A Century of Excellence

Fox Chase Cancer Center recently marked the centennial of its hospital. Then called American Oncologic Hospital, it was chartered in November 1904 as one of the nation's first cancer hospitals, Since its modest start in a West Philadelphia Victorian home, the institution has remained a national leader in cancer care.

The hospital was built on the vision and optimism of 13 business and professional men, including a number of physicians, who were concerned about rising cancer rates in Philadelphia. At that time, cancer was widely considered incurable.

Discoveries in Cancer Research

During this time, many discoveries in cancer research were made by Fox Chase scientists, including the hepatitis B vaccine, developed in the laboratory of Baruch S. Blumberg, MD, PhD. Dr. Blumberg is accompanied by Fox Chase scientist Irwin A. "Ernie" Rose, PhD. as a laureate of the prestigious Nobel prize. The advances made by Fox Chase doctors have contributed to the availability of improved cancer treatments, not only at Fox Chase, but around the globe. 
Read more about our Awards and Honors »

Fox Chase Cancer Center was formed in 1974 by the union of American Oncologic Hospital and the Institute for Cancer Research (founded in 1927).

Today, the 100-bed Hospital of Fox Chase Cancer Center remains one of the few facilities in the country devoted entirely to cancer care. It is nationally recognized for its leadership in medical, radiation and surgical oncology.

Research Institute for Cancer Prevention

To reach its ultimate goal in cancer care is prevention, Fox Chase opened the Research Institute for Cancer Prevention in 2000, the first comprehensive program of its kind in the nation. Housed in the new Prevention Pavilion on the Fox Chase campus, it features laboratories devoted solely to prevention-oriented research.