8.15
Health Sciences
Drugs in development for cancer may also fight brain diseases, including ALS
In a study done by researchers at the Perelman School of Medicine and the School of Arts and Sciences, PARP inhibitors, which are used for fighting cancer, can be useful for the treatment and prevention of brain disorders such as ALS.
Bringing art to inner city teens
Renee Andrea Mills of the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania has a passion for helping people and a passion for art, and for the past 25 years, she has combined both in community outreach, sharing the joy of creativity.
Cancer cells send out ‘drones’ to battle the immune system from afar
Checkpoint inhibitor therapies have made metastatic melanoma and other cancers a survivable condition, but only for some patients. Researchers uncovered a novel mechanism by which tumors suppress the immune system, raising the possibility that a straightforward blood test could predict which patients could respond to immunotherapy.
Ensuring equality with a framework for workforce inclusion
A study published in JAMA Network Open from researchers at the Perelman School of Medicine identifies six factors that measure workforce inequality in delivering health care, as part of Office of Inclusion and Diversity’s equality mission.
Mentoring program introduces high school students to dentistry
The Summer Mentorship Program introduces first-generation and under-represented high school students in Philadelphia to higher education possibilities, including Penn Dental School's four-week immersion program that includes hands-on experience and mentorship with current dental students.
Therapy for rare cancers receives FDA approval
A trial led by researchers at the Abramson Cancer Center received first approval for AZEDRA, an anti-cancer drug for advanced pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma patients who are not candidates for surgery.
Red blood cell ‘hitchhikers’ offer new way to transport drugs to specific targets
A new drug-delivery technology which uses red blood cells to shuttle nano-scale drug carriers, called RBC-hitchhiking, has been found to dramatically increase the concentration of drugs ferried precisely to selected organs.
The fight to eliminate hepatitis C in Philly: A Q&A with Stacey Trooskin
The state of Pennsylvania increased access to hepatitis C drugs for Medicaid patients regardless of their liver health or drug and alcohol use. Penn's Stacey Trooskin, who also serves as the director of Viral Hepatitis Programs at Philadelphia FIGHT, discusses increasing access to treatment even further.
Dental plaque is no match for catalytic nanoparticles
A recent study found that nanoparticles can break down dental plaque with nanoparticles that target biofilms, preventing tooth decay in humans and animal models without damaging surrounding oral tissue.
Chance of being prescribed opioids for a minor injury differs dramatically by where you live
A Penn study showing dramatic variation in opioid prescribing rates and tablet amounts for ankle sprains points to significant opportunities to reduce excessive prescribing, and potentially prevent prolonged use.
In the News
Philadelphia Inquirer
New hepatitis C drugs mean diseased organs can be used for transplants
The Perelman School of Medicine’s Peter Reese discussed the possibility of increased rejection in patients who’ve received infected kidneys, saying “we can’t rule it out. It’s possible there’s more immunological injury with hep C infection.”
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The New York Times
Clues to your health are hidden at 6.6 million spots in your DNA
Daniel Rader of the Perelman School of Medicine discussed the availability of genetic screening for early indicators of heart disease.
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Associated Press
Penn Medicine eliminating sugary drinks in facilities
Ralph Muller of Penn Medicine discussed the hospital system’s recent announcement regarding the phasing out of sugary drink sales.
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Philadelphia Inquirer
Cancer ‘drones’ in blood weaken immune system, Penn scientists show
Wei Guo of the School of Arts and Sciences and George Xu of the Perelman School of Medicine discussed their team’s cancer research. “Tumor cells are smarter than we thought,” said Guo.
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Philadelphia Inquirer
Hyperbaric oxygen: The mysterious therapy that saved a cancer survivor from radiation side effects
Hyperbaric therapy is controversial, according to Matthew Kelly of HUP, largely because “it’s expensive, and some practitioners overuse it, which gives a black eye to the field.” However, for some patients, the oxygen-rich environment can promote healing and fight infection.
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