Penn Medicine - Ann B. Barshinger Cancer Institute

09/22/2025

Dr. Efrat Dotan, executive medical director at the Ann B. Barshinger Cancer Institute, joined other experts for a day of connection and conversation as patients and caregivers shared powerful stories of hope at "Cancer & Aging: What Every Family Should Know."

Held at Princeton Health, the symposium underscored a message at the heart of Penn Medicine's comprehensive approach to care: age doesn't define the fight against cancer.

From practical tips on nutrition and coping strategies, to deep discussions on treatment options and advance planning, families left feeling supported and empowered.

09/15/2025

Kamryn Shaffer, a patient care assistant on the oncology unit at Lancaster General Hospital, goes above and beyond her role, meeting people in their most vulnerable moments with genuine compassion and grace.

During one patient's time of need, Kamryn often helped with delicate tasks like toileting and sitz baths. As her condition worsened, Kamryn remained steady, never rushed, always making her patient feel like the only person who mattered. Family and friends were in awe of her dedication. The patient's husband described their bond as nothing short of “pure love.”

A colleague said Kamryn is the teammate everyone hopes for: "She is reliable, consistent and extremely passionate. Her heart is in the art of caring for others and this shows with all interactions."

As Kamryn continues her journey to become a registered nurse, we know she will only continue to flourish.

Congratulations, Kamryn! You embody the compassionate patient care our Daffodil Award recognizes.

09/09/2025

Every day our patients rely on the generosity of blood donors to receive the care they need. We’re so grateful to be part of a community that consistently steps up in support of them.

This month, our Blood Donor Center team is saying thank you to those who donate with t-shirts that reflect the life-saving difference they make.

Thank you donors, for standing with us!

http://spr.ly/6181ABdSX

09/05/2025

When Steve and Janet Roberts moved to Lancaster County in 2013, they were in their late 60s, healthy, and didn’t give much thought to the proximity of healthcare.

“We came here primarily for business reasons—and to be near our only grandchild,” said Steve. “In hindsight, it was one of the most fortunate decisions we’ve ever made.”

For the first eight years, the couple rarely needed anything beyond routine checkups and loved the convenience of driving just 10 minutes to get care, rather than the 40 minutes they had been used to.

But that convenience turned into a lifeline when between the two of them, they faced breast cancer, a knee replacement, pulmonary fibrosis, and liver cancer. Through nearly 50 appointments, Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health, in partnership with colleagues in Philadelphia, provided seamless, coordinated care.

“The doctors and care teams worked together to focus not just on what was available locally, but on what was best for our specific medical needs,” said Steve.

He recalled the moment he rang the bell to mark the end of his radiation therapy.

“The room erupted in applause from other patients and staff. In that moment, I was overwhelmed not just by relief—but by gratitude,” he said. “Gratitude that we had moved to a place where top-tier healthcare was not only accessible but coordinated, compassionate, and just minutes from our home.”

08/28/2025

Ten years ago, Lancaster General Health joined the University of Pennsylvania Health System, launching a transformative partnership that has redefined healthcare in South Central Pennsylvania. UPHS CEO Kevin Mahoney joins interim LG Health CEO Michael Barber in highlighting breakthrough achievements, including the Proton Therapy Center at Ann B. Barshinger Cancer Institute, pioneering CAR T-cell therapy, the Lancaster General Health Research Institute, and more. From advancing clinical trials to strengthening our nationally recognized transplant and neuroscience programs, the partnership demonstrates how collaboration can accelerate innovation and expand access to world-class care.

08/28/2025

CAR T cell therapy is widely considered to be a revolutionary treatment for blood cancers, with promise to tackle solid tumors in the future. But in the early days of its development, researchers struggled to receive funding for clinical trials.

Director of Cell Therapy and Transplant David Porter, MD, looks back at those initial obstacles and the lifesaving success that eventually followed.

08/27/2025

A few storm clouds couldn’t stop team members from our Radiation Oncology Department at the Ann B. Barshinger Cancer Institute from sharing some powerful knowledge at a recent Long’s Park summer concert.

When many people hear “radiation,” they think of something negative. Our team was there to debunk that myth and explain how we use radiation therapies like proton as a precise, safe, and effective ways to treat cancer.

Dr. Pamela Boimel, director of Radiation Oncology, addressed the crowd. Marianette Calon-Munoz, CRNP, radiation oncologists Dr. Melissa Frick and Dr. Ayesha Ali, and medical physicist Brent Covele connected with community members to explain the science behind the hope that radiation therapies provide.

08/25/2025

On one of the hottest days of the summer, a group of golfers came together for more than just a round on the green. For the second year in a row, the Conestoga Country Club Women’s Association hosted a tournament with generosity at the heart of every swing—and the Ann B. Barshinger Cancer Institute is the grateful recipient.

We were honored to receive their gift for our Cancer Patient Support Fund from event co-chairs Kim Wilson and Susan Ketchum (center), knowing it will make a real difference for the patients and families we serve. This fund is a lifeline, helping cover essential needs, so patients can focus on what matters most: healing.

To everyone who participated in the tournament, thank you for turning your passion for golf into comfort and hope for our patients!

08/18/2025

Pat McCabe (center) and Jodi Groff (left) both know firsthand the challenges of chemotherapy—Jodi as a patient, and Pat as a mother who lost her daughter Dawn in 2017.

Since Dawn’s passing, Pat, with the support of family and friends, has made it her mission to bring love and comfort to others like Sandra Melcher (right), who is currently receiving care at the Ann B. Barshinger Cancer Institute.

This year, the McCabes partnered with Jodi’s custom bag business, Moxie Made Us , to donate beautifully crafted bags filled with thoughtful comfort items. They recently delivered the first batch to our grateful team. Now our infusion nurses will be sharing them with new patients as a heartfelt reminder that they aren’t alone in their journey.

Thank you to everyone who is part of this meaningful project. You are making a difference in so many lives!

08/14/2025

Meet Dr. Michael Lanni, MD, a plastic and reconstructive surgeon at Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health. Dr. Lanni cares for many types of patients, most being women undergoing reconstructive surgery after breast cancer surgery.

“The best part of my job is seeing a patient feel whole again," he said. "Watching someone regain their confidence after what may have been the most difficult chapter in their life is incredibly rewarding. It’s a real privilege to be part of that process.”

08/11/2025

After isolating a new class of molecules from Aspergillus flavus, a toxic crop fungus linked to deaths in the excavations of ancient tombs, Penn Engineering researchers modified the chemicals and tested them against leukemia cells.

The result? A promising cancer-killing compound that rivals FDA-approved drugs and opens up new frontiers in the discovery of more fungal medicines.

Penn-led researchers have isolated a new class of molecules from Aspergillus flavus, a toxic crop fungus, and modified it into a promising cancer-killing compound

08/04/2025

Sometimes the most powerful treatment is being heard, understood, and cared for.

Ann B. Barshinger Cancer Institute Palliative Care physician Rachel Angstadt, DO (left), and Ashley Schreiner, RN, are dedicated to extending compassionate, patient-centered care beyond medical treatment.

When Shawn, the brother their colleague Sara Druck, RN, was initially skeptical about palliative care, this duo listened to understand what mattered most to him. They met him where he was, with empathy and understanding.

"The common thread from patients and peers alike is that they feel cared for," Sara said, praising Rachel's and Ashley's ability to make each person feel heard and supported during life's most challenging moments.