Advancements in University Cancer and Blood Research: From Detection to Precision Medicine
Cancer and blood research at universities is at the forefront of medical innovation, driving advancements in detection, treatment, and patient care. These institutions play a crucial role in understanding the complexities of cancer and blood disorders, leading to the development of novel therapies and diagnostic tools. This article explores recent breakthroughs and ongoing efforts in university cancer and blood research, highlighting the impact of these advancements on improving patient outcomes and shaping the future of cancer care.
The Role of University Cancer Centers
University cancer centers, like Fox Chase Cancer Center and Penn Medicine's Abramson Cancer Center, serve as hubs for cancer research, patient care, and education. These centers bring together specialists from various fields, including oncologists, surgeons, and researchers, to provide comprehensive and innovative cancer care.
Fox Chase Cancer Center, one of the original cancer centers designated by the National Cancer Institute, has a rich history of seminal discoveries that have shaped cancer prevention and treatment. These include the identification of the "Philadelphia Chromosome" and the discovery of the hepatitis B virus and development of a vaccine against it.
Penn Medicine's Abramson Cancer Center is a leader in cancer research, patient care, and education. As an academic medical center, Penn Medicine is leading the way in cancer treatment, offering our patients access to advanced therapies. Breakthrough treatments like CAR T cell therapy, which uses the patient’s immune system to target cancer cells, and TumorGlow® which aids surgeons in effectively identifying and removing cancerous tissues, were discovered by Penn Medicine researchers.
Liquid Biopsies: A Moving Picture of Metastatic Prostate Cancer
Metastatic prostate cancer is a dynamic disease that adapts and evolves under treatment pressure. Researchers are utilizing serial liquid biopsies to track circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). This approach provides a real-time molecular monitoring of the disease, allowing for more informed precision medicine.
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Traditionally, genomic testing in prostate cancer has relied on tumor tissue collected at earlier stages, which may not reflect the current state of the disease. Liquid biopsy offers a different lens by examining paired ctDNA samples taken before and after treatment.
A multi-center collaboration involving Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, the University of California San Diego (UCSD), Moores Cancer Center, the University of California San Francisco, Scripps Research Institute, and Guardant Health, tracked how fragments of tumor DNA known as circulating tumor DNA, or ctDNA, shift over time in patients with metastatic castration‑resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC).
Researchers examined paired ctDNA samples taken before and after treatment, a window that often marks disease progression. Tumors showed a clear pattern. After treatment with androgen receptor pathway inhibitors (ARPIs), PARP inhibitors and even taxane chemotherapy, patients were significantly more likely to develop AR amplifications or AR mutations. This was particularly the case in regions that allow the receptor to remain active, despite therapy. Importantly, the presence of AR alterations was common and consequential.
Serial ctDNA testing provides a "moving picture" of tumor evolution, enabling clinicians to make timely decisions and adjust treatment strategies before resistance becomes clinically evident. This approach allows us to learn from the disease as it changes and, ultimately, to tailor care more precisely for each patient.
Early Detection of Pancreatic Cancer: Improving Biomarker Panels
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a leading cause of cancer death in the United States due to its low survival rate and late diagnosis. Researchers are working to develop more effective blood tests for early detection of pancreatic cancer.
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In earlier work, a research team led by Dr. Kenneth Zaret of the University of Pennsylvania explored whether two blood proteins-carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) and thrombospondin 2 (THBS2)-could be used to identify people with early-stage pancreatic cancer.
To develop a more effective blood test, the researchers examined blood samples from 672 patients. These included people with confirmed pancreatic cancer, healthy people, and those with noncancer pancreatic conditions like pancreatitis. The researchers found two new markers in blood that were higher in people with early-stage pancreatic cancer than in healthy patients: aminopeptidase N (ANPEP) and polymeric immunoglobin receptor (PIGR). The combined test successfully distinguished pancreatic cancer cases from noncancer cases 91.9% of the time for all stages combined.
If confirmed in larger populations, this test could be used to screen for early-stage pancreatic cancer in people at higher risk of the disease. Improving a plasma biomarker panel for early detection of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma with aminopeptidase N (ANPEP) and polymeric immunoglobulin receptor (PIGR).
Precision Medicine and Targeted Therapies
University cancer centers are at the forefront of precision medicine, tailoring treatment strategies to the individual characteristics of each patient's cancer. This involves using genomic testing and other advanced diagnostics to identify specific mutations and pathways driving cancer growth, allowing for the selection of targeted therapies that are most likely to be effective.
Fox Chase Cancer Center’s research efforts have been focused on the areas that best leverage the institution’s enhanced strengths in scientific development: translational research, precision medicine, epigenetics, signaling reprograming, immunotherapy, hematologic malignancies, and cancer disparities.
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Penn Medicine is leading the way in cancer treatment, offering our patients access to advanced therapies. Breakthrough treatments like CAR T cell therapy, which uses the patient’s immune system to target cancer cells, and TumorGlow® which aids surgeons in effectively identifying and removing cancerous tissues, were discovered by Penn Medicine researchers.
Immunotherapy: Harnessing the Power of the Immune System
Immunotherapy has emerged as a promising approach to cancer treatment, harnessing the power of the immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells. University researchers are actively involved in developing and testing new immunotherapy strategies, including checkpoint inhibitors, CAR T-cell therapy, and cancer vaccines.
The affiliation with Temple also enables collaboration with several key centers of excellence, including the Moulder Center for Drug Discovery Research.
Fox Chase Cancer Center has discovered repretinib for the treatment of gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST). Revealed the importance of immunotherapy in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer, leading to the FDA approval of nivolumab
Addressing Cancer Disparities
University cancer centers are also committed to addressing cancer disparities, which refer to differences in cancer incidence, mortality, and survival rates among different populations. These centers are conducting research to understand the factors that contribute to cancer disparities and developing interventions to improve cancer outcomes in underserved communities.
Serving the Northeast Philadelphia community is an important part of the center’s mission. Through its affiliation with Temple University Health System, Fox Chase enhanced its access to the underserved minority population of Philadelphia County. Programs including the Center for Asian Health, a cancer prevention and control network, and the Temple Health Block by Block (THB3) Program actively engage with the surrounding communities. These organizations provide education and address the health concerns of North Philadelphians to better understand their needs and gather information to promote research studies.
Recent Discoveries and Developments
University cancer centers are continually making new discoveries and developing innovative approaches to cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Some recent examples include:
- Discovered a new mechanism for drug resistance in ovarian cancer
- Demonstrated immune selection of oncogenic mutations
- Pinpointed the role of cholesterol in modulated pancreatic cancer aggressiveness
- Identified epigenetic control of extrachromosomal EGFR amplification
- Increased cervical cancer screening rates among underserved populations
We continue to improve research facilities including the renovation of the Laboratory Animal Facility, and enhanced capital resources in the Biological Imaging Facility, Cell Sorting Facility, Biosample Repository, and Histopathology Facility. Several institutes and initiatives have been established in the center: the Marvin and Concetta Greenberg Pancreatic Cancer Institute, the Cancer Epigenetics Institute, and the Cancer Kinome Initiative.
Seamless and Compassionate Care
Dedicated to providing both leading-edge and compassionate cancer care, the Abramson Cancer Center and Ann B. Barshinger Cancer Institute at Penn Medicine deliver extensive diagnostics, treatments, and support. With locations throughout the southeastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey regions, you can access the most advanced cancer care close to home.
Penn Medicine cancer specialists ensure all patients receive care that addresses all their needs.
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