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01. History

History of the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania

Founded in 1765, the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine was the first medical school in the 13 American colonies, opening its doors even before the United States declared its independence and making it the oldest medical school in the country. Two centuries later, the UPenn School of Medicine opened the doors of a new cancer affiliate. Originally named The Cancer Center, the Abramson Cancer Center was established in 1973 by a group of cancer specialists committed to offering the newest advances in treatment to their patients. In June 2002, the center’s name was changed to the Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania, recognizing contributions by the Leonard and Madlyn Abramson family. Today, the Abramson Cancer Center handles more than 70,000 outpatient visits each year and provides more than 33,000 chemotherapy treatments and 66,000 radiation treatments. In addition to its patient work, the center also hosts more than 400 scientists who work to develop new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat various types of cancer.

02. Mesothelioma Care

Mesothelioma Care at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania

Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania’s Abramson Cancer Center has a renowned mesothelioma program, the Penn Mesothelioma and Pleural Program. Patients can receive care from specialists that have experience treating malignant mesothelioma with a team-based approach. The team at the center is well-versed in numerous treatment options, particularly specializing in lung-sparing surgery and promising emerging treatments like photodynamic therapy.

The cancer center’s team is also composed of oncology patient navigators. Patient navigators provide a variety of benefits to patients and their families. They will help with specialized care, coordinate appointments, provide information on what to expect throughout and after treatment, facilitate communication between the patient and other members of their care team, make referrals, support decision-making, assist with finding clinical trials, answer any questions and provide educational materials.

The Penn Mesothelioma and Pleural Program is well-known for its clinical trials specific to mesothelioma. While not all patients are eligible for certain clinical trials, their medical care team will help determine eligibility and options for experimental treatments.

In addition to social workers, financial consultants and other common cancer center support services, the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania also has semi-private, private and deluxe accommodations, ideal for patients and families that are traveling for mesothelioma treatment. They also offer home care services and hospice for patients in need. For patients who may not be able to travel as far, The Abramson Cancer Center is the cornerstone member of the Penn Cancer Network, a select group of hospitals throughout Pennsylvania, Delaware and New Jersey that work with Abramson to provide top patient care. As such, patients could potentially seek treatment at one of the affiliated centers.

03. Specializations

Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania Specializations

  • Chemotherapy
  • Immunotherapy
  • Photodynamic therapy
  • Pleural mesothelioma
  • Radiation therapy
  • Surgery
04. Accreditations

Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania Accreditations

  • Commission on Cancer (CoC) accredited member
  • National Comprehensive Cancer Network member
  • National Cancer Institute (NCI) Designation
  • #1 Hospital in Pennsylvania recognition from U.S. News & World Report’s Honor Roll of Best Hospitals
05. Mesothelioma Clinical Trials

Mesothelioma Clinical Trials at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania

The following clinical trials are in progress or actively recruiting participants at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania:

A Study of XmAb®20717 in Subjects With Selected Advanced Solid Tumors


Conditions: Carcinoma, Melanoma, Carcinoma, Squamous Cell, Uterine Cervical Neoplasms, Mesothelioma, Mesothelioma, Malignant, Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma, Cholangiocarcinoma, Breast Neoplasms, Lung Neoplasms, Carcinoma, Basal Cell, Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck, Colorectal Neoplasms, Endometrial Neoplasms, Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung, Carcinoma, Neuroendocrine, Thymoma, Small Cell Lung Carcinoma, Anus Neoplasms, Vulvar Neoplasms

Last Updated: April 28, 2021

Status: Recruiting

Locations: Los Angeles, CA. Los Angeles, CA. San Diego, CA. San Francisco, CA. Atlanta, GA. Chicago, IL. Fairway, KS. Detroit, MI. New York, NY. New York, NY. Portland, OR. Philadelphia, PA. Pittsburgh, PA. Houston, TX. Salt Lake City, UT. Charlottesville, VA. Seattle, WA.

06. Hospital Services

Patient and Family Services at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania

The Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania’s Abramson Cancer Center offers many support resources for patients and family members. Some support resources include:

07. Offsite Services in Philadelphia

Patient and Family Services in the Philadelphia Area

The Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania’s Abramson Cancer Center is located in the major metropolitan area of Philadelphia. As a result, many services are easily accessible for mesothelioma patients and their families during or after treatment. These offsite services include counseling, hospice care, housing and pain clinics.

Cancer Support Groups
Hospice Care
Housing
Nutrition
One-On-One Support
Pain Clinics
Post-Surgical Rehabilitation
Social Connections Event
Survivor Wellness Program