Welcome from Robert Vonderheide, MD, DPhil - Director, Abramson Cancer Center.
Opening new doors to the most advanced cancer care
Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer Center and the Ann B. Barshinger Cancer Institute are dedicated to delivering innovative and compassionate cancer care. These cancer centers bring together a committed team of specialists, including oncologists, surgeons, and researchers, to provide the latest advancements in cancer prevention, diagnostics, and treatment. Our faculty is devoted to ensuring that every one of our 300,000+ patients receive the highest standards of care.
Within the Penn Medicine cancer community, patients will find:
- A specialized multidisciplinary team focused on each patient’s unique disease
- State-of-the-art facilities
- The latest in cancer prevention methods
- Disease-specific radiologists and pathologists ensuring the most accurate diagnosis leading to precision treatment plans
- Lifelong follow-up care
- Access to life-changing clinical trials
- Leading ground-breaking basic science research
Rated “exceptional” by The National Cancer Institute
Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer Center is a world leader in cancer research, patient care, and education. Our status as a national leader in cancer care is reflected in our continuous designation as a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) since 1973, one of 7 such centers in the United States. The ACC is also a member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, one of a select few cancer centers in the U.S., that are working to promote equitable access to high-quality, advanced cancer care.
Specialties
Cancer care at Penn Medicine
Clinical trials
Our clinical trials pave the way for research breakthroughs and new, effective cancer treatments.
Second opinions
If you've received a diagnosis, our team of experts offers second opinions to grant you peace of mind.
Support services
Through these offerings, you can receive specialized physical and emotional support during cancer treatment.
Access state-of-the-art facilities close to home
Our distinguished cancer centers—like the Abramson Cancer Center and the Ann B. Barshinger Cancer Institute, and other locations across the region—offer the latest technology, treatments, and comfort for our patients and their loved ones.
Innovation lives here: Shaping the future of cancer treatment
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. Penn Medicine is home to the Basser Center for BRCA, the first comprehensive center for research, treatment and prevention of BRCA-related cancers.
Beyond developing new treatment options, our researchers are looking at ways to “intercept” hereditary cancer before it even develops. By studying the changes in cells as they become cancerous, the goal is to catch these changes from the very beginning to halt or reverse the process, effectively preventing cancer from developing.
We also offer the region’s only academic medical center dedicated to proton therapy, a non–invasive, incredibly precise cancer treatment that uses a beam of protons moving at very high speeds to destroy cancer cells. Our commitment to offering groundbreaking treatments puts Penn Medicine in the position to continually improve outcomes and enhance our patients’ day-to-day lives.
Cancers we treat
Seamless care at our expert cancer centers
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.
What’s next is happening right now
Cancer research is advancing rapidly thanks to innovative approaches uncovered through Penn Medicine’s translational research and clinical trials. Our goal is to bring these emerging therapies from the research bench directly to the patient’s bedside.
Navigating cancer care
Penn Medicine cancer specialists ensure all patients receive care that addresses all their needs. From diagnosis through recovery, we provide leading services and support to optimize your health and well-being.
Community outreach and engagement
Working together with community members, health care providers, and local leaders deepens our understanding of cancer risk factors and disparities. This insight inspires us to jointly develop research, strategies, programs, and policies aimed at increasing access to cancer care—from prevention and screening to treatment and survivorship. Our goal is to reduce the burden of cancer and improve health outcomes for all.