The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center (SKCCC) at Johns Hopkins 

At Swim Across America, we are dedicated to our beneficiaries and the work that they do and we could not be prouder to have SKCCC on the list of world-renowned institutions that we support. We are especially thrilled to have a dedicated cancer research laboratory named after Swim Across America at SKCCC.

Since its inception in 1973, The SKCCC has become one of the most prestigious and advanced cancer centers in the world. Dedicated to understanding human cancer and finding more effective treatments, their scientists were the first to map a cancer genome, deciphering the genetic blueprints for colon, breast, pancreatic, and brain cancers.  Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center scientists have cracked the genetic code of more than 10 different forms of cancer, more than any other research team in the world - These discoveries have paved the way for personalized therapies. Among its many ground-breaking achievements, Kimmel Cancer Center researchers were among the first to perform bone marrow transplants to treat blood and immune-forming cancers and also were among the first to develop therapeutic cancer vaccines. 

SKCCC and Patient Care

SKCCC has not only shown excellence in the research and development of cancer treatments, but also in patient care. Because Kimmel Cancer Center research scientists and clinicians work closely together, new drugs and treatments developed in the laboratory are quickly transferred to the clinical setting, offering patients constantly improved therapeutic options. Patients who visit the Kimmel Cancer Center have access to some of the most innovative and advanced therapies in the world.

The Kimmel Cancer Center also offers complete family and patient services that include a Cancer Counseling Center, survivors and palliative care programs, and the 39 suite, Hackerman-Patz Patient and Family Pavilion for patients and their families traveling from out of town.

Experience the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center by taking a virtual tour of the clinical care building. "Walk" through their facilities to learn more about services and programs.

Updates from the Swim Across America Laboratory at Johns Hopkins

In the Swim Across America Laboratory at Johns Hopkins, scientists recently received worldwide attention for developing a genomic-based test for ovarian and endometrial cancers, using fluid collected from routine pap tests. The new test, called PapGene, is undergoing further testing, but promises to pioneer the use of genomic-based screening tests. 

http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/news/media/releases/johns_hopkins_scientists_use_pap_test_fluid _to_detect_ovarian_endometrial_cancers

Investigators in the Swim Across America-funded laboratory also completed genomic sequencing studies in brain, ovarian, and endometrial cancers, as well as pediatric neuroblastomas and pancreatic cysts, which are precursors to pancreatic cancer. From these extensive genomic studies, scientists discover more information about how cancers develop and thrive in patients.  This information fuels additional studies on new targets for more effective treatments and better diagnostics.

The tumor biobank, a repository of tissue samples being developed with the Ludwig Center at Johns Hopkins, also helps scientists test their experiments on vast quantities of tumor samples.  Clinical testing in cancer patients includes a trial of frequent, low doses of chemotherapy combinations in pancreatic cancer and a study using tumor necrosis factor, which is used to treat inflammatory diseases, as a way to boost delivery of nanoparticles filled with anticancer drugs to tumors.

Colorectal cancer patients at Johns Hopkins also benefit from a Swim Across America-funded survivorship clinic that tracks patients’ continuing needs and health and a “couples retreat” provided free-of-charge to patients with metastatic disease.