11/15
Cancer Research
25 years of integration, innovation, and ideals
25 years of integration, innovation, and ideals
2018 marked 25 years since the University of Pennsylvania Health System (UPHS) was first established—a milestone that would undoubtedly make the institution’s founder, Benjamin Franklin, proud.
Energizing the immune system to eat cancer
Energizing the immune system to eat cancer
An Abramson Cancer Center study identifies a method of priming macrophages to boost an anti-tumor response wherein macrophages attack and eat cancer cells.
Hindering melanoma metastasis with an FDA-approved drug
Hindering melanoma metastasis with an FDA-approved drug
A drug approved by the FDA 65 years ago for blood pressure control may aid in preventing cancer from spreading to distant organs. New research led by Serge Fuchs revealed that this drug disrupted formation of a fertile environment for metastasis by protecting healthy cells from harmful vesicles released by tumors.
Resistance to cancer treatment is a chain reaction
Resistance to cancer treatment is a chain reaction
A study identifies a chain reaction in cells that enables cancer to resist treatments that target BRAF mutations.
Doctors can weigh in on brain tumors remotely
Doctors can weigh in on brain tumors remotely
Brain tumor patients will now have access to Penn Medicine’s cancer expertise through the new telemedicine second opinion program for brain tumors.
CAR T cell therapy leads to lasting remissions
CAR T cell therapy leads to lasting remissions
In an update to a global clinical trial stretching from Philadelphia to four continents, the chimeric antigen receptor CAR T cell therapy Kymriah® led to long-lasting remissions in patients with non-Hodgkins lymphoma.
FDA approves new targeted drug for leukemia
FDA approves new targeted drug for leukemia
The drug is the first to target common mutations associated with relapse and short survival in acute myeloid leukemia.
A link between anti-malaria drugs and cancer treatments, explained
A link between anti-malaria drugs and cancer treatments, explained
The Abramson Cancer Center study is the first to identify what drugs known as chloroquines are targeting when used for cancer treatment.
The ‘immunorevolution’ has begun
The ‘immunorevolution’ has begun
Penn Medicine experts gathered for a panel discussion about their innovative new approach to harness the body’s own immune system to fight cancer.
Future fertility: Giving hope to men who received childhood cancer treatment
Future fertility: Giving hope to men who received childhood cancer treatment
Researchers have discovered a way to grow human stem cells destined to become mature sperm in an effort to provide fertility options later in life to males who are diagnosed with cancer and undergo chemotherapy and radiation as children.
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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