A recent study has found that removing the unaffected breast during a double mastectomy does not provide a survival benefit for most women diagnosed with breast cancer in just one breast. The research, published in JAMA Oncology, analyzed data from over 661,000 women and found that the survival rates for those who underwent lumpectomy or mastectomy while keeping their other breast were similar to those who opted for a double mastectomy.

The study revealed that the risk of developing cancer in the other breast is about 7% over 20 years, and having a double mastectomy did not reduce mortality rates associated with the disease. This is attributed to the fact that the primary cause of death is usually due to the spread of cancer from the initially affected breast rather than the development of a new cancer in the other breast.

However, this finding may not apply to women with BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations, who are at a significantly higher risk for breast cancer and might still benefit from a double mastectomy. Despite the lack of survival advantage, some women choose double mastectomy for peace of mind, cosmetic reasons, or to avoid the anxiety of potential future cancers.

Experts emphasize that while a double mastectomy does not improve survival odds, vigilance in screening and effective treatment for the primary cancer are crucial.

Read more about this research in the following NY Times article: Breast Cancer Survival Not Boosted by Double Mastectomy, Study Says - The New York Times (nytimes.com)

An article from the Philadelphia Inquirer recently highlighted Elkin’s Park native, Lynn Oxenberg's, ongoing battle with glioblastoma, an aggressive brain cancer for which there is no cure. For the past six years, Oxenberg has been using a treatment called Tumor Treating Fields (TTF) therapy, which involves wearing a device that sends electric fields to inhibit cancer cell growth. This, combined with regular use of a battery-operated backpack and continuous monitoring with highly sensitive MRIs, has helped extend her life significantly beyond the average survival time of 15 months for this condition.

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania are studying whether combining TTF therapy with advanced MRI technology, which provides detailed "temperature" readings of the brain to detect tumor changes more accurately, could improve outcomes further. Currently, TTF therapy shows modest success in extending life but is cumbersome and costly. Despite the challenges, Oxenberg's experience offers hope that glioblastoma might one day be managed more effectively, potentially transforming it from a terminal illness into a manageable chronic condition.

Read more about Lynn’s story here: Could AI-powered MRIs help treat glioblastoma like a chronic condition? (inquirer.com)

A cancer diagnosis today is vastly different from what it was 10 or 20 years ago. Advances in treatments like chemotherapy, radiation, proton therapy, CAR T cell therapy, and immunotherapy are enabling patients to live longer and healthier lives. Yet, even after cancer goes into remission, untreated side effects and other health concerns can continue to impact patients' well-being.

This is where Jennie Barbieri steps in. As the first director of Bridging Oncology Care and Wellness Recovery at the Ann B. Barshinger Cancer Institute (ABBCI) of Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health, Barbieri is pioneering a new approach to post-cancer care. Her role, and the new department, were created to address the institute’s commitment to not only treating cancer but also managing the side effects and encouraging lifestyle changes that promote recovery.

Barbieri’s work focuses on a holistic and collaborative approach to wellness for cancer survivors, aimed at enhancing their quality of life and managing long-term effects of cancer treatments. She meets with patients during their rehabilitation to understand their post-cancer experiences, helping them set and achieve health and wellness goals. Over a six-to-eight-month period, patients will see Barbieri three to four times. If they have lost touch with their primary care doctor during treatment, she helps reconnect them with appropriate primary care services.

Barbieri’s efforts are a testament to the evolving landscape of cancer care, where recovery is not just about survival but also about living well.

Read more about Jennie Barbieri’s work with cancer recovery from Penn Medicine News here: https://www.pennmedicine.org/news/news-blog/2024/april/a-doctor-to-help-patients-thrive-in-life-after-cancer

We are very proud to share the incredible success of our recent event at Steak 48 benefiting Philly Fights Cancer! Thanks to the overwhelming support from our community, we are thrilled to announce that we raised a staggering $30,418.91. This remarkable achievement wouldn't have been possible without the generosity of our supporters who dined out in full force for our cause.
A special thank you goes out to the team at Steak 48 for their exceptional generosity and unwavering commitment to our mission. Their dedication to giving back to the community is truly commendable, and we are deeply grateful for their partnership.

The funds raised from this event will play a vital role in supporting life-saving clinical trials and translational research at Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer Center. Every dollar contributed will directly impact the fight against cancer, bringing us one step closer to finding a cure.

Steak 48 Philadelphia has proven to be an invaluable ally in our battle against cancer. Their ongoing support not only helps to fund groundbreaking research but also serves as a beacon of hope for those affected by this disease. We are immensely proud to have such a dedicated partner in our corner.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who attended the dinner, made reservations, or spread the word about this event. Your support has made a significant difference in the lives of countless individuals battling cancer, and for that, we are profoundly thankful.

An Evening to Benefit Philly Fights Cancer at Steak 48

On Tuesday, April 30th, we invite you to join us for dinner at Steak 48, one of Philadelphia’s premier dining destinations to benefit Philly Fights Cancer.  Steak 48 will be partnering with Philly Fights Cancer to raise money in support of Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer Center.

Steak 48 will be donating 100% of all proceeds from 200 dinners (excluding tax, credit card fees & gratuity) to Philly Fights Cancer which will help fund cancer research, treatment, and patient care at Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer Center.

We encourage you to make a reservation at Steak 48 for April 30th to secure your spot for this special night where phenomenal cuisine meets making a meaningful difference in the fight against cancer.

Did you know that colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in the United States? Similarly, it is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths every single year. In honor of March being Colon Cancer Awareness Month, we are bringing awareness to the risks and factors that contribute to colorectal cancers as well as highlighting the importance of regular cancer screenings.

Penn Medicine studies all parts of colorectal cancers and have identified leading factors that may increase your chances of colorectal cancers. Some of these factors include, age, family history with colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, and racial/ethnic background.

As research and studies on colorectal cancer increases, studies have shown that the leading factor in cancer prevention is regular screenings. Early detection is key to combating invasive cancers like colorectal cancer, and getting up-to-date cancer screenings can help with this.

It is important to both know your risks for colorectal cancer as well as be informed on the different types of cancer screenings aimed to detect these cancers. To learn more about risk factors and colorectal screenings, follow this article from Penn Medicine. https://www.pennmedicine.org/cancer/about/focus-on-cancer/2023/july/colorectal-cancer-101-increase-your-awareness

Dr. Carl June from the University of Pennsylvania has paved the way for innovative cancer treatment, specifically in his discoveries in CAR T-cell therapy. His hard work and dedication in immunotherapy and cancer research over two decades has transformed the treatment process for cancer patients worldwide.

Dr. June's extensive background in cellular immunotherapy led to the development of the chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy. This drug, Kymirah, became the first FDA-approved cellular therapy in 2017 which has revolutionized the treatment process for blood cancers.

In hopes of advancing cancer treatment, Dr. June is working to target different forms of cancer, like solid tumors. He believes that the potential of CAR T-cell therapy does not stop at treating blood cancers, but can also be a transformative drug in treating autoimmune diseases and solid cancers.

In an interview with Philadelphia Business Journal reporter John George, Dr. June explains how he envisions Philadelphia as the center for cell and gene therapy, which is why he calls it "Cellicon Valley”. Follow the link below to hear more about Dr. June and his plans to shape the future of cancer treatment.

https://www.bizjournals.com/philadelphia/news/2024/01/25/carl-june-penn-cell-therapy-pioneer.html

We are grateful to have such innovative and dedicated doctors at Penn Medicine like Dr. Carl June who continues to work everyday to create a better future for cancer patients.

There are many physical side effects that come with having cancer.  Abramson Cancer Centers’ Cancer Rehabilitation Program’s main goal is to provide the best possible care you can receive as you move through the journey of having and beating cancer.   Through this program, the patient can receive consultations with cancer rehabilitation specialists as well as physical therapy services.

There are many different kinds of symptoms and issues that can come from having cancer, or from being treated for cancer.  The Rehabilitation Program’s doctors work very closely with the various other cancer specialists working to treat the patients.  This way, comprehensive, integrated care can be provided to treat any and all issues that might arise.

Some of the conditions that can arise as a result of having cancer or from cancer treatment are deconditioning, lymphedema, loss of physical function, and others as well. Follow the link here to see what some other possible issues are https://www.pennmedicine.org/cancer/navigating-cancer-care/programs-and-centers/cancer-rehabilitation-program.  We are lucky that such a comprehensive program exists at Abramson so we can provide the best care possibles to patients dealing with all aspects of Cancer.

During the month of December, Skirt Boutique in Bryn Mawr hosted their annual 12 Days of Christmas.  It was a festive event at the store, but what made it extremely special, was that each day, a percentage of the proceeds from the days’ sales were used for the benefit of a charity.  In the past, each day was directed to a different charity.  This year, all 12 days were for the benefit of Philly Fights Cancer for Abramson Cancer Center, directed towards the Pancreatic Cancer Research Center.  

On the 9^th day of the 12 Days of Giving, Skirt hosted a full day party in store with champagne, treats, and personal styling sessions with designer Jonathan Simkhai.  The store was packed, and we were so grateful for the love and support of Skirt and the community as a whole.  At the end of the 12 days, a very generous donation was made and will be used to continue the fight to cure cancer.

Giving Tuesday is considered the “global generosity movement unleashing the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world” by reaching out to the community as a whole and asking people to give.  Since 2015, Philly Fights Cancer has been working tirelessly to raise money to help fund life-saving research and clinical trials at the Abramson Cancer Center.  All money raised, over $50 million to date, helps to fund research, lab supplies, data analysis, patient support services, trial monitoring, and more.

None of this would be possible without the continued generosity and support of our donors.  The kindness of our generous community is what continues to make positive outcomes towards the eradication of cancer.  As Dr. Robert Vonderheide, Director of the Abramson Cancer Center has said, “Philly Fights Cancer, Philly CURES Cancer!”

To make one-time or sustained donation today, click here:

https://giving.apps.upenn.edu/fund?fastStart=simpleForm&program=MED&fund=603841&appeal=PMWEB