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Penn Advances Gynecologic Oncology
The University of Pennsylvania Health System has a unique approach to the challenge of ovarian cancer.
In the United States, a woman dies from
ovarian cancer every 45 seconds. In fact,
ovarian cancer remains the fifth leading
cause of cancer deaths among women in
our country. Despite the many advances
in chemotherapy, this statistic has seen
only a negligible change over the last
four decades and very little is known
about the nature of this prevalent disease
including, in most cases, what causes it
or how to prevent it.
Although patient survival rate is 70
percent higher when caught in stage I,
the current lack of early detection
methods has resulted in two-thirds of
patients being diagnosed at a point when
they not only have an advanced form of
the disease but it has spread to other
parts of their body. Until recently, the
majority of patients diagnosed with
ovarian cancer did not respond to
conventional chemotherapy within
1 to 3 years.
But finally, there is hope.
At Penn, we have founded the Center for
Research on Early Detection and Cure
of Ovarian Cancer. With this collaborative
effort between physicians and scientists
from the Division of Gynecologic
Oncology, the Abramson Cancer Center,
the Joan Karnell Cancer Center and the
Center for Research in Reproduction and
Women's Health, we have taken the
lead in this field.
Staffed by a diverse team of specialists
and experts and directed by world-renowned
oncologist and research
scientist George Coukos, MD, PhD, the
Center for Research on Early Detection
and Cure of Ovarian Cancer focuses on:
- identifying new detection methods,
- developing new therapies, and
- improving
the quality of life for women diagnosed
with this deadly disease.
The unique
assembly of this interdisciplinary
team will afford us the ability to
translate advances in research of gynecologic oncology into new and
improved detection techniques,
groundbreaking treatments and
innovative prevention solutions.
We are already making breakthroughs
on all fronts. From the research that
pinpointed antigens that may help
prevent ovarian cancer in the future to
the molecular identification of vascular
cells that will help detect the disease
sooner. From the discovery that T cells can infiltrate ovarian cancer and
predict improved survival rates to the
development of adoptive T cell therapy.
From initial consultation to posttreatment
recovery. From caring
doctors to hopeful patients. We are
relentlessly advancing the science of
ovarian cancer.
When it comes to ovarian cancer, where
you turn to first matters most. At our
Center for Research on Early Detection
and Cure of Ovarian Cancer, we aren't
just working for a cure, we are working
to help you live a better life.
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