Hope through science: how TCEs are transforming approaches to complex cancers
TCEs are driving innovation across multiple diseases, and in cancer, they are transforming the way we approach some of the most complex challenges in oncology. At the heart of the Abramson Cancer Center’s commitment to advancing cancer care, our TCEs focus on developing new strategies to overcome the toughest challenges in oncology. From preventing breast cancer recurrence to pioneering CAR T cell therapy for glioblastoma, these initiatives bridge research and treatment, creating transformative approaches that improve patient care and outcomes.
Breast cancer recurrence affects nearly 30 percent of patients despite treatment with surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, often due to minimal residual disease—cancer cells that survive treatment and may remain dormant or undetected for years. The 2-PREVENT Breast Cancer TCE is one of the nation’s only programs dedicated solely to preventing these recurrences through cutting-edge research and personalized care.
Led by Angela DeMichele, MD, and Lewis Chodosh, MD, PhD, the center advances detection, monitoring, and treatment strategies to identify and eliminate minimal residual disease. With a strong focus on post-treatment surveillance, early detection, and targeted therapies, the program is transforming care for breast cancer survivors by reducing recurrence rates and improving long-term outcomes.
To learn more about the 2-PREVENT TCE and see if you’re a candidate for one of the studies, email breastcancerclinicaltrials@pennmedicine.upenn.edu or call 215-615-2367.
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common and aggressive malignant brain cancer, with over 15,000 new cases diagnosed each year and average survival rates of just 15 to 18 months. Penn Medicine’s GBM Translational Center of Excellence is leading the charge to revolutionize treatment for GBM by leveraging cellular therapies like CAR T cell therapy and other immunotherapy treatments.
Under the leadership of Donald O’Rourke, MD, the GBM TCE unites experts from neurosurgery, pathology, oncology, and radiation therapy to develop a robust pipeline of new treatments and clinical trials. Its focus pillars, including T Cell engineering, disease modeling, and clinical trial optimization, aim to improve survival rates and patient care outcomes. By integrating resources and expertise across disciplines and facilities, this TCE is creating a new path for patients with GBM to not only improve but survive.
If you are interested in participating in one of the clinical trials, search our database or speak with a clinical trial navigator.
Leading the Ovarian Cancer TCE, Ronny Drapkin, MD, PhD, and Fiona Simpkins, MD, are making strides in the early detection and treatment of ovarian cancer. The Ovarian Cancer TCE uses unique cancer models to improve early detection and combat chemoresistance, a condition where cancer cells become resistant to chemotherapy treatment, often leading to cancer growth and spread. Researchers in the Ovarian Cancer TCE have secured the region’s only National Cancer Institute (NCI)-sponsored Specialized Program of Research Excellence (SPORE) in ovarian cancer.
In collaboration with Johns Hopkins, this team earned a highly competitive SPORE grant to support moving ideas from the lab to clinical trials more quickly. The program has already reached significant milestones, including the discovery of various biomarkers for early cancer detection, the identification of new therapeutic targets, and the development of innovative treatment combinations.
If you are interested in participating in one of the clinical trials, search our database or speak with a clinical trial navigator.
Directed by Saar Gill, MD, PhD, the Genetically Engineered HSC Transplantation TCE focuses on overcoming toxicity challenges in leukemia immunotherapy. Traditional treatments can often harm healthy cells alongside cancer cells, creating significant barriers to effective care. The center is working to address this issue by using gene-edited hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), the building blocks of blood and immune cells. By carefully editing those cells, the team is developing therapies that target leukemia while minimizing harm to the rest of the body. This approach not only makes treatments safer but also opens new possibilities for treating previously untreatable cases.
One breakthrough this team achieved is the development of CD33KO HSC transplants, which eliminate a key toxicity issue in leukemia therapies. Breakthroughs like CD33KO HSC transplants are making toxic treatments safe. It marks an important step toward transforming the landscape of cell and gene therapy, providing new hope for those with unmet medical needs.
If you are interested in participating in one of the clinical trials, email TCE-HSCT@pennmedicine.upenn.edu.
Devraj Basu, MD, PhD, FACS, leads this TCE focused on the growing issue of HPV-related oropharyngeal cancers. Human papillomavirus (HPV), a common sexually transmitted disease, has increasingly been linked to oropharyngeal cancers or cancers of the throat and tonsils, known as oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC). With OPSCC projected to be the most common type of head and neck cancer by 2030, the center is taking proactive steps to combat this trend through innovative research and treatment development.
The team is developing personalized therapeutic strategies and advanced biomarkers to differentiate between high- and low-risk tumors. This work is crucial for tailoring treatment to individual patients and improving outcomes. To achieve its goals, the center has united experts in molecular epidemiology, virology, and clinical trials, creating a collaborative approach to addressing this rapidly growing health issue.
If you are interested in participating in one of the clinical trials, search our database or speak with a clinical trial navigator.
Read more about the HPV+ Head and Neck Cancer TCE