About the Abramson Cancer Center Request an Appointment Find a Doctor Penn Medicine's Abramson Cancer Center is a world leader in cancer research, patient care and education. Our preeminent position is reflected in our continuous designation as a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) since 1973, one of 51 such centers in the United States. At the Abramson Cancer Center, we are dedicated to innovative and compassionate cancer care. Our clinical program, comprised of a dedicated staff of physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, social workers, physical therapists, nutritionists and patient care coordinators, currently sees 305,248 outpatient visits and more than 10,230 discharges, and provides more than 81,471 chemotherapy and 66,110 radiation treatments. Not only are we dedicated to providing state-of-the-art care, the latest forms of cancer prevention, diagnoses and treatments are available to our patients through clinical themes developed in the relentless pursuit to eliminate the pain and suffering from cancer, with more than 9,069 participants in nearly 600 clinical trials. In addition, the Abramson Cancer Center is home to the 400+ basic, translational and clinical scientists who relentlessly work to determine the pathogenesis of cancer. Together, our faculty is committed to improving the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Physicians Standing In Front of Penn Logo History and Mission The Abramson Cancer Center, established in 1973, offers cancer patients the newest and most innovative therapeutic advances. Dr. Robert Vonderheide, Abramson Cancer Center Director Leadership and Administration The Abramson Cancer Center’s leadership team is comprised of scientists, physicians, and administrators who are world leaders in their respective fields. Madlyn Abramson, founding donor of the Abramson Cancer Center Madlyn Abramson: Penn Alumna, Trustee, Benefactor Madlyn Abramson’s bold vision and philanthropic spirit touched the lives of countless individuals by transforming how Penn Medicine conducts cancer research and provides care to those affected by this devastating disease.