In November, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network® (NCCN) announced that Abramson Cancer Center (ACC) of the University of Pennsylvania will become the organization’s 28th Member Institution. The Abramson Cancer Center’s membership will include the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (HUP), Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, Pennsylvania Hospital, and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
Robert W. Carlson, MD
“The Abramson Cancer Center is a perfect fit and wonderful addition to the group of leading cancer centers that comprise NCCN,” said Robert W. Carlson, MD, Chief Executive Officer, NCCN. “Penn is one of the pioneers for immunotherapy and is also at the forefront for innovative treatment approaches involving stem cell transplantation, genetics, palliative care, pediatric cancer care, and other areas. Penn Medicine also shares NCCN’s commitment to improving care for underserved populations in the United States and abroad. We look forward to working together to make sure people with cancer everywhere receive the very best evidence-based care possible.”
Robert Vonderheide, MD, DPhil
“The Abramson Cancer Center is leading the charge of the immunorevolution, with research that has led to four new U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved [treatments] this year alone,” said Robert Vonderheide, MD, DPhil, Director of the Abramson Cancer Center. “We’re energized to share our expertise with NCCN, as well as the chance to collaborate with other Member Institutions to ensure patients across the country are receiving the best possible care.”
The expertise of the Abramson Cancer Center is especially highlighted by its role as a global pioneer in new approaches to cancer treatment, particularly in personalized cellular therapies and proton-beam radiation. Penn developed the first FDA-approved chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy, which has since been approved for a second indication and in multiple countries.
Lawrence Shulman, MD
“Our experience bringing cancer treatment to patients all over the world has given us a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities involved, and our experts are looking forward to collaborating on these issues with fellow experts from other NCCN Member Institutions,” said Lawrence Shulman, MD, Deputy Director for Clinical Services at the Abramson Cancer Center.
NCCN will soon begin the process of incorporating experts from the Abramson Cancer Center onto current and future NCCN Guidelines Panels. ■
