News & Updates – Philly Fights Cancer

At Philly Fights Cancer, we are always inspired by the innovative research emerging from our region’s leading institutions. In a recent Penn Dental Medicine Study, researchers explored a promising new approach to fighting oral cancer: bioengineered chewing gum. Designed to target harmful microbes linked to head and neck cancers, early research has shown that the gum significantly reduces levels of HPV and bacteria associated with poor cancer outcomes, offering a potential new pathway for prevention and treatment.

This groundbreaking work highlights the power of thinking beyond traditional treatment methods and toward more accessible, patient-friendly solutions. By combining antiviral and antibacterial compounds in a simple, low-cost delivery system, researchers hope to one day complement existing cancer therapies and improve outcomes for patients worldwide. As this science continues to develop, it reinforces what we believe at Philly Fights Cancer: innovation saves lives, and continued investment in research is essential to ending cancer as we know it.

Read the whole article from Penn Today here.

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At Philly Fights Cancer, we are always inspired by the innovative research emerging from our region’s leading institutions. In a recent Penn Dental Medicine Study, researchers explored a promising new approach to fighting oral cancer: bioengineered chewing gum. Designed to target harmful microbes linked to head and neck cancers, early research has shown that the gum significantly reduces levels of HPV and bacteria associated with poor cancer outcomes, offering a potential new pathway for prevention and treatment.

This groundbreaking work highlights the power of thinking beyond traditional treatment methods and toward more accessible, patient-friendly solutions. By combining antiviral and antibacterial compounds in a simple, low-cost delivery system, researchers hope to one day complement existing cancer therapies and improve outcomes for patients worldwide. As this science continues to develop, it reinforces what we believe at Philly Fights Cancer: innovation saves lives, and continued investment in research is essential to ending cancer as we know it.

Read the whole article from Penn Today here.

Researchers at Penn Medicine and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia have developed a first-of-its-kind CRISPR-based platform that can be used directly on patients’ leukemia cells to identify the genes and regulatory elements driving acute myeloid leukemia (AML), an aggressive blood cancer. Unlike traditional methods that rely on lab-grown cell lines, this innovative approach works with real patient samples, offering a more accurate understanding of how cancer behaves and evolves. By enabling researchers to test hundreds of genetic changes at once, the platform can pinpoint which genes influence cancer growth and survival while also revealing how different cell populations within a single patient respond to treatment.

The implications of this research are significant, with the potential to accelerate the discovery of targeted therapies and better understand why some cancers become resistant to treatment. By bringing CRISPR tools closer to clinical application, this platform could one day help physicians tailor treatments based on each patient’s unique cancer biology. Philly Fights Cancer is proud to support this groundbreaking innovation, advancing research that moves us closer to more precise, effective cancer care. Read more about these exciting advancements in Penn Medicine News.

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Researchers at Penn Medicine and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia have developed a first-of-its-kind CRISPR-based platform that can be used directly on patients’ leukemia cells to identify the genes and regulatory elements driving acute myeloid leukemia (AML), an aggressive blood cancer. Unlike traditional methods that rely on lab-grown cell lines, this innovative approach works with real patient samples, offering a more accurate understanding of how cancer behaves and evolves. By enabling researchers to test hundreds of genetic changes at once, the platform can pinpoint which genes influence cancer growth and survival while also revealing how different cell populations within a single patient respond to treatment.

The implications of this research are significant, with the potential to accelerate the discovery of targeted therapies and better understand why some cancers become resistant to treatment. By bringing CRISPR tools closer to clinical application, this platform could one day help physicians tailor treatments based on each patient’s unique cancer biology. Philly Fights Cancer is proud to support this groundbreaking innovation, advancing research that moves us closer to more precise, effective cancer care. Read more about these exciting advancements in Penn Medicine News.

For more than a decade, Deborah Burnham has helped patients at the Abramson Cancer Center process the visible and invisible impact of cancer through “Writing a Life,” a program offered by Patient and Family Services. What began as a personal reflection—sparked by the moment she noticed her own infusion port in a mirror—has evolved into a powerful, guided writing workshop where patients explore how cancer reshapes their bodies, identities, and sense of self. In a supportive, judgment-free space, participants share stories of loss, resilience, and transformation, receiving thoughtful feedback from peers and oncology social workers who help foster emotional connection and healing.

Programs like “Writing a Life” are a reminder that cancer care extends far beyond groundbreaking research and clinical treatment. Through initiatives supported by Philly Fights Cancer, funding not only fuels innovation in the lab but also sustains critical Patient and Family Services that address the human side of a cancer diagnosis. These programs provide patients and their loved ones with the tools, community, and support they need to navigate the emotional journey of cancer—ensuring that care is as compassionate and comprehensive as it is cutting-edge.

Read more about Deborah and her work in Penn Medicine News’ full article.

article from Penn today with image of woman walking through door from a garden

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For more than a decade, Deborah Burnham has helped patients at the Abramson Cancer Center process the visible and invisible impact of cancer through “Writing a Life,” a program offered by Patient and Family Services. What began as a personal reflection—sparked by the moment she noticed her own infusion port in a mirror—has evolved into a powerful, guided writing workshop where patients explore how cancer reshapes their bodies, identities, and sense of self. In a supportive, judgment-free space, participants share stories of loss, resilience, and transformation, receiving thoughtful feedback from peers and oncology social workers who help foster emotional connection and healing.

Programs like “Writing a Life” are a reminder that cancer care extends far beyond groundbreaking research and clinical treatment. Through initiatives supported by Philly Fights Cancer, funding not only fuels innovation in the lab but also sustains critical Patient and Family Services that address the human side of a cancer diagnosis. These programs provide patients and their loved ones with the tools, community, and support they need to navigate the emotional journey of cancer—ensuring that care is as compassionate and comprehensive as it is cutting-edge.

Read more about Deborah and her work in Penn Medicine News’ full article.

The momentum behind cancer research continues to build in Philadelphia, as Robert Herman Vonderheide, MD, DPhil, director of the Abramson Cancer Center, has been elected President-Elect of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR). As the world’s largest cancer research organization, AACR plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of cancer science, making this appointment a significant milestone not only for Dr. Vonderheide, but for Philadelphia’s standing as a global leader in innovation. His groundbreaking work in cancer immunotherapy and translational research, alongside the election of E. John Wherry, PhD, to the AACR Board of Directors, highlights the depth of expertise and leadership emerging from Abramson and the University of Pennsylvania.

This moment is also a powerful reminder of the role community support plays in driving progress. Through its mission to fundraise for the Abramson Cancer Center, Philly Fights Cancer helps fuel the research, talent, and breakthroughs that elevate Philadelphia onto the world stage. Leadership appointments like this don’t happen in isolation—they are made possible by sustained investment in science and innovation. As the city continues to lead in the fight against cancer, moments like these reflect both how far we’ve come and the impact we can continue to make together. Read more about Dr. Vonderheide's election here.

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The momentum behind cancer research continues to build in Philadelphia, as Robert Herman Vonderheide, MD, DPhil, director of the Abramson Cancer Center, has been elected President-Elect of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR). As the world’s largest cancer research organization, AACR plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of cancer science, making this appointment a significant milestone not only for Dr. Vonderheide, but for Philadelphia’s standing as a global leader in innovation. His groundbreaking work in cancer immunotherapy and translational research, alongside the election of E. John Wherry, PhD, to the AACR Board of Directors, highlights the depth of expertise and leadership emerging from Abramson and the University of Pennsylvania.

This moment is also a powerful reminder of the role community support plays in driving progress. Through its mission to fundraise for the Abramson Cancer Center, Philly Fights Cancer helps fuel the research, talent, and breakthroughs that elevate Philadelphia onto the world stage. Leadership appointments like this don’t happen in isolation—they are made possible by sustained investment in science and innovation. As the city continues to lead in the fight against cancer, moments like these reflect both how far we’ve come and the impact we can continue to make together. Read more about Dr. Vonderheide's election here.

At Philly Fights Cancer, we’re proud to support groundbreaking discoveries happening at the University of Pennsylvania — and sometimes innovation comes with four legs and a powerful nose. Researchers at Penn’s School of Veterinary Medicine, led by Cynthia M. Otto and Clara Wilson, have shown that trained dogs can detect hemangiosarcoma — a fast-moving, often fatal cancer in dogs — simply by scent. Because this disease is usually discovered only after sudden collapse, early diagnosis has long been nearly impossible. By identifying unique odor signatures made of volatile organic compounds in blood samples, detection dogs correctly recognized cancer about 70% of the time, offering a promising first step toward a reliable screening tool.

Why does this matter beyond veterinary medicine? Cancer biology crosses species, and the ability to detect subtle molecular changes earlier is one of the most important frontiers in research. If scientists can translate these scent signatures into a machine-based test, veterinarians could screen dogs annually and intervene sooner — preventing spread, starting treatment earlier, and opening doors for clinical trials. Advances like this embody our mission: funding bold science that improves outcomes, accelerates therapies, and ultimately benefits both pets and people. Every breakthrough begins as a small signal — and sometimes, it takes a dog to help us smell the future of cancer detection.

Read more about these amazing discoveries here: Sniffing out cancer: Trained dogs can detect hemangiosarcoma by scent | Penn Today

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At Philly Fights Cancer, we’re proud to support groundbreaking discoveries happening at the University of Pennsylvania — and sometimes innovation comes with four legs and a powerful nose. Researchers at Penn’s School of Veterinary Medicine, led by Cynthia M. Otto and Clara Wilson, have shown that trained dogs can detect hemangiosarcoma — a fast-moving, often fatal cancer in dogs — simply by scent. Because this disease is usually discovered only after sudden collapse, early diagnosis has long been nearly impossible. By identifying unique odor signatures made of volatile organic compounds in blood samples, detection dogs correctly recognized cancer about 70% of the time, offering a promising first step toward a reliable screening tool.

Why does this matter beyond veterinary medicine? Cancer biology crosses species, and the ability to detect subtle molecular changes earlier is one of the most important frontiers in research. If scientists can translate these scent signatures into a machine-based test, veterinarians could screen dogs annually and intervene sooner — preventing spread, starting treatment earlier, and opening doors for clinical trials. Advances like this embody our mission: funding bold science that improves outcomes, accelerates therapies, and ultimately benefits both pets and people. Every breakthrough begins as a small signal — and sometimes, it takes a dog to help us smell the future of cancer detection.

Read more about these amazing discoveries here: Sniffing out cancer: Trained dogs can detect hemangiosarcoma by scent | Penn Today

At Philly Fights Cancer, we believe the future of oncology depends on finding cancer earlier and guiding patients through treatment faster — and innovation at Penn Medicine is doing exactly that. Clinicians at Penn Medicine Princeton Health are using artificial intelligence alongside advanced imaging to detect disease before symptoms begin. AI now flags incidental lung nodules found during routine CT scans — often discovered when patients come to the emergency department for unrelated issues — ensuring they are reviewed by a multidisciplinary team instead of being overlooked. The same technology is improving colonoscopies by highlighting tiny or flat precancerous polyps that can be removed before they ever become cancer. Just as importantly, AI automatically alerts nurse navigators when a new cancer is identified, helping patients begin treatment sooner and reducing the anxiety of waiting.

These advances build on Penn’s long history of medical imaging leadership and point toward a more personalized era of care. Next-generation CT, MRI, and PET/CT scanners will deliver clearer images with less radiation, shorter appointments, and faster scheduling — all while helping physicians tailor therapies to the biology of each patient’s tumor. Together, intelligent software and precision imaging are transforming cancer care from reactive to proactive: detecting earlier, coordinating faster, and treating smarter. Supporting research and innovation like this is central to our mission — accelerating breakthroughs that improve survival and quality of life for patients today while shaping a more hopeful future for everyone facing cancer tomorrow.

Read the full article from Princeton Perspectives here: https://princetonperspectives.com/revolutionizing-cancer-care-with-ai-and-next-gen-medical-imaging/

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At Philly Fights Cancer, we believe the future of oncology depends on finding cancer earlier and guiding patients through treatment faster — and innovation at Penn Medicine is doing exactly that. Clinicians at Penn Medicine Princeton Health are using artificial intelligence alongside advanced imaging to detect disease before symptoms begin. AI now flags incidental lung nodules found during routine CT scans — often discovered when patients come to the emergency department for unrelated issues — ensuring they are reviewed by a multidisciplinary team instead of being overlooked. The same technology is improving colonoscopies by highlighting tiny or flat precancerous polyps that can be removed before they ever become cancer. Just as importantly, AI automatically alerts nurse navigators when a new cancer is identified, helping patients begin treatment sooner and reducing the anxiety of waiting.

These advances build on Penn’s long history of medical imaging leadership and point toward a more personalized era of care. Next-generation CT, MRI, and PET/CT scanners will deliver clearer images with less radiation, shorter appointments, and faster scheduling — all while helping physicians tailor therapies to the biology of each patient’s tumor. Together, intelligent software and precision imaging are transforming cancer care from reactive to proactive: detecting earlier, coordinating faster, and treating smarter. Supporting research and innovation like this is central to our mission — accelerating breakthroughs that improve survival and quality of life for patients today while shaping a more hopeful future for everyone facing cancer tomorrow.

Read the full article from Princeton Perspectives here: https://princetonperspectives.com/revolutionizing-cancer-care-with-ai-and-next-gen-medical-imaging/

For cancer patients like Ellie Wilson, a trip to the emergency room can feel as frightening as it is necessary. Diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer while already managing ulcerative colitis, Wilson found herself repeatedly turning to the ER for treatment-related complications — all while worrying about exposure to infections in crowded waiting rooms. Her experience reflects a broader challenge faced by oncology patients, who often endure intense side effects such as nausea, fatigue, or blood clots that require immediate attention but not always a full hospital admission. Traditional emergency departments, while essential for true emergencies, are not always the safest or most efficient environment for immunocompromised patients.

To address this gap, cancer centers across Philadelphia have expanded oncology urgent care clinics — specialized units designed to manage treatment side effects quickly, safely, and with deep expertise in cancer care. Facilities like Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer Center and Temple’s Fox Chase Cancer Center now offer extended or even 24/7 access, helping patients avoid unnecessary ER visits while receiving timely transfusions, monitoring, or symptom relief. As cancer treatments grow more complex — particularly with newer options like immunotherapy — these clinics provide a critical middle ground: fast, targeted care without the risks and delays of the emergency room. At Philly Fights Cancer, we’re proud to support progress that improves the patient experience, eases the burden on families, and helps redefine what compassionate, responsive cancer care looks like in our city. Read the entire article from WHYY here: Urgent care for cancer patients is more accessible in Philadelphia - WHYY

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For cancer patients like Ellie Wilson, a trip to the emergency room can feel as frightening as it is necessary. Diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer while already managing ulcerative colitis, Wilson found herself repeatedly turning to the ER for treatment-related complications — all while worrying about exposure to infections in crowded waiting rooms. Her experience reflects a broader challenge faced by oncology patients, who often endure intense side effects such as nausea, fatigue, or blood clots that require immediate attention but not always a full hospital admission. Traditional emergency departments, while essential for true emergencies, are not always the safest or most efficient environment for immunocompromised patients.

To address this gap, cancer centers across Philadelphia have expanded oncology urgent care clinics — specialized units designed to manage treatment side effects quickly, safely, and with deep expertise in cancer care. Facilities like Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer Center and Temple’s Fox Chase Cancer Center now offer extended or even 24/7 access, helping patients avoid unnecessary ER visits while receiving timely transfusions, monitoring, or symptom relief. As cancer treatments grow more complex — particularly with newer options like immunotherapy — these clinics provide a critical middle ground: fast, targeted care without the risks and delays of the emergency room. At Philly Fights Cancer, we’re proud to support progress that improves the patient experience, eases the burden on families, and helps redefine what compassionate, responsive cancer care looks like in our city. Read the entire article from WHYY here: Urgent care for cancer patients is more accessible in Philadelphia - WHYY

Researchers at Penn Medicine have uncovered a promising new use for CAR T cell therapy, a personalized immunotherapy best known for treating certain cancers. In a preclinical study published in Circulation, investigators demonstrated that experimental CAR T cells could significantly reduce inflammation in arteries, preventing more than two-thirds of plaque buildup associated with atherosclerosis, the most common form of heart disease. By targeting oxidized LDL, a key driver of arterial inflammation, the therapy addresses a fundamental cause of heart attacks and strokes—conditions responsible for millions of deaths worldwide each year. The findings suggest that CAR T technology could one day complement existing cholesterol-lowering treatments, particularly for patients who remain at high risk despite standard care.

This research highlights the power of translational science at Penn Medicine, where advances developed in cancer immunotherapy are being adapted to tackle other major diseases. Led by experts at the Perelman School of Medicine, the study underscores how deep expertise in CAR T cell engineering can open new therapeutic pathways beyond oncology, while still building on the same scientific foundations that have transformed cancer treatment. This spirit of innovation reflects the work supported through Philly Fights Cancer, which raises critical funds to advance the groundbreaking research and clinical trials at the Abramson Cancer Center.

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Researchers at Penn Medicine have uncovered a promising new use for CAR T cell therapy, a personalized immunotherapy best known for treating certain cancers. In a preclinical study published in Circulation, investigators demonstrated that experimental CAR T cells could significantly reduce inflammation in arteries, preventing more than two-thirds of plaque buildup associated with atherosclerosis, the most common form of heart disease. By targeting oxidized LDL, a key driver of arterial inflammation, the therapy addresses a fundamental cause of heart attacks and strokes—conditions responsible for millions of deaths worldwide each year. The findings suggest that CAR T technology could one day complement existing cholesterol-lowering treatments, particularly for patients who remain at high risk despite standard care.

This research highlights the power of translational science at Penn Medicine, where advances developed in cancer immunotherapy are being adapted to tackle other major diseases. Led by experts at the Perelman School of Medicine, the study underscores how deep expertise in CAR T cell engineering can open new therapeutic pathways beyond oncology, while still building on the same scientific foundations that have transformed cancer treatment. This spirit of innovation reflects the work supported through Philly Fights Cancer, which raises critical funds to advance the groundbreaking research and clinical trials at the Abramson Cancer Center.

A research team at the University of Pennsylvania has created a groundbreaking “tumor-on-a-chip”—a tiny, transparent device that mimics the complex environment of a human tumor. This innovation gives scientists an unprecedented real-time view of how cancer interacts with the immune system and why solid tumors are so difficult to treat.

While CAR T cell therapy has revolutionized treatment for blood cancers, solid tumors use a protective tumor microenvironment (TME) to block immune cells from getting inside. Using the new chip, Penn researchers discovered that vildagliptin, a drug used for type 2 diabetes, can strengthen the chemical signals that help CAR T cells enter tumors—allowing far more immune cells to break through and attack cancer. This platform also provides a safer, faster way to test new treatment strategies and could reduce reliance on animal models, speeding progress toward more effective immunotherapies.

Breakthroughs like this are possible because of sustained investment in cutting-edge cancer research. Philly Fights Cancer is proud to support the Abramson Cancer Center and the pioneering scientists whose work drives discoveries that bring new hope to patients and families. Click here to read the full article from Penn Today.

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A research team at the University of Pennsylvania has created a groundbreaking “tumor-on-a-chip”—a tiny, transparent device that mimics the complex environment of a human tumor. This innovation gives scientists an unprecedented real-time view of how cancer interacts with the immune system and why solid tumors are so difficult to treat.

While CAR T cell therapy has revolutionized treatment for blood cancers, solid tumors use a protective tumor microenvironment (TME) to block immune cells from getting inside. Using the new chip, Penn researchers discovered that vildagliptin, a drug used for type 2 diabetes, can strengthen the chemical signals that help CAR T cells enter tumors—allowing far more immune cells to break through and attack cancer. This platform also provides a safer, faster way to test new treatment strategies and could reduce reliance on animal models, speeding progress toward more effective immunotherapies.

Breakthroughs like this are possible because of sustained investment in cutting-edge cancer research. Philly Fights Cancer is proud to support the Abramson Cancer Center and the pioneering scientists whose work drives discoveries that bring new hope to patients and families. Click here to read the full article from Penn Today.

At just 28, Brooklyn Olumba faced breast cancer head-on—and turned her diagnosis into a mission to help others.

After her twin sister tested positive for the BRCA2 gene mutation, Brooklyn learned she carried the same mutation that increases the risk for breast and ovarian cancer. That knowledge led her to early screening, where an MRI detected stage 0 breast cancer.

Through surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation at Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer Center, Brooklyn found strength—and purpose. “When I look at my scars now, I see strength and a version of me that I love,” she said.

Today, she uses her voice to raise awareness about genetic testing and to empower young women of color to talk openly about family health history. “Your family’s history is also your history,” she reminds others.

At Philly Fights Cancer, we’re inspired by survivors like Brooklyn—proof that research saves lives and that knowledge is power. By funding breakthroughs in cancer detection, treatment, and prevention, we can ensure more stories like hers end in hope.

Read more about Brooklyn’s story here: A breast cancer survivor at 28, she’s now a voice of hope | Penn Medicine

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At just 28, Brooklyn Olumba faced breast cancer head-on—and turned her diagnosis into a mission to help others.

After her twin sister tested positive for the BRCA2 gene mutation, Brooklyn learned she carried the same mutation that increases the risk for breast and ovarian cancer. That knowledge led her to early screening, where an MRI detected stage 0 breast cancer.

Through surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation at Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer Center, Brooklyn found strength—and purpose. “When I look at my scars now, I see strength and a version of me that I love,” she said.

Today, she uses her voice to raise awareness about genetic testing and to empower young women of color to talk openly about family health history. “Your family’s history is also your history,” she reminds others.

At Philly Fights Cancer, we’re inspired by survivors like Brooklyn—proof that research saves lives and that knowledge is power. By funding breakthroughs in cancer detection, treatment, and prevention, we can ensure more stories like hers end in hope.

Read more about Brooklyn’s story here: A breast cancer survivor at 28, she’s now a voice of hope | Penn Medicine