Abramson Cancer Center

Contact Information

38th and Walnut Streets Philadelphia, PA 19104
(800) 789-7366

Affiliated Doctors

The Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania (ACCUP) provides state-of-the-art research services, cancer treatments and education at its renowned teaching hospital, therefore attracting cancer patients from around the world. It offers advanced treatments for all types of pediatric and adult cancers, utilizing a wide variety of therapeutic modalities, including radiation, chemotherapy, and surgery as well as novel cancer-fighting regimens. Founded in 1973 through a $100 million endowment by the Leonard and Madlyn Abramson family, the ACCUP boasts not only its core facility in Philadelphia but also a rich network of affiliated facilities and satellite clinics throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

The ACCUP is part of the University of Pennsylvania Health System, which includes among its affiliates the Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, the Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, the Penn Genomics Institute, the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, and the Transdisciplinary Tobacco Use Research Center, among others. Over 300 physicians and ancillary health care personnel run more than 40 dedicated departments; conducting research, delivering care, and educating physicians in eight schools. Each year more than 50,000 patients are seen in the outpatient clinics with over 7,400 being admitted for intensive inpatient care. The center completes 24,000 chemotherapy sessions and 66,000 radiation therapy sessions annually.

Recognized as one of America's leading cancer research centers, the Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania is the foremost cancer referral center for the eastern seaboard of the U.S. For over 30 years, it has enjoyed the prestigious designation of "Comprehensive Cancer Center", awarded by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) to cancer facilities that meet strict NCI requirements for advanced cancer service delivery. In 2007, U.S. News and World Report selected the center for inclusion on the list of "America's Best Hospitals." The ACCUP ranks fourth in monetary contributions by the American Cancer Society and fifth in grants from the NCI. Approximately 400 researchers currently receive more than $145 million in research grants that provide the necessary funding to equip the center to fulfill its mission for more effective cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment. In January 2007, the Lance Armstrong Foundation honored the ACCUP by designating the center a LIVESTRONG Cancer Survivorship Center of Excellence for its innovative "Living Well After Cancer" (LWAC) program, the ACCUP being the only such designee in its region.

With the ultimate goal of eradication of all forms of cancer, research is a vital aspect of the Abramson Cancer Center's quest. Functioning as the central body for shaping, devising, and conducting cancer research in conjunction with patient care, education, and outreach, the Abramson Cancer Center at the University of Pennsylvania systematizes research efforts into distinct sections, each with a different emphasis. There are eleven disease-specific programs, including groups targeting breast cancer, melanoma, pediatric cancers, and mesothelioma, an asbestos-related lung cancer. There are also many interdisciplinary groups that focus on broad themes such as tumor biology or radiation biology. Finally, there are 14 shared resource groups, such as the Translational Research program that collects and analyzes clinical study findings to apply the data toward the development of safe and efficacious new cancer therapies.

The Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania offers valuable support services to its patients. Each patient has access to nutritionists, physical therapists, geneticists, psychologists, and cancer prevention nurses, with integrated care and counseling in all aspects of health considered an important part of the recovery process. A team of social workers, pastoral staff, patient care coordinators, and financial counselors provide comfort, support and logistical assistance for patients and their families. There are a wide variety of gender-specific and disease-specific support groups that meet regularly. Complimentary services include weight counseling, acupuncture, and fitness training.

The Living Well After Cancer program works together with the patient's primary doctor to assist survivors with a variety of medical, social, personal and financial issues. Specific strategies for preserving long-term health are addressed, including dealing with fertility issues, sexual concerns, bone density loss, heart disease, and thyroid disease. Assessment of genetic risks for children or siblings, potential effects of treatment, and cancer recurrence rates allow patients to rationally approach subjects that may impact their quality of life.