Cancer Research | Penn Today

Two nurses guiding a prone patient into a proton imaging machine.

The power of protons

Penn Medicine has treated more than 10,000 cancer patients at three proton therapy centers across the region, including the largest and busiest center in the world—while also leading the way in research to expand the healing potential of these positive particles.

Internal view of lungs with a cancerous growth.

Slowing inflammation may boost immunotherapy’s effectiveness against advanced lung cancer

Patients with stage 4 lung cancer show high response rates after an anti-inflammatory drug is added temporarily to immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy.

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.

Microscopic image of seminoma tissue. The image shows green-stained cells representing early-stage germ cells, red-stained areas indicating high gene activity linked to cancer growth, and gray-stained nuclei of various cells

Kotaro Sasaki and his team unveil the genetics of testicular cancer

Researchers from Penn Vet develop the first in vitro seminoma model, shedding light on chromosomal anomalies and signaling pathways.

Breast cancer strikes young Black women at alarming rate

Oluwadamilola “Lola” Fayanju of the Perelman School of Medicine analyzes the factors causing breast cancer to affect younger women.

New ‘armored’ CAR therapy produces significant responses in cancer patients

For patients whose cancers don't respond to current CAR T cell therapies, a new, modified CAR T cell therapy by Penn’s Carl June shows promise in a phase 1 clinical trial.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (hepatoma) malignant cells.

Could the liver hold the key to better cancer treatments?

Penn Medicine researchers have uncovered a liver-based signaling pathway that protects tumors by restraining anticancer immune cells.

Honoring a life scientist’s lifesaving science

Carl June accepted the 2024 Breakthrough Prize in Life Sciences at a Los Angeles ceremony, making him the sixth recipient from Penn.

A cancer doctor and patient looking at medical forms.

Study reveals inequities in access to transformative CAR T cell therapy

Penn Medicine researchers have assessed the percentage of patients from minority health populations and reveal inequities in access to transformative CAR T cell therapy.

There’s still no standard test to detect pancreatic cancer early. Scientists are working to change that

A 2020 study from the Perelman School of Medicine found that a blood test to screen for certain biomarkers associated with pancreatic cancer was 92% accurate in its ability to detect disease.

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