Live Online Video Colorectal Cancer Chat with Penn Medicine Experts 3/12

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. To learn more about screening, symptoms, treatments and the latest research, we’re teaming up with 6ABC for a live, streaming webchat at 6abc.com/pennmedicine

Colorectal Cancer - Did you know?

Colorectal cancer, cancer of the colon and rectum, is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States.

You may be at a higher risk for colorectal cancer as you get older, but with education and screening, you can help reduce your risk.

Screening Can Save Lives

For those 50 years and older, getting a colorectal cancer screening can be life saving.

Symptoms like the appearance of polyps in the colon or rectum, persistent stomach aches and pains, rapid weight loss and bloody bowel movements may be key indicators. While these symptoms may be indicative of other ailments, colorectal cancer screenings can help you take the right next steps.

This March, Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, be sure to ask the right questions, and get the facts.

Our Experts Answering Your Questions

Want to know more about:

• Colorectal Cancer Screening?
• Risk Evaluation?
• Hereditary Risk?
• Cutting Edge Treatment Options?
• New Breakthrough Clinical Trials?
• Survivorship?

James M. Metz, MD is the Vice Chair of the Clinical Division and Department of Radiation Oncology at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, as well as the Associate Director for Clinical Services and Programs at the Abramson Cancer Center, and Najjia N. Mahmoud, MD is the Chief of the Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery as well as an Associate Professor of Colon and Rectal Surgery at Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania.

These Penn Medicine experts will be answering user-submitted questions in a live online chat.

To submit your questions and set up an email or phone reminder for the live webchat,
please visit 6abc.com/PennMedicine.

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RSVP - Biannual Amyloidosis Support Group Returns to Penn Medicine 4/12

Join The Amyloidosis Program at Penn Medicine and the Amyloidosis Support Group Saturday, April 12 from 9am-2pm for the Biannual Amyloidosis Support Group.

The Biannual Amyloidosis Support Group Comes to Penn Medicine

In partnership with the Amyloidosis Support Group, Penn Medicine's Amyloidosis Clinic will be hosting this year's Biannual Amyloidosis Support Group event. The event will featue a questions and answers segment with guest speaker Dr. Vaishali Sanchorawala as well as the Penn Medicine doctors and staff of the Abramson Cancer Center Amyloidosis Program.

Agenda and RSVP online at PennCancer.org

Topics to be discussed throughout the event include:

• Announcements of new clinical trials and treatments
• Questions read and answered Amyloidosis Support Group doctors
• How LLS can help AL amyloidosis patients
• An informal discussion over lunch with speakers and participants
• Nutrition and Physical Therapy for amyloidosis patients
• Raising awareness and other ways to help 

RSVP and join us Saturday April 12th, 2014 
from 9:00am - 2:00pm
Perelman Center for Advanced Medicine
3400 Civic Center Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19104
Main Lobby of the Translational Research Center
PARKING IN PENN TOWER IS FREE / WILL BE VALIDATED
Follow Signage - Complimentary Food Served -
RSVP for the Biannual Amyloidosis Support Group 

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Acupuncture and Integrative Oncology: Help for Cancer Patients 2/13 in Philadelphia

Event Cancellation: This event, Yin and Yang of Acupuncture Research: Examining the "parts," understanding the "whole" has been cancelled due to the incoming storm. We apologize for any inconvenience, and hope to reschedule Dr. Witt's visit in the future.

Penn Medicine's Abramson Cancer Center is sponsoring a free public lecture entitled “Yin and Yang of Acupuncture Research” on February 13, 2014 from 12-1 pm in the Reunion Auditorium of the John Morgan Building.

Yin and Yang of Acupuncture Research: Examining the "parts," understanding the "whole"

The Integrative Medicine and Wellness Program delivers and evaluates a range of integrative supportive services designed to help patients cope with the cancer experience and improve their overall sense of well-being. To further explore the relationship between cancer care and integrative medicine, the Abramson Cancer Center is hosting a lecture on the topic.

In this lecture, Claudia Witt, MD, MBA, will discuss the use of acupuncture - a component of traditional Chinese medicine - and its integration into conventional health care. Dr. Witt is an internationally recognized medical doctor, epidemiologist, and research methodologist.

“Using acupuncture for pain and symptom management is an increasingly popular treatment choice,” says Jun Mao, MD, MSCE, Director of Integrative Oncology Initiative at the Abramson Cancer Center. “Emerging research supports the safety and effectiveness of acupuncture for managing common symptoms such as nausea, pain, and fatigue for cancer patients.”

For Patients, Professionals and Researchers

Patients, medical professionals and researchers who want to learn more about the mechanisms and effects of acupuncture for health maintenance and the treatment of disease are encouraged to join. The lecture is free and open to the public. Learn more and view the official lecture poster.

For more information about the Integrative Medicine and Wellness Program at the Abramson Cancer Center, please visit penncancer.org/integrativemedicine.

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Second Leading Cause of Lung Cancer May Be in Your Basement

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month (#LCAwareness). In this blog, guest writer Erica Voll discusses the lesser known, but all too common lung cancer risk of radon. Learn what steps you can take at home to help protect your family in this Focus on Cancer blog post. Learn more about radon from Oncolink here. 

Knowing the Facts

When we think of lung cancer, and lung cancer-related deaths, we immediately think of smoking and tobacco use. And, it’s with good reason. According the Centers for Disease Control, cigarette smoking is the number one risk factor for lung cancer. In the United States, cigarette smoking causes about 90 percent of lung cancers.

But the second leading cause of lung cancer could be in your home and you may not even know it.

Last year, we moved into a new home. We worried about everything from the house build to the move to how we would manage to unpack everything with two toddlers to wrangle. However, one thing we didn’t need to worry about was radon.

Or so we thought.

What is radon? Should I be concerned?

Radon is a naturally occurring gas that comes from the ground. It can enter your home through the foundation, cracks in the walls and floors, bad piping and so on - and then get trapped inside. Radon can’t be seen, smelled or tasted yet it is very dangerous - causing about 20,000 new cases of lung cancer each year.

Because radon is naturally occurring in the ground, not every home is at risk for high radon levels. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides a radon map and detailed information so you can determine the risk level for the zone you live in...

...in theory.

The reality is that every home should be checked with a radon testing kit. We tested our home, in a few days we learned that our passive radon mitigation system was not enough – our levels were greater than 4 pCi/L (picocuries per liter) and we would need to install a fan in our attic to draw more radon out from our basement into the air.

It was relatively inexpensive to have a fan installed (it may be more expensive without an existing passive system in place), and it worked. Our radon levels are now virtually undetectable.

Radon Testing for Lung Cancer Awareness Month

November is lung cancer awareness month. So while it is certainly important to educate friends and loved ones about the dangers of smoking tobacco, do yourself a favor and test your home for radon as well. It could, literally, save your life and the lives of those you love.

If you or a loved one are interested in learning more about lung cancer treatment options at the Abramson Cancer Center, visit us online. The Cure is Within.

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Survivor Strong: My Rearview Mirror

Donna-Lee Lista

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month (#LCAwareness). Donna-Lee, a lung cancer survivor and advocate for lung cancer research talks about lung cancer research, and her hope for lung cancer treatment in the future.

When I see all that has transpired in the last few years regarding lung cancer research, I can’t help but hope that maybe all the work the advocates are doing has something to do with it. I want to believe we are making a difference and want to hope if we keep it up, we can see it through. Maybe it is a dream that doctors will completely cure lung cancer, maybe it is more realistic to strive for treatments that make it a chronic disease, but why not reach for the sun and if we have to settle on the stars that will be ok for a short while too? Once we get there, we re-group and keep on going.

My wish is that people will start feeling hopeful when all the latest research and development in lung cancer becomes common knowledge. I know that any cancer diagnosis is awful and not a club anyone wants to willingly join, but let’s face it, there are some cancers that offer a lot more hope than lung. But now, it won’t be so hard to find survivors to hold your hand through the ordeal because more are living longer and more are being cured. I recognize we have a lot to still accomplish, but compared to where we were, the train has really started to leave the station.

I know we are only at the threshold of a new world order for lung cancer, a precipice of sorts, and I understand there is a lot more to do. But, there is finally something to see in the rearview mirror, because we are moving ahead and that my friend is exhilarating!

Learn More About Lung Cancer Treatment at Penn

Join Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer Center and the Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Partnership for a day of information about lung cancer treatment and research, as well as, a chance to network with others at the 6th Annual Focus On Lung Cancer Conference.

Get information about lung cancer and these topics:

• Ask the Experts
• Diagnosis
• Chemo and Personalized Therapies
• Coping
• Integrative Medicine and Wellness
• Nutrition
• Proton and Radiation Therapy
• Research and Clinical Trials
• Risk, Screening and Prevention
• Robotic Surgery
• Symptom Management

Register for the Focus On Lung Cancer Conference at Penn

Date: Friday, November 22
Time: 7:30 am to 2:30 pm
Location: Hilton Hotel, 4200 City Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19131
Register: Registration is free. Join us for the 5th Annual Focus On Lung Cancer Conference

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Great American Smokeout on November 21st

Penn Medicine is proud to join the American Cancer Society in promoting the Great American Smokeout on Thursday, November 21 as part of Lung Cancer Awareness Month (#LCAwareness).

Did you know that tobacco use is the single most preventable cause of disease and premature death in the United States? In fact, tobacco use is responsible for nearly one in five deaths in this country.

Why Quit?

Research shows that if you smoke and pick a quit date in the next 30 days and stick to it, you’ll be more likely to quit for good. So pick a quit date, and as you mark it on your calendar, consider these benefits of quitting: 

• 20 minutes after quitting: Your heart rate and blood pressure drop.
• 12 hours after quitting: The carbon monoxide level in your blood drops to normal.
• 2 weeks to 3 months after quitting: Your circulation improves, and your lung function increases.
• 1 to 9 months after quitting: Coughing and shortness of breath decrease; cilia (tiny hair-like structures in the lungs) regain normal function, increasing the ability to handle mucus, clean the lungs, and reduce the risk of infection.
• 1 year after quitting: The excess risk of coronary heart disease is half that of a smoker’s.
• 10 years after quitting: The lung cancer death rate is about half that of a smoker. The risks of cancer of the larynx and pancreas decrease.
• 15 years after quitting: The risk of coronary heart disease is that of a nonsmoker’s.
• 5 years after quitting: Risks of cancer of the mouth, throat, esophagus, and bladder are cut in half. Cervical cancer risk falls to that of a nonsmoker. Stroke risk can fall to that of a nonsmoker after 2 to 5 years.

How to Quit

If you are looking for ways to quit smoking or tobacco use, the Comprehensive Smoking Cessation Treatment at Penn Medicine can help you quit for good.

• If you want to try to quit smoking on your own, here are some things you can do to take the first steps.*
• Set a Quit Date: Whether it is today, on National Smokeout Day, or another day, setting a quit date can help you focus your efforts and plan accordingly.
• Tell People: Tell your friends and family members you are quitting smoking on that date. Let them help you and support you along the way and on that day.
• Anticipate the challenges. Identify what they are and plan on how you will cope with them.
• Remove cigarettes and all tobacco products from your home, work and car.
• Talk to your doctor about getting help to quit smoking.

Penn's Comprehensive Smoking Treatment Program provides state-of-the-art and individualized treatment to help smokers quit safely and comfortably. Specialists at the center offer treatment that is respectful and supportive, without guilt or pressure.

VIDEO: Watch Frank Leone, MD, MS, director of the Comprehensive Smoking Cessation Treatment Program at Penn talk about how Penn can help you quit smoking. 

The Cure is Within the Abramson Cancer Center.
Request a lung cancer consultation for screening and treatment options today.

*These steps were taken from the website, Smokefree.gov.

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Save the Date: 6th Focus On Lung Cancer Conference

The Abramson Cancer Center, in collaboration with the Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Partnership is pleased to present the 6th Focus On Lung Cancer and CANPrevent Lung Cancer Conferences, a day-long conference dedicated to lung cancer topics including prevention, diagnosis, treatment, genetics and living well after lung cancer treatment.

This conference was one of the first in the country to address the issues and concerns of breast and gynecologic cancer survivors and their families.

Whether at risk for lung cancer, newly diagnosed or a long term survivor, attendees receive up-to-date information including: the latest laboratory research, treatment advances, clinical trials, and survivorship issues.

There are two different tracts for the day including Focus On Lung Cancer Conference and CANPrevent Lung Cancer Conference.

Join Us for the 6th Focus On Lung Cancer Conference

Date: Friday, November 22, 2013
Time: 7:30 am to 3:30 pm
Location: Hilton Hotel, 4200 City Avenue, Philadelphia PA
Looking for information from medical professionals? Learn from expert panels about lung cancer prevention, risk, and quitting smoking.

Register for Focus on Lung Cancer Conference here

Join us for the 3rd CANPrevent Lung Cancer Conference

Date: Friday, November 22, 2013
Time: 8:30 am to 11:30 pm
Location: Hilton Hotel, 4200 City Avenue, Philadelphia PA
Are you or a loved one newly touched by lung cancer? Join us for risk assessment, new diagnostics and procedures, surgical advances, information on proton therapy and more.

Register for CANPrevent Lung Cancer Conference here.

Can’t Make the Conference? Want to watch it live?

Can’t make this year’s conference? Be sure to follow @PennCancer on Twitter with the hashtag #LungCancerACC to follow the day’s topics and discussions.

The Cure is Within the Abramson Cancer Center
Learn about the Lung Cancer screening and treatment options available today.

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Biannual Amyloidosis Support Group 11/2/13

Join The Amyloidosis Clinic at Penn Medicine and the Amyloidosis Foundation next Saturday, November 2 from 10am-2pm for the Biannual Amyloidosis Support Group.

The Biannual Amyloidosis Support Group Comes to Penn Medicine

In partnership with the Amyloidosis Foundation, Penn Medicine's Amyloidosis Clinic will be hosting this year's Biannual Amyloidosis Support Group event. The event will featue a questions and answers segment with guest speaker Nishant Tageja, MD, Metabolism Branch of the National Cancer Institute/ National Institute of Health as well as the Penn Medicine doctors and staff of the Abramson Cancer Center Amyloidosis Clinic.

Agenda and RSVP online at PennCancer.org

Topics to be discussed throughout the event include:

• Announcements of new clinical trials and treatments with Brendan Weiss, MD, Penn Medicine Amyloidosis Clinic director and Nishant Tageja, MD
• How LLS can help AL amyloidosis patients with Nancy Chumm, Patient Services Coordinator for Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
• An informal discussion over lunch with speakers and participants
• Nutrition and Physical Therapy for amyloidosis patients
• Raising awareness with Lance Miller of the Chip Miller Foundation

Join us Saturday November 2nd, 2013 
from 10:00am - 2:00pm
Perelman Center for Advanced Medicine
3400 Civic Center Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19104
Room SCTR 10-14-146AB
PARKING IN PENN TOWER IS FREE / WILL BE VALIDATED
Follow Signage - Complimentary Food Served -
RSVP for the Biannual Amyloidosis Support Group 

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Amyloidosis Treatment at Penn

Bringing together expert physicians from multiple specialties, the Amyloidosis Clinic at Penn Medicine is leading the way in the evaluation and management of patients with systemic amyloidosis. This Focus On Cancer post, with thanks to clinic director Brendan M. Weiss, MD, highlights the causes, diagnosis and treatment of amyloidosis.

What is Amyloidosis?

Amyloidosis is a rare and potentially life threatening disease that occurs when toxic proteins build up in your organs. There are different types of amyloidosis that can affect different organs, most commonly the heart, kidneys, liver, spleen, nervous system and gastrointestinal tract.

Causes of Amyloidosis

Amyloidosis is caused by one of over 20 toxic proteins that are produced by different sources in the body. Careful diagnosis to determine the correct protein source is necessary to decide on the correct treatment. The most common source of the toxic proteins are bone marrow plasma cells, a type of immune cell.

Amyloidosis Diagnosis, Treatment and Clinical Trials

As amyloidosis is both rare and complex, seeking a proper diagnosis is important, and may require seeing multiple specialists. After receiving a diagnosis, treatment options for Amyloidosis need to be personalized.

In addition, new approaches and new treatments are always emerging and our team at Penn Medicine has access to these options and the experiences in helping patients choose the most appropriate options.

The Amyloidosis Clinic at Penn Medicine

Growing awareness and the latest research have led to new treatment approaches which require a multidisciplinary team. The Amyloidosis Clinic at Penn Medicine brings together expert physicians from multiple specialties.

Amyloidosis treatment Penn Medicine draws on the personnel and resources of all relevant specialties including:

• Cardiology: Heart failure management, echocardiography, endomyocardial biopsy, arrhythmia management, cardiac transplantation
• Nephrology: Nephrotic syndrome management, renal biopsy, renal transplantation
• Hematology-Oncology: Chemotherapy, stem cell transplantation
• Neurology: Peripheral neuropathy evaluation and management

Additional specialists in pulmonology, rheumatology and organ transplantation are also available for
consultation. Whenever possible, initial meetings with the appropriate specialists are performed on the same day in Philadelphia.

For consultations, scheduling and more information on Amyloidosis, please contact the clinic by email, or call 800-789-PENN (7366).

The Amyloidosis Clinic at Penn Medicine is located in Philadelphia, at the Ruth and Raymond Perelman Center for Advanced Medicine and the Heart and Vascular Pavilion at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center. Ongoing consultations and care can be arranged at Penn Medicine at Cherry Hill and Valley Forge as well.

Interested in joining a support group?

Join Penn Medicine and the Amyloidosis Foundation
Saturday, November 2 from 10am-2pm for the
Biannual Amyloidosis Support Group

Find out more and RSVP today.

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Jewish Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Event 10/6 in Philadelphia

As one in a series of Jewish community educational events, Penn Medicine’s Basser Research Center for BRCA is collaborating with Living Beyond Breast Cancer and Congregation Rodeph Shalom in Philadelphia to sponsor the Breast & Ovarian Cancer Symposium on Sunday, October 6, 2013 from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm.

Inherited Breast and Ovarian Cancer: Why Jewish Families Are at Heightened Risk

Susan Domchek, MD

The symposium will focus on the Ashkenazi Jewish population's increased chances of carrying a mutation in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. Mutations in these genes place people at a greatly increased risk for both breast and ovarian cancer.

To explore this topic, CBS3/CW Philly 57’s Stephanie Stahl be moderating a panel of breast and ovarian cancer experts. Presenting on the panel will be Susan Domchek, MD, executive director of the Basser Research Center for BRCA.

“With proper genetic counseling, testing, education, and screening, women and men with BRCA mutations have the power to dramatically reduce their risk of developing these cancers and to catch them early when they are most curable,” says Domchek, also an oncologist at Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer Center. 

“We wanted to partner with synagogues to build on the strong trust that rabbis have already formed with their congregations. These religious leaders are in a position to empower their congregations to learn about their risk and take decisive steps to prevent and detect cancer in their families.”

The Sunday October 6 event is free and open to the public, and no tickets are necessary.

To RSVP and learn more about the Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Risk – What You Need to Know, the panelists attending and other details, visit the official event page.

Read More About BRCA in the Jewish Community

We encourage you to read more about these events at the Focus on Cancer Blog, from the official Penn Medicine press release as well as an inspirational blog post from the Union for Reform Judaism.

This program has been made possible by a generous grant from Women of Vision of the Jewish Women’s Foundation of Greater Philadelphia

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Breast and Ovarian Cancer Symposium 9/30 in NYC with Basser Center for BRCA

As one in a series of Jewish community educational events, Penn Medicine’s Basser Research Center for BRCA is collaborating with Central Synagogue in New York City to sponsor the Breast & Ovarian Cancer Symposium on Monday, September 30, 2013 from 6 to 8 pm

Inherited Breast & Ovarian Cancer: Why Jewish Families Are at Heightened Risk

The symposium will focus on the Ashkenazi Jewish population's increased chances of carrying a mutation in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. Mutations in these genes place people at a greatly increased risk for both breast and ovarian cancer.

To explore this topic, Barbara Walters will be moderating a panel of breast and ovarian cancer experts. Presenting on the panel will be Susan Domchek, MD, executive director of the Basser Research Center for BRCA.

“With proper genetic counseling, testing, education, and screening, women and men with BRCA mutations have the power to dramatically reduce their risk of developing these cancers and to catch them early when they are most curable,” says Domchek, also an oncologist at Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer Center. 

“We wanted to partner with synagogues to build on the strong trust that rabbis have already formed with their congregations. These religious leaders are in a position to empower their congregations to learn about their risk and take decisive steps to prevent and detect cancer in their families.”

The event is free and open to the public, and no tickets are necessary.

To RSVP and learn more about the Breast and Ovarian Cancer Symposium, the panelists attending and other details, visit the official event page.

Read More About BRCA in the Jewish Community

We encourage you to read more about these events at the Focus on Cancer Blog, from the official Penn Medicine press release as well as an inspirational blog post from the Union for Reform Judaism.

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Penn Medicine's Basser Research Center for BRCA Brings Mission Into Synagogues Across The United States

This summer, Penn Medicine's Basser Research Center for BRCA reached out to more than 1,500 Jewish congregations around the United States to promote awareness around BRCA gene mutations which are frequently recognized as risk factors for Breast and Ovarian Cancer.  Penn Medicine hopes to encourage discussion around increased incidences of BRCA mutations among people of Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry this High Holiday season.

The Basser Research Center for BRCA provided eye-catching informational posters that were hung throughout synagogues and temples nationwide, as well as fact sheets with details on the cancer risks associated with BRCA1 and BRCA2  – gene mutations which disproportionately impact the Ashkenazi Jewish community.

Rabbis and other leaders were called on to bring the important discussion of hereditary genetic mutation to their communities.

This month, as congregations around the world are observing the Jewish High Holidays, we hope that they will also observe Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, and participate in this important dialogue with their friends and families.

BRCA Educational Events in Your Area

Throughout 2013 and 2014, educational events scheduled in Philadelphia, New York, Minneapolis, and Los Angeles will further spread this important message.

The series will kick off with an event at Congregation Rodeph Shalom in Philadelphia: Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Risk: What You Need to Know, on October 6, 2013. Basser Center Executive Director, Susan M. Domchek, MD and Rabbi Jill L. Maderer will serve as keynote speakers during the event, which features an expert panel and CBS3/CW Philly 57’s health reporter Stephanie Stahl as emcee. You can read Rabbi Maderer’s blog on the initiative here.

Read More About BRCA in the Jewish Community

We encourage you to read more about this topic - both from the official Penn Medicine press release as well as an inspirational blog post from the Union for Reform Judaism.

You can also listen to a WHYY interview with Rodeph Shalom president, Dena Herrin on BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations in the Jewish community.
 

To get the facts and learn about educational events in your area, visit the Basser Research Center for BRCA online.

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The Benefits of Being an NCI-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center

The Abramson Cancer Center has been designated a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) since 1973, one of only 40 such centers in the country.
The NCI recognizes cancer centers around the country that meet rigorous criteria for world-class, state-of-the-art programs in multidisciplinary cancer research.

The NCI supports cancer centers that have dedicated significant resources into developing research programs, faculty, and facilities that will lead to better approaches to prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer.

What are the Benefits of Being an NCI-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center?

The benefits of NCI-designation for cancer centers include:

• Recognition of excellence in cancer research.
• Membership in the community of NCI-designated cancer centers, and a "seat at the table" where the strategic plans and initiatives of NCI are formed.
• Opportunity to represent the needs of its local community in national dialogue on cancer research issues.
• Opportunities for extensive information sharing and broader scientific collaborations with other NCI centers.

For patients who come to a comprehensive cancer center like the Abramson Cancer Center, this means they receive treatment from a cancer center that is leading the way in cancer care through research, and has access to the latest advances in diagnosis, care and technology backed by a multidisciplinary approach to cancer care.

Patients who come to Penn Medicine can rest assured their medical team is in constant communication and art of a greater team of experts, clinicians and researchers leading the way in cancer care.

Learn more about cancer research at the Abramson Cancer Center.

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What is an NCI-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center

The Abramson Cancer Center has been designated a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) since 1973, one of only 40 such centers in the country.

But what does it mean to be an NCI-designated cancer center?

Comprehensive Care in a Comprehensive Cancer Center

The NCI recognizes cancer centers around the country that meet rigorous criteria for world-class, state-of-the-art programs in multidisciplinary cancer research.

The NCI supports cancer centers that have dedicated significant resources into developing research programs, faculty, and facilities that will lead to better approaches to prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer.

Cancer Research at the Abramson Cancer Center

The Abramson Cancer Center supports 11 research programs that bring together investigators from 41 departments and 8 University schools with a shared interest in specific types of cancer (e.g., breast cancer) or scientific themes (e.g., tumor biology). Many programs span multiple research disciplines (e.g., fundamental and translational).

Areas of Research at the Abramson Cancer Center Include:

• Translational research, in which scientists translate discoveries from research laboratories into new treatments that benefit cancer patients.
• Breast cancer, spanning the identification of genetic risk and innovative diagnostic modalities that will lead to earlier diagnosis to basic science understanding of breast cancer development in order to create earlier interventions.
• Melanoma, focusing on the identification of familial risk and epidemiologic factors to testing new treatment approaches.
• Hematologic malignancies/bone marrow transplantation, in which we are seeking ways to improve patient outcomes and develop new techniques.
• Innovative clinical trials (nearly 200 active trials ongoing).
• Tobacco research, in which scientists are examining several genes that may play a role in predisposing people to nicotine addiction.
• Developmental therapeutics, in which Penn researchers are identifying and testing the effectiveness of new drugs in preventing or treating cancer.
• Immunobiology, in which we are learning about how proteins function in order to design to innovative therapeutics to control immune reactions.

The NCI provides grant funding that accompanies the designation supports shared resources for research, provides developmental funds to advance scientific goals, and fosters cancer programs that draw investigators from different disciplines together.

Learn more about research programs at the Abramson Cancer Center. 

Learn more about institutes and centers at the Abramson Cancer Center.

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Spin for LIVESTRONG™ and the Abramson Cancer Center

Join the second annual Penn Club of New York Spinathon Wednesday, April 18 from 7 am to 7 pm in support of the Abramson Cancer Center and its patients and families. This year, there will be two Spinning locations available.

This fun and healthy event benefits the LIVESTRONG™ Survivorship Center of Excellence at Penn’s Abramson Cancer Center. The goal is to have at least one Spin bike going the entire day in support of the cancer center, and those affected by cancer.

Date: Wednesday, April 14, 2012

Time: 7 am to 7 pm

Locations: Penn Club of New York, 30 West 44th Street, New York, NY 10036 or

PedalNYC, 33 West End Avenue, New York, NY 10023

All are welcome – you do not need to be a Penn Club member to participate. The Penn Club of NY will also have silent auction items to bid on including a LIVESTRONG™ Trek Bike and Penn Medicine LIVESTRONG™ Challenge jerseys.

To reserve your time block (in 30 minute blocks) contact:

• Penn Club Fitness Center - 212.403.6623 or email at healthclub@pennclubny.org
• PedalNYC - 212.561.5435 or email Ride@PedalNYC.com

For more information, visit http://www.pennclub.org/spinathon

Make a gift online (gifts should be made in honor of Penn Club Spin-a-thon), or mail in a gift using this form.

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