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Cancer Research

Understanding the cellular mechanisms driving solid tumors’ robust defense system
A 3D rendering of the tumor microenvironment with cancer cells, T-Cells, nanoparticles, cancer associated fibroblast layer of tumor microenvironment normal cells, molecules, and blood vessels.

In a collaborative interdisciplinary study, Michael Mitchell of the School of Engineering and Applied Science, Wei Guo of the School of Arts & Sciences, and Drew Weissman of the Perelman School of Medicine show that solid tumors can block drug-delivery mechanisms with a “forcefield-like” effect but certain genetic elements that can effectively “shut down” the forcefield. Their findings hint at new targets for delivering cancer treatments that use the body’s immune system to fight tumors.

(Image: iStock / CIPhotos)

Understanding the cellular mechanisms driving solid tumors’ robust defense system

Researchers from Penn have identified a “forcefield-like” defense system in solid tumors and the genetic elements that can switch it off.
A modified peptide shows promise for fighting tumors
Tumor microenvironment.

A collaborative team of researchers including scientists from the School of Veterinary Medicine and Perelman School of Medicine show how a modified peptide can successfully target the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment.

(Image: iStock/Marcin Klapczynski)

A modified peptide shows promise for fighting tumors

Researchers in Penn Vet led a collaborative study that demonstrates how a modified peptide normalizes tumor vasculature and enhances various cancer treatments.
Improving care for patients with acute lymphocytic leukemia
Becky Yu with her husband and children in a vineyard.

Image: Courtesy of Penn Medicine News

Improving care for patients with acute lymphocytic leukemia

How one Penn Medicine patient’s role in a clinical trial for acute lymphocytic leukemia therapy brought a cancer-free diagnosis and FDA approval.

Meagan Raeke

Penn pioneers a ‘one-pot platform’ to promptly produce mRNA delivery particles
3D illustration showing cross-section of the lipid nanoparticle carrying mRNA of the virus entering a human cell.

Lipid nanoparticles present one of the most advanced drug delivery platforms to shuttle promising therapeutics such as mRNA but are limited by the time it takes to synthesize cationic lipids, a key component. Now, Michael Mitchell and his team at the School of Engineering and Applied Science have developed a faster way to make cationic lipids that are also more versatile, able to carry different kinds of treatments to target specific organs.

(Image: iStock / Dr_Microbe)

Penn pioneers a ‘one-pot platform’ to promptly produce mRNA delivery particles

New lipid platform enables rapid synthesis of molecules that can shuttle therapeutics for a range of diseases with a high degree of organ specificity.