News Archive | Penn Medicine Clinical Research | Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania

Where science meets compassion — and teams turn hope into healing.

CAR-T therapy has transformed cancer treatment — but its potential stretches far beyond oncology. In this special edition of CureTalk, we step beyond the headlines and shine a light on the remarkable people — the Penn scientists, nurses, engineers, clinicians, and patient advocates — who work tirelessly to advance CAR-T therapies for a broader range of diseases. Join us as we explore the human spirit driving this scientific revolution, and hear how collaboration, creativity, and care are shaping the future of medicine.

Pioneering strategy may keep breast cancer from coming back

A clinical trial led by scientists from the Abramson Cancer Center and the Perelman School of Medicine offers proof-of-concept for a treatment approach to prevent breast cancer recurrence.

An antiviral chewing gum to reduce influenza and herpes simplex virus transmission

In the previous three months, 54 million birds have been affected by H5N1, and several human infections have been reported in the U.S. and Canada.

$50 million gift to launch the Lurie Autism Institute

The transformational gift to Penn Medicine and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia will establish a joint initiative for autism research and treatment.

Dual-target CAR T-cell therapy slows growth of aggressive brain cancer

Researchers from Penn Medicine have demonstrated encouraging tumor reductions rarely seen in recurrent glioblastoma following phase I clinical trials.

Volunteering for cancer research: an act of love

Jarvis is one of 44 people from across the country who volunteered to participate in a first-of-its-kind clinical trial testing an experimental approach to stop cancer in its tracks at the earliest stages of development, before it’s even detectable by screening tests.

World’s first patient treated with personalized CRISPR gene editing therapy through CHOP and Penn Med collaboration

A landmark study from CHOP and Penn Medicine showcases the power of customized gene editing therapy to treat a patient with a rare metabolic disease

Penn AI Initiative Across Disciplines highlights the power of ‘breadth and connectivity’ at universities.

A cross-disciplinary gathering celebrated the launch of the Penn AI Initiative with a panel discussing AI research at Penn- and writ large.

Save the Dates! Clinical Research Week at Penn May 12-16.

Clinical Research Week is designed to demonstrate our unwavering support of our more than 1,200 Clinical Research Professionals and to celebrate their contributions. Please click the link for the 2025 schedule of activities.

Anti-obesity medication boosts weight loss when behavioral therapy falls short

Research finds that introducing medication sooner than current guidelines call for can help patients with obesity who struggle to lose weight with diet and physical activity alone

Clinical Research Professionals Part of the Compassionate Team Behind CAR T Cancer Breakthroughs

“I really have to give resounding kudos to our team of research nurses and research coordinators because coordinating CAR T cell therapy is very complex,” said Lester Lledo, DNP, RN, CRNP, the unit’s director.

Breast cancer that comes back is especially deadly. A new trial seeks to prevent it

The clinical trial, led by Dr. Angela DeMichele aims to take a more active approach than “watchful waiting” after a patient completes breast cancer treatment and is deemed cancer-free, by monitoring the bone marrow for “sleeping” cancer cells and treating them if found, with the goal of preventing a recurrence.

Contributions by Penn ACC to ONS Oncology Clinical Research Nurse Competency Model

Contributors from the ACC CRU include:Maria Hendricks (ACC CRU Central) for Advisory Panel, Danielle Zubka, CRN (Myeloma Research Team) as Content Expert, and Lynn Glenn (CRN from Penn Medicine Princeton Medical Center) as Content Expert.

Introducing the Penn AI Council

The Council consists of five faculty members collaborating to enhance visibility and impact of AI research across Penn.

Penn researchers develop new gene therapy for previously untreatable eye disorder

The gene therapy comes seven years after another research group at the university helped come up with the first FDA approved gene therapy for an inherited disease.

Alzheimer's Association International Conference (AAIC) 2024 convened in Philadelphia, to discuss recent advances in Alzheimer's disease and related dementias

Edward Lee, MD, PhD, associate director of the Penn Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center and co-director of the Penn Institute on Aging, delivered this year's first plenary talk at Alzheimer’s Association International Conference.

Patient Advocates for Inclusivity in Breast Cancer Clinical Trials

Rivera-Sanchez has been in remission for nine years now, started two nonprofit organizations dedicated to supporting underserved cancer patients and bridging the gap between them, their providers, and clinical trials.

First study of civilian space crew charts course for research as commercial flight heats up

Penn Medicine team’s study lays the foundation for a biomedical database that will be critical for studying health risks for civilian crews.

It’s All in the Family for These Bone Marrow Transplant Nurses

Each member of the family—Jackie, Rachel, and Kim (CRN)—touched an important part of this patient’s care journey,” said David Porter, MD, director of Cell Therapy and Transplant, pictured at left with the three nurses.

Honoring a life scientist’s lifesaving science

Carl June accepted the 2024 Breakthrough Prize in Life Sciences at a Los Angeles ceremony, making him the sixth recipient from Penn.

This Doctor Found His Own Miracle Drug. Now He Wants to Do It for Others

Dr. Fajgenbaum and his research on Castleman's disease featured in the Wall Street Journal

Unraveling the Complexities of BRCA-Related Breast and Ovarian Cancers

The BRCA1 (BReast CAncer gene 1) and BRCA2 are genes that produce proteins crucial for DNA repair. Women with inactivating mutations in BRCA genes face elevated lifetime risks of recurrent breast and ovarian cancers. Dr. Katherine L. Nathanson of the University of Pennsylvania discusses the complexities of BRCA related breast & ovarian cancers, ongoing research and the potential avenues for future breakthroughs.

Understanding Lecithin Cholesterol Acyltransferase (LCAT), Interview with Dr. Marina Cuchel

Dr. Marina Cuchel speaks about Lecithin Cholesterol Acyltransferase (LCAT) deficiency, a genetic disorder that affects the body’s ability to process cholesterol. It is characterized by cloudiness of the clear front surface of the eye (corneal opacities), a shortage of red blood cells (hemolytic anemia), and kidney failure.

AACI Clinical Research Innovation 2023 features seven submissions from ACC-CRU

AACI Clinical Research Innovation 2023 Abstracts and Posters book is now available featuring seven abstracts, posters from ACC-CRU Clinical Research Professionals

#ResearchOnResearch Professional Development Initiative for Clinical Research Professionals

An initiative developed at the ACC-CRU engages CRPs by encouraging them to develop proposals for projects aimed at improving the process of conducting clinical research.

Penn Medicine BioBank featured in Philadelphia Inquirer- Health

Link: Philadelphia Inquirer - Health (Penn Medicine BioBank) More than 260,000 people have signed up to participate in the project, called Penn Medicine BioBank,agreeing to have their samples stored in secure, negative-80 degree freezers. By cross-referencing participants’ DNA with their electronic health records,researchers have discovered genetic variants related to heart disease, hearing loss, diabetes, glaucoma, and muscular dystrophy, among other conditions.

Penn Medicine Clinical Research Nurses presented 9 sessions at Intl. Assoc. Clinical Research Nurses

IACRN held its annual conference in Philadelphia in 2023. 20 Clinical Research Nurses from Penn Medicine attended, and presented 9 sessions at the conference demonstrating their robust expertise in the field, represented Penn Medicine and networked with CRNs from around the world.

Susan Domchek, MD appears on NBC's "Today Show" to discuss vaccine in breast cancer

Susan Domchek, MD discusses the INO 5401 Vaccination in BRCA1/2 Mutation Carriers Study, which is testing an experimental vaccine to potentially prevent cancer for people with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations.

UPenn Opens New Multi-Disciplinary Research Labs

The Future of Medicine Rises in University City: University of Pennsylvania Opens New Multi-Disciplinary Research Labs in One uCity Square

Woman diagnosed with breast cancer at 34 credits clinical trial with saving her life-ABC News

Tune into Good Morning America on Monday, Oct. 2 to hear Kate and her doctors, including oncologist Hayley Knollman and breast surgeon Lola Fayanju, share her incredible story.

Penn Medicine Study Finds Wrist Temperature Associated With Future Risk of Disease

Findings indicate the potential for monitoring disease risk through inexpensive, unintrusive continuous measures of skin temperature

Katalin Karikó and Drew Weissman, Penn’s Historic mRNA Vaccine Research Team, Win 2023 Nobel Prize in Medicine

Highest Honor Bestowed for Foundational Discoveries that Gave the World a Vaccine to Fight COVID-19 Pandemic

Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health Research Institute

We strive to increase patient care options through new drugs and devices not yet available to the general public. We support investigators as they work to improve and advance medical care, while ensuring that all our research remains safe for patients and other study participants.