Division of Solid Tumor Oncology

Gynecologic oncologists are specialists at the forefront of diagnosing, treating, and managing cancers of the female reproductive system. These cancers, which include those affecting the uterus, ovaries, cervix, fallopian tubes, vagina, and vulva, require a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary approach. As co-leader of the Gynecologic Multidisciplinary Group at Jefferson Health, and leader of the Gynecologic Division within our Early Drug Development/Phase 1 Program, Ida Micaily, MD plays a pivotal role in shaping innovative cancer care. Our program takes a holistic and compassionate approach to treating ovarian, endometrial, and cervical cancers, integrating multidisciplinary expertise to deliver the most personalized and effective treatment possible.   As a gynecologic oncologist, you will utilize a range of cutting-edge treatments—surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapies—while also playing a vital role in patient education and prevention strategies.

By specializing in gynecologic oncology, you will be at the heart of a dynamic and impactful field that prioritizes both medical expertise and compassionate care. You’ll have the opportunity to transform women’s health, help reduce the burden of cancer and improve the lives of patients at every stage of their journey. If you're passionate about advancing women’s health through innovation, leadership, and care, gynecologic oncology could be the perfect field for you.

Breast Oncology

The Breast Cancer Program at Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center (SKCCC) is a dynamic and rapidly advancing specialty that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of breast cancer.  Maysa Abu-Khalaf, MD is the Chief of Cancer Services, Deputy Director, Enterprise Breast Program, and the Director, Breast Medical Oncology Program within the Department of Medical Oncology here at SKCCC.  Dr. Abu-Khalaf, along with Allison Zibelli, MD specialize in breast cancer research and treatment. Their work focuses on developing and evaluating new therapies for breast cancer, particularly targeted treatments and immunotherapy. The Breast Group have been involved in numerous clinical trials that investigate novel drug combinations to improve patient outcomes. The Groups contributions help advance breast cancer treatment by identifying more effective and less toxic therapies.

Key Areas of Her Research:

1. Targeted Therapies:
   • Investigating HER2-positive and triple-negative breast cancer treatments.
   • Studying new drugs that specifically attack cancer cells while sparing healthy ones.
   • BRCA1 & BRCA2 Mutations in Breast Cancer
   • PARP Inhibitors & DNA Repair Mechanisms
   • Hormone Receptor-Positive Breast Cancer
2. Immunotherapy in Breast Cancer:
   • Exploring how the immune system can be used to fight breast cancer.
   • Researching immune checkpoint inhibitors to enhance treatment efficacy.
3. Clinical Trials & Personalized Medicine:
   • Testing new combinations of chemotherapy, targeted drugs, and immunotherapy.
   • Developing personalized treatment plans based on genetic and molecular tumor profiling.
   • Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC)

As a medical student, you'll have the opportunity to work alongside experts in the field, gaining invaluable exposure to the latest research and clinical trials that are transforming patient care.  In this field, you’ll use a wide range of innovative treatments—including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy—to treat and manage breast cancer. You’ll also play a crucial role in early detection through advanced screening techniques such as mammograms, ultrasounds, and biopsies, which help to identify abnormalities and potential cancers before symptoms emerge.

Breast cancer is not a one-size-fits-all disease. As a specialist, you’ll be trained to address various subtypes.  Additionally, breast oncology involves cutting-edge research in areas like cancer prevention, precision medicine, and immunotherapy, allowing you to be part of the next wave of innovations in cancer treatment.

The field of breast oncology offers an exciting blend of patient care, research, and multidisciplinary collaboration. AnaMaria Lopez, MD, MPH, FACP, is a medical oncologist and researcher with a strong focus on telemedicine, integrative oncology, and health disparities in cancer care. While she has contributed to breast cancer research, much of her work emphasizes improving cancer care delivery, patient access, and quality of life rather than laboratory-based or drug development research. It’s a field where you can make a lasting impact on the lives of your patients, helping them navigate treatment, recovery, and survivorship. If you’re passionate about pushing the boundaries of medical science, improving patient outcomes, and working with a diverse team of experts, breast oncology could be the perfect specialty for you.