase cancer risk, the Penn Medicine’s Basser Center for BRCA is building scientific knowledge alongside public awareness about BRCA-related cancers.
Algorithm personalizes which cancer mutations are best targets for immunotherapy
Algorithm personalizes which cancer mutations are best targets for immunotherapy
A new model developed by researchers in the Abramson Cancer Center hand-picks cancer cells to target for more effective, customized cancer vaccines.
In pursuit of a cure, when ideas and options have run out
In pursuit of a cure, when ideas and options have run out
A new book from Penn Medicine’s David Fajgenbaum chronicles his journey to beat Castleman disease, a rare disorder that he’s lived with for almost a decade.
Two studies highlight proton therapy for pediatric brain cancer
Two studies highlight proton therapy for pediatric brain cancer
A pair of new studies done at Penn and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia add to the growing body of research showing the potential benefits of proton therapy.
A potential new treatment for a deadly form of prostate cancer
A potential new treatment for a deadly form of prostate cancer
Blocking a specific protein sets off a chain reaction that results in the death of prostate cancer cells that have spread and are resistant to standard therapies.
Balance of ‘stop’ and ‘go’ signaling could be key to cancer immunotherapy
Balance of ‘stop’ and ‘go’ signaling could be key to cancer immunotherapy
A Penn study shows potential of the interferon pathway as a biomarker to help predict which patients are likely to respond to immunotherapies.
In the News
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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PhillyVoice
Double mastectomies do not improve breast cancer survival likelihood for most women, study finds
Angela DeMichele of the Perelman School of Medicine says that chemotherapy and hormonal therapies are important for combating breast cancer because they’re designed to kill spreading cells.
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The New York Times
Breast cancer survival not boosted by double mastectomy, study says
Angela DeMichele of the Perelman School of Medicine comments on a study which found that breast cancer survival is not boosted by a double mastectomy.
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Today
How did Shannen Doherty die? What to know about ‘90210’ star’s cause of death
According to Penn Medicine, there is no known cure for metastatic breast cancer.
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Stat
New immunotherapy combination could ‘change the landscape’ of cancer treatment
A study by Andy Minn and postdoc Divij Mathew of the Perelman School of Medicine and colleagues found that a combination checkpoint inhibitor therapy benefited patients with lung cancer.
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