Welcome to the Fels Cancer Institute for Personalized Medicine, where we are relentless in our mission to cure cancer through pioneering research and transformative discoveries in translational medicine.
At Fels, we delve into the molecular, biochemical, and genetic underpinnings of cancer. Our work bridges the laboratory and the clinic—bringing new insights to the bedside and returning with fresh questions to drive discovery. Every step is grounded in our commitment to improving patient care.
As Director, my goal is to ensure that Fels is a place where both early-career and seasoned scientists can conduct impactful research with direct clinical relevance. We foster an environment that values innovation, collaboration, and translational impact.
One of key topics of our institute is Clonal Medicine; a cutting-edge therapeutic strategy aimed at eradicating all malignant clones in a patient’s cancer. Since tumors often comprise genetically and epigenetically distinct clones with varying responses to treatment, we develop therapies that target the specific genetic and epigenetic features of each. We are aiming to develop Artificial Intelligence-powered Clonal Medicine predicting the best therapeutic interventions for individual patients.
This individualized approach is only possible through the diverse expertise of our faculty across multiple research disciplines. Diversity of thought and methodology is central to our success.
Our researchers investigate how cancer-inducing mutations affect cellular responses such as DNA damage repair, gene expression, protein modifications, proliferation, senescence, and apoptosis in the context of therapeutic response. By comparing patterns in normal and cancerous cells, we identify pathways that render tumors vulnerable—allowing for precision therapies that spare healthy tissue.
We leverage next-generation sequencing technologies at the single-cell level, paired with advanced bioinformatics, to decode the unique traits of each patient’s tumor cell populations. This enables us to design therapies that selectively target cancer cells while leaving normal cells unharmed.
Our state-of-the-art facilities support a wide range of novel animal models, enabling proof-of-concept and preclinical validation of our therapeutic strategies. In partnership with the Moulder Center for Drug Discovery Research at Temple University School of Pharmacy, we are developing new, targeted cancer therapies based on our scientific discoveries. We work closely with clinicians at Fox Chase Cancer Center and other institutions to translate our findings into clinical trials and, ultimately, patient care.
The Fels Cancer Institute for Personalized Medicine is home to a distinguished team of researchers, physician-scientists, and educators united in advancing cancer treatment. Together, we have made significant breakthroughs in drug resistance, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy—contributions that will shape the future of oncology.
Tomasz Skorski, MD, PhD, DSc
Director, Fels Cancer Institute for Personalized Medicine
Professor, Department of Cancer and Cellular Biology
Co-Leader, Nuclear Dynamics and Cancer Program