Genetically Modified "Serial Killer" T Cells Obliterate Tumors in Patients with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia, Penn Researchers Report
(PHILADELPHIA) -- In a cancer treatment breakthrough 20 years in the making, researchers from the University of Pennsylvania's Abramson Cancer Center and Perelman School of Medicine have shown sustained remissions of up to a year among a small group of advanced chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) patients treated with genetically engineered versions of their own T cells. The protocol, which involves removing patients' cells and modifying them in Penn's vaccine production facility, then infusing the new cells back into the patient's body following chemotherapy, provides a tumor-attack roadmap for the treatment of other cancers including those of the lung and ovaries and myeloma and melanoma. The findings, published simultaneously today in the New England Journal of Medicine and Science Translational Medicine, are the first demonstration of the use of gene transfer therapy to create "serial killer" T cells aimed at cancerous tumors. more
Penn Researchers Uncover Novel Immune Therapy for Pancreatic Cancer
PHILADELPHIA - Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania’s Abramson Cancer Center have discovered a novel way of treating pancreatic cancer by activating the immune system to destroy the cancer’s scaffolding. The strategy was tested in a small cohort of patients with advanced pancreatic cancer, several of whose tumors shrank substantially. The team believes their findings – and the novel way in which they uncovered them -- could lead to quicker, less expensive cancer drug development. more
Penn Researchers Find New Role for Cancer Protein p53
PHILADELPHIA - The gene for the protein p53 is the most frequently mutated in human cancer. It encodes a tumor suppressor, and traditionally researchers have assumed that it acts primarily as a regulator of how genes are made into proteins. Now, researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine show that the protein has at least one other biochemical activity: controlling the metabolism of the sugar glucose, one of body's main sources of fuel. These new insights on a well-studied protein may be used to develop new cancer therapies.
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Cells of Aggressive Leukemia Hijack Normal Protein to Grow, According to Penn Study
PHILADELPHIA - Researchers have found that one particularly aggressive type of blood cancer, mixed lineage leukemia (MLL), has an unusual way to keep the molecular motors running. The cancer cells rely on the normal version of an associated protein to stay alive.
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EVENTS
Abramson Family Cancer Research institute seminars
At the Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, our primary goal is to transform scientific breakthroughs into innovative treatments as quickly as possible. Our researchers and physicians work in comprehensive teams dedicated to ultimately curing multiple types of cancer. Basic scientists, medical oncologists, pathologists, and surgeons work together on the complex steps of turning discoveries into treatments that will benefit cancer patients throughout the world.
The AFCRI Plays a Leading Role in Cancer Research
The Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute leads important efforts in the study of cancer cell metabolism, the tumor microenvironment, DNA damage responses, cancer genetics/genomics, immune responses, immunotherapy, and other scientific areas to better understand cancer and develop improved treatment for those afflicted with this disease.
Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute's Commitment to Educational Programs
The faculty of the Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute maintain important leadership roles in undergraduate, graduate, medical, and postdoctoral educational programs at the University of Pennsylvania. In addition, the Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute directs a number of related programs, including a formal seminar series organized in partnership with the Division of Hematology and Oncology.
Educational Opportunities at the Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute
Choose the Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute to learn from leaders in cancer research. The faculty of the Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute continue to make fundamental contributions to the educational mission at the undergraduate, graduate medical student, and postdoctoral levels.
OUR RESEARCH
Research areas include the detailed study of cancer cell metabolism, DNA damage responses, cancer genetics, and immunotherapy, as well as other areas of cancer biology.
Faculty at the Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute focus on regenerative medicine through gene and cell-based therapies. Read our Faculty Bios.
Make a difference today by donating to cancer research. Your gift will help to provide ongoing research at the Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute.
Research areas include the detailed study of cancer cell metabolism, DNA damage responses, cancer genetics, and immunotherapy, as well as other areas of cancer biology. 
Faculty at the Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute focus on regenerative medicine through gene and cell-based therapies. Read our Faculty Bios.
Make a difference today by donating to cancer research. Your gift will help to provide ongoing research at the Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute.
