Penn Medicine - Ann B. Barshinger Cancer Institute

03/02/2026

Cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CTCL) are a diverse and complex group of rare cancers that reside in the skin, generally causing a rash.

Stefan Barta, MD, an associate professor of Hematology-Oncology at Penn Medicine, explained on The Bloodline with Blood Cancer United Podcast how CTCL are diagnosed, discussed what patients can expect from staging and treatment, and offered reassurance for those newly diagnosed.

“There is a lot of hope for our patients with CTCL,” he said.

Cutaneous T‑cell lymphoma (CTCL) is a rare condition that often raises important questions for patients and families. In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Stefan Barta, of the University of Pennsylvania, to bring clarity to what CTCL is, how it’s diagnosed, and what patients can expect from sta...

02/26/2026

Taking one additional pill could buy more than an extra year of precious time for people with advanced triple-positive breast cancer.

“Adding palbociclib, a well-tolerated oral agent, to our standard treatment regimen provides a substantial and meaningful prolongation of response time and disease control for these patients who suffer from a currently incurable disease,” said Angela DeMichele, MD, MSCE, the Mariann T. and Robert J. MacDonald Professor in Breast Cancer Care Excellence at Penn Medicine, who was part of the research team.

HealthDay News

WEDNESDAY, Feb. 4, 2026 (HealthDay News) — Taking one additional pill could buy more than an extra year of precious time for people with advanced breast cancer,

02/23/2026

Recently, the biotech company GRAIL announced that it submitted its Galleri test for FDA approval, a blood test that screens for a signal shared by more than 50 types of cancer, and the telehealth company Hims & Hers unveiled a partnership with GRAIL.

Meanwhile, evidence on the effectiveness of such multi-cancer early detection tests is still being gathered through ongoing clinical research. Carmen Guerra, MD, the Ruth C. and Raymond G. Perelman Professor of Medicine at Penn Medicine, recommends that patients who are interested in these types of tests should consider joining a randomized control trial.

Newsweek

An inside look at how multi-cancer early detection screenings are shaking up the health care industry.

02/19/2026

We're pleased to announce that Michael Barber, MHA, has been named chief executive officer of Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health, after assuming the role of interim CEO last year.

He became chief operating officer in 2023 following a 27-year tenure on the senior leadership team at Penn Medicine Chester County Hospital.

“Among Michael's greatest leadership strengths is his ability to bring people together around a common purpose and shared goals,” said University of Pennsylvania Health System CEO Kevin Mahoney, MBA.

“He is well respected for his steady, thoughtful leadership and approachable nature. As a receptive listener, and through his engagement with community and business leaders, he is strengthening partnerships to continue LG Health’s longtime commitment to improve the health and well-being of people in Lancaster County and beyond.”

02/18/2026

"My name is Angelique Nelson, and I was diagnosed with stage-IIb, grade-3 triple-negative breast cancer.

While showering one day, I noticed a lump, and on Valentine’s Day of that year, I was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer, invasive ductal carcinoma. At just 28 years old, I was preparing for the fight of my life.

The weight of the diagnosis hit hard. As a su***de survivor, I had fought long and hard to reclaim my life from depression and suicidal thoughts. Hearing the words “You have cancer” felt like my life was being stolen again. I gave myself 48 hours to cry, pray, and prepare for what was ahead. Then I made a promise: I would fight with everything I had.

My treatment plan consisted of six months of chemotherapy, followed by 15 cycles of radiation therapy at the Penn Medicine - Ann B. Barshinger Cancer Institute (ABBCI), as well as one year of immunotherapy treatments.

I was so nervous to start radiation, especially because I did not know what to expect. The entire staff at ABBCI was truly amazing. Each visit, they made sure I had my gospel music playing, and the techs allowed me to pray before starting treatment. Everyone from the front desk to the clinical staff will forever hold a special spot in my heart during this journey. All my questions were answered, even if I already asked the question last week. The whole team was always thorough, patient, and kind.

Through it all, my faith remained the cornerstone of my journey. Getting breast cancer was, in many ways, the best thing that ever happened to me. My faith kept me in the ring; it kept me grounded and got me through chemotherapy and radiation with pure joy and happiness. My family, close friends, and church family were also a source of strength. Through laughter, encouragement, and constant support, they reminded me why I needed to keep fighting.

Cancer changed my outlook on life. Now I see each day as a gift. I learned that I am more than my hair, more than an employee, more than a sister or friend. I was able to rest without guilt, to see how precious life really is, and to understand that even a smile can change someone’s day."

02/17/2026

Regularly consuming two alcoholic drinks a day raises your risk of colorectal cancer when compared to those who have less than one drink per week on average, according to a recent study.

And the mechanism is fairly straightforward. “In simple terms, alcohol is broken down into chemicals that damage healthy cells,” said Richard Wender, MD, chair of Family Medicine and Community Health at Penn Medicine. “Damage to healthy cells increases cancer risk.”

Everyday Health

Adults who had 14 or more drinks per week over a lifetime had a 25 percent higher risk of colorectal cancer — but cutting back could make a big difference.

02/13/2026

We are proud to announce that two Penn Medicine research teams have each been awarded $100,000 grants from the PA Breast Cancer Coalition. These funds will support critical work in understanding why cancer cells can remain dormant for years before reawakening.

Congratulations to our grant recipients:
Lewis Chodosh, MD, PhD: Investigating the molecular "on-off switches" of dormant cancer cells to develop therapies that eliminate them before they can metastasize.

Christine Edmonds, MD (and co-PI Terence Gade, MD, PhD): Pioneering the use of hyperpolarized MRI—a cutting-edge imaging technique—to detect surviving cancer cells and predict recurrence earlier than ever before.

By uncovering the biology of dormancy and improving our imaging tools, these researchers are working to ensure that "cancer-free" stays that way.

02/10/2026

At the same time there’s a dramatic rise in cancer rates in young people, there’s also a dramatic rise in ads, social media, and conversations about new blood tests and scans that claim to catch cancer early but don’t have FDA approval.

When it comes to full-body MRIs, experts worry about cost, false positives, scalability, and accessibility. “We don’t even have enough MRI scanners in this country to scan the people who would want this test,” said Carmen Guerra, MD, the Ruth C. and Raymond G. Perelman Professor of Medicine at Penn Medicine.

MSN

What these buzzy new tests can and can't tell you.

02/09/2026

It's easy to understand why patients remember Jason Fretti, a patient care assistant on the oncology unit at Penn Medicine Lancaster General Hospital.

He brings both skill and genuine presence to the bedside. From the very first conversation, Fretti listens. Really listens. He has a way of making patients feel seen and heard, taking time to explain things clearly and calmly, never rushing.

He shows empathy and knowledge in every interaction, turning what could be an overwhelming hospital experience into something reassuring and human.

He has a notable ability to connect across generations. As one patient put it, “Despite the 60-year age difference, we found common ground.” That reflection says everything about Fretti’s gift for building real, meaningful relationships, no matter the gap in age, background, or experience. That connection leaves a lasting impression.

In the patient’s own words: “If I could recognize one person for outstanding care and professionalism, it would be Jason!”

His ability to communicate clearly, and find common ground, are why he has been consistently celebrated with Daffodil Awards for compassionate care.

Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health

02/05/2026

New data show cancer survival has reached a record high—nearly 70 percent of patients now live at least five years after diagnosis—as mortality continues to fall thanks to reduced smoking, better screening, and more effective treatments.

For example, the approval of certain combination therapies, where two treatments are used together, has made a difference in patients living longer.

Among certain metastatic prostate cancer patients, four combination agents have strong clinical results when added to androgen-deprivation therapy, explained Vivek Narayan, MD, an assistant professor of Hematology-Oncology.

SurvivorNet

New data show cancer survival has reached a record high — nearly 70% of patients now live at least five years after diagnosis .

02/04/2026

World Cancer Day is an international day marked on Feb. 4 every year to raise awareness of cancer.

At Ann B. Barshinger Cancer Institute, we bring together a committed team of specialists, including oncologists, surgeons, and researchers, to provide the latest advancements in cancer prevention, diagnostics, and treatment for patients with cancer—today and every day.

02/02/2026

A recent Penn study from Angela DeMichele, MD, and Lewis Chodosh, MD, PhD, found that everolimus and hydroxychloroquine—two medicines already approved for other conditions—can dramatically reduce the dormant tumor cells that often cause cancer recurrence.

Penn Medicine's David Fajgenbaum, MD, a trailblazer in the field of drug repurposing, highlights how this breakthrough serves as a powerful reminder that some of the most promising cures might already be sitting on pharmacy shelves.