On February 18th Abramson Cancer Center and the Philly Fights Cancer Young Friends had the pleasure of hosting an open forum panel discussion at the Fitler Club. The Young Friends invited specialists from Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer Center to discuss their work at Penn and answer all questions from attendees about all things relating to cancer. This rare opportunity allowed Philly Fights Cancer supporters, and those interested in learning more about cancer, to gain insight into the world of cancer from experts in the field and become familiar with a disease that unfortunately affects millions every day. The discussion was open to people of all backgrounds, including medical students interested in oncology, healthcare professionals, or those who have been personally affected by cancer. The panel discussion was followed by a cocktail reception with passed bites.

The panel was comprised of the following physicians:

Avery D. Posey, PhD- Dr. Posey is an immunologist and glycobiologist who completed his post-doc training under Dr. Carl June, the world’s leading expert in T cell engineering and cancer immunotherapy. He has over 25 peer reviewed publications and has been instrumental in the design and of many of the CAR-T cell treatments that are currently in clinical trials.

Mark H. O’Hara, MD- Dr. O’hara specializes in gastrointestinal cancers, particularly pancreatic cancer. He has authored over 30 peer reviewed papers and is the principle investigator on multiple phase one clinical trials at the Abramson Cancer Center.

Stephen Bagley, MD, MSCE- Dr. Bagley has expertise in malignancies of the central nervous system. His research interests include immunotherapeutic approaches to glioblastoma and the use of circulating biomarkers for nervous system tumors. He not only has over 50 peer reviewed publications but also is the principle investigator for multiple clinical trials that are testing novel treatment approaches for patients with recurrent glioblastoma.

Tara C. Mitchell, MD- Dr. Mitchell is a medical oncologist and skin cancer specialist. Penn is lucky to have her as the principal investigator of several clinical trials in both the Melanoma Program and the Developmental Therapeutics Program.

This month’s issue of Philadelphia Style Magazine highlights the city’s non-profits that are working hard to make a difference. The Give Back Issue features Philly Fights Cancer’s dedicated co-chairs Missy Dietz and Nancy Abramson Wolfson, as well as their daughters Paige Dietz and Stephanie Wolfson who co-chair the Young Friends Committee.

Philly Fights Cancer has widely known for its groundbreaking success over the last few years. All proceeds go to fund Abramson Cancer Center’s clinical trials and translational research, striving to end cancer once and for all. Philly Fights Cancer puts a spotlight on the center’s unparalleled treatment for those affected by cancer, earning national and global recognition.

Missy Dietz explains, “Since last year, there have been significant milestones in immunotherapy treatments, including several new FDA approvals.”

Abramson Cancer Center is on track to continue providing cutting edge treatment and personalized care, which Philly Fights Cancer proudly helps to fund by bringing attention and awareness to the hospital, bringing patients from near and far.

“Our reach truly goes beyond Philadelphia- patients travel from all over the world to be treated at Penn.” Nancy explains, “Cancer touches everyone. It is our goal to continue to raise funds.”

Philly Fights Cancer has raised over $16 million since 2015, and Philly Fights Cancer: Round 4 will be taking place this month at the Philadelphia Navy Yard, starring comedy legend Jerry Seinfeld and international superstars Maroon 5.