Cancer Research | Penn Today

Personalized tumor vaccine shows promise in pilot trial

In a study done at the Perelman School of Medicine, researchers report positive results from a cancer vaccine administered to ovarian cancer patients, and are prepared to move forward with further trials.

A new-to-us anatomical feature may benefit cancer research and other diseases

The “interstitium” may be a shock absorber to many organs and tissues.

The FDA Wants to Take Nicotine Out of Tobacco. How Do You Do That?

Andrew Strasser of the Perelman School of Medicine discusses genetically engineering tobacco to produce low-nicotine cigarettes. The new cigarettes differ from so-called “light” cigarettes, which can be smoked more vigorously to increase nicotine intake. In his 2016 study, Strasser and colleagues found that the low-nicotine versions “were associated with reduced smoking,” offering hope to both smokers and researchers.

Doctors Hunt for Hidden Cancers With Glowing Dyes

Sunil Singhal of the Perelman School of Medicine pioneered the use of “TumorGlow,” which administers a dye called ICG in large doses prior to surgery. The dye collects in and illuminates cancer cells, allowing surgeons to identify once-invisible tumors. The dye is now being tested for use in ovarian and lung cancers and may one day be used to detect breast cancer.

Low-calorie diet enhances intestinal regeneration after injury

Dramatic calorie restriction, diets reduced by 40 percent of a normal calorie total, have long been known to extend health span, the duration of disease-free aging, in animal studies, and even to extend life span in most animal species examined.

Audio: Doctors in China Lead Race to Treat Cancer by Editing Genes

Carl June of the Perelman School of Medicine talks about China prioritizing the advancement of cancer treatment on a national level.

Study uncovers therapeutic targets for aggressive triple-negative breast cancers

As part of a breast-cancer diagnosis, doctors analyze the tumor to determine which therapies might best attack the malignancy. But for patients whose cancer is triple-negative — that is, lacking receptors for estrogen, progesterone and Her2 — the options for treatment dwindle. Triple-negative cancers, or TNBC, also tend to be more aggressive than other cancer subtypes.

A new hope for treating triple-negative breast cancer

Breast cancer mortality rates have steadily declined over the past few decades, thanks to a combination of early detection and improved treatments. But for patients diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), a subtype in which tumor cells lack receptors for estrogen, progesterone, and Her2, no targeted treatments are available.

While the U.S. Waits, China Has Been CRISPRing Human Cancer Patients Since 2015

Carl June of the Perelman School of Medicine says, “It is hard to know what the ideal is between moving quickly and making sure patients are safe,” in regards to beginning human trials using the CRISPR medical technique.

$100M for Tmunity's Cancer Gene Therapy From China, U.S. Investors

Funding for Tmunity Therapeutics, a for-profit company that develops T-cell-based personal cancer treatments led by Carl June of the Perelman School of Medicine, is highlighted.

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