Ambiguous Genetic Test Results Can Be Unsettling. Worse, They Can Lead to Needless Surgeries
Basser Executive Director Susan Domchek, MD, was quoted in a story on the ambiguity of certain genetic tests and how “variants of unknown significance” (VUS) can guide cancer treatments, despite a lack of evidence to support those decisions.
Direct-to-Consumer Testing for Hereditary Cancers ‘Most Helpful’ when Integrated with Established Health Care Practice
Basser's Angela Bradbury, MD, says one of the biggest challenges is that many patients don't have access to genetic counselors.
Why the Breast Cancer Gene You May Never Have Heard of Could Matter
A local woman and her family discuss how they have been affected by cancers caused by a PALB2 gene mutation, a gene that works to repair broken strands of DNA. Like BRCA, it potentially increases an individual's risk of certain cancers.
A Pill Might Control Pancreatic Cancer, Even If It Doesn't Cure It
Forbes takes a deep dive into the use of PARP inhibitors in the fight against pancreatic cancer, which features a recently opened trial led by Kim A. Reiss Binder, MD, an assistant professor of Hematology Oncology.
Hope and Hype Around Cancer Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy treatments are on the rise. The Abramson Cancer Center's Dr. Robert Vonderheide, in collaboration with the Basser Center, is leading vaccine-based trials for the prevention of cancers associated with BRCA gene mutations.
Ethical Dilemmas Arise from Genetic Testing for Cancer
CURE Magazine discusses the complicated issue of genetic testing, with input from the experts on the Basser Center's April 25th panel in Manhattan, which included Executive Director, Dr. Susan Domchek.
Penn Effort to Expand Trials of Olaparib Leads to New Treatment Options for Patients with Advanced BRCA-Related Breast Cancer
At the American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting, an international team of scientists presented the results of the phase III OlympiAD trial demonstrating for the first time that olaparib is superior to chemotherapy in patients with BRCA-related advanced breast cancer.
Blackstone's Gray Gives $21 Million to Hit Cancer Close to Home
A new $21 million gift to the Basser Center from Penn alumni Mindy and Jon Gray will cement and propel Penn’s preeminence as a leader in research to improve treatment and prevention strategies for hereditary cancers.
In the War Against Cancer, Modesty is Not an Ally
An article from the Toronto Star profiles Steven Narod, MD, FRCPC, FRSC, director of the Familial Breast Cancer Research Unit and a senior scientist at the Women’s College Hospital in Toronto, whose seminal work on BRAC earned him this year's Basser Global Prize.
Ask the Experts: How to Talk About Family Medical History at Thanksgiving
Getting together with relatives can be the perfect opportunity to discuss your family medical history. Basser Center genetic counselors Danielle McKenna, Amanda Brandt, and Dana Clark discuss how best to approach the topic.
'In Our Genes' Event Raises Research Funds, Builds Community for Those at Increased Risk of Breast and Ovarian Cancers
The Basser Young Leadership Council held an event in New York City, “In Our Genes: An Evening of Storytelling,” where three speakers shared their stories about being affected by BRCA mutations.
Blackstone's Jon Gray, in Denim, Warms to the Social Limelight
Bloomberg discusses the Basser Jean Bash charity event on November 10th. The celebration helped raise over $8 million to support the Basser Center for BRCA
Wearing Jeans for Gene Research
Over 1,000 people came together to Unzip Their Genes at the Basser Jean Bash. The celebration helped raise over $8 million to support the Basser Center - the first center in the world solely dedicated to defeating BRCA-related cancers.
'Unzip Your Genes' benefit raises awareness about cancers linked to BRCA gene
The event "Unzip Your Genes" benefited the Basser Center founded by Mindy and Jon Gray and raised awareness for hereditary cancers. "Good Morning America's" Robin Roberts welcomed the crowd and helped kick off the event.
Rag & Bone and The Basser Center For BRCA Host The Basser Jean Bash: Unzip Your Genes
Forbes covers the first Basser Jean Bash fundraising gala held in support of BRCA-related cancer research.
Rag & Bone and the Basser Center Host Inaugural ‘Unzip Your Genes’ Benefit
The Basser Center for BRCA cancer research hosted their first 'Unzip Your Genes' benefit, in partnership with Rag & Bone.
Susan Domchek, MD Receives Penn Medicine Award of Excellence
Susan Domchek, Executive Director of the Basser Center, received the 2015 William Osler Patient Oriented Research Award, which is granted to a member of the faculty for a body of work, with an emphasis on clinical research, performed predominantly at Penn in the last five years.
Basser Center for BRCA Awards $375,000 in National Grants to Support BRCA1 and BRCA2 Mutation Research
The Basser Center for announced $375,000 in new grant funding to support BRCA-focused research projects across the nation. The grants are aimed at advancing the care of patients living with BRCA mutations.
Are the Kids All Right? When Breast Cancer Runs in the Family
A new study led by Basser's Angela Bradbury, MD, examined the psychosocial development of girls from families with a history of breast cancer, or a known genetic risk for it, compared to girls without a family history of the disease.