Cancer care
Opening new doors to the most advanced cancer care
At Penn Medicine, we are dedicated to delivering innovative and compassionate cancer care. Our cancer centers bring together a committed team of specialists, including oncologists, surgeons, and researchers, to provide the latest advancements in cancer prevention, diagnostics, and treatment. Our faculty is devoted to ensuring that every one of our 300,000+ patients receive the highest standards of care.
Penn Medicine’s Cancer System is led by the Abramson Cancer Center with locations at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania Hospital, Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, Chester County Hospital, and outpatient locations in the Philadelphia and NJ suburbs. Beyond the greater Philadelphia region, the system includes programs at the Ann B. Barshinger Cancer Institute at Lancaster General Health, Doylestown Health, and Princeton Medical Center.
Within the Penn Medicine cancer community, patients will find:
- A specialized multidisciplinary team focused on each patient’s unique disease
- State-of-the-art facilities
- The latest in cancer prevention methods
- Disease-specific radiologists and pathologists ensuring the most accurate diagnosis leading to precision treatment plans
- Lifelong follow-up care
- Access to life-changing clinical trials
- Leading ground-breaking basic science research
Rated “exceptional” by The National Cancer Institute
Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer Center is a world leader in cancer research, patient care, and education. Our status as a national leader in cancer care is reflected in our continuous designation as a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) since 1973, one of 7 such centers in the United States. The ACC is also a member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, one of a select few cancer centers in the U.S., that are working to promote equitable access to high-quality, advanced cancer care.
What’s next is happening right now
Cancer research is advancing rapidly thanks to innovative approaches uncovered through Penn Medicine’s translational research and clinical trials. Our goal is to bring these emerging therapies from the research bench directly to the patient’s bedside.
Specialties
Innovation lives here: Shaping the future of cancer treatment
As an academic medical center, Penn Medicine is leading the way in cancer treatment, offering our patients access to advanced therapies. Breakthrough treatments like CAR T cell therapy, which uses the patient’s immune system to target cancer cells, and TumorGlow® which aids surgeons in effectively identifying and removing cancerous tissues, were discovered by Penn Medicine researchers. Penn Medicine is home to the Basser Center for BRCA, the first comprehensive center for research, treatment and prevention of BRCA-related cancers.
Beyond developing new treatment options, our researchers are looking at ways to “intercept” hereditary cancer before it even develops. By studying the changes in cells as they become cancerous, the goal is to catch these changes from the very beginning to halt or reverse the process, effectively preventing cancer from developing.
We also offer the region’s only academic medical center dedicated to proton therapy, a non–invasive, incredibly precise cancer treatment that uses a beam of protons moving at very high speeds to destroy cancer cells. Our commitment to offering groundbreaking treatments puts Penn Medicine in the position to continually improve outcomes and enhance our patients’ day-to-day lives.
Cancers we treat
Seamless care at our expert cancer centers
Dedicated to providing both leading-edge and compassionate cancer care, the Abramson Cancer Center and Ann B. Barshinger Cancer Institute at Penn Medicine deliver extensive diagnostics, treatments, and support. With locations throughout the southeastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey regions, you can access the most advanced cancer care close to home.
Partners in your care every step of the way
Community outreach and engagement
Working together with community members, health care providers, and local leaders deepens our understanding of cancer risk factors and disparities. This insight inspires us to jointly develop research, strategies, programs, and policies aimed at increasing access to cancer care—from prevention and screening to treatment and survivorship. Our goal is to reduce the burden of cancer and improve health outcomes for all.
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10-year remissions with CAR T therapy in B-cell lymphoma
Many patients with large B-cell lymphoma or follicular lymphoma were still living without a relapse, 10 years after receiving CAR T therapy.
Patient stories
An unexpected ovarian cancer diagnosis
“I’m thankful for the support and many prayers from my family and friends. I appreciate that I received care close to home and grateful that Dr. Soriano found my cancer,” said Donna Frandsen.
A cancer dietitian, a survivor herself, keeps patients moving
Breast cancer treatments can upend a fitness routine. Cancer dietitian Dorris Piccinin, a survivor herself, is inspiring patients to keep at it.
Genetic knowledge helps catch cancer early
“I didn’t know about BRCA at all before my sister’s diagnosis—it was a total learning curve,” Trudy Orthey said. “If you know that your family carries this gene mutation, don’t be afraid to talk about it. I did and it saved my life. It also has a ripple effect to your family and future generations.”
A five-time survivor who keeps fighting follicular lymphoma
“I have been truly thankful for the medical expertise and personal care I have and continue to receive at Penn Medicine while managing this cancer that continues throughout my life,” said Sharon Dunkel.
Coming home to ‘Team Penn’: Kate’s Story
From the moment Kate Korson showed up at her first appointment wearing a Penn sweatshirt to symbolize she was on “Team Penn,” every one of her caregivers let her know they were on “Team Kate.” “Penn has now saved all three members of my family,” she said, after participating in a clinical trial.
Patient puts national spotlight on cancer clinical trials
As Kate Korson recently shared on Good Morning America, both she and her mother participated in clinical trials at Abramson Cancer Center.
From the battlefield to beating cancer
“It was tough to go from a confident, Top Gun-loving pilot to ‘Am I going to live in two years?’” said Andrew Camponelli. But Lynn Schuchter, MD, made all the difference. “She wasn’t just my oncologist. She was kind of my therapist, too,” he said.
Helping to stop cancer from coming back
“I often say Dr. DeMichele saved my life twice,” said Illeana Casiano-Vazquez. “Without this trial, I don’t know if I’d still be here. She really put herself at the center of what it is to be a breast cancer patient without any options, and I’m so thankful she didn’t give up.”
Volunteering to intercept cancer for future generations
“I'm convinced that I would have had breast cancer in my 40s as my mother, my grandmother, and my grandmother’s sister all did,” said Maggie Gaines. She is now part of an innovative clinical trial aiming to intercept hereditary cancers before they start.
Advanced cancer care, closer to home
For Brian Rump, getting CAR T cell therapy nearer to home at the Ann B. Barshinger Cancer Institute in Lancaster was a game-changer. “I’m in it to win it with my cancer treatment and I know my care team at ABBCI will be with me every step of the way.”