In 1973, Penn Medicine’s Cancer Center was formally established by a dedicated group of cancer specialists committed to offering cancer patients the newest and most innovative therapeutic advances. Originally its goal was to demonstrate that with appropriate therapy cancer patients could be cured of their disease.

The Cancer Center has expanded to over 300 faculty, organized in divisions that seek to prevent, diagnose, and cure cancer through the development of new knowledge, diagnostic tests, and therapies. In June 2002, the Cancer Center was renamed the Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania in recognition of the extraordinary support of Leonard and Madlyn Abramson and family.

The Abramson Cancer Center is one of a select group of cancer centers in the country awarded the prestigious designation of Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute. This status, which has been awarded to the Abramson Cancer Center continuously since 1973, reflects their outstanding research, clinical services, education, and information services and community outreach.