Abramson Cancer Center at Penn Medicine
Director, Prostate and Kidney Cancer Program
University of Pennsylvania
Professor of Medicine
Dr. Naomi Haas, MD, stands at the forefront of kidney and prostate cancer clinical research as the Director of Kidney and Prostate Cancer Clinical Research at Penn Medicine and an Associate Professor of Medicine at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. Her international reputation as an expert in the design and execution of adjuvant clinical trials for kidney cancer, coupled with her national prominence in prostate and kidney cancer therapeutics, underscores her significant contributions to advancing the field.
In her role as the institutional principal investigator for the HCRN study GU16-260, Dr. Haas leads groundbreaking research on the front line therapy with nivolumab and salvage nivolumab + ipilimumab in patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma. Her involvement in GU16-257, focused on neoadjuvant gemcitabine, cisplatin, plus nivolumab in patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer with selective bladder sparing, further showcases her commitment to advancing innovative treatment approaches.
Dr. Haas’ research interests encompass a spectrum of early-phase cancer clinical trials, with a primary focus on kidney and prostate cancer. Her work extends to the study of emerging treatment modalities, including CAR T-Cell therapy, immune checkpoint inhibition, angiogenesis, and epigenetics. Notably, her early exposure to retrotransposons, a unique genetic component, during her time in a basic science lab at Fox Chase Cancer Center adds a distinctive dimension to her research expertise. Dr. Haas adopts a multifaceted approach, exploring diverse treatment avenues and incorporating cutting-edge technologies. Her involvement in investigating retrotransposons showcases a commitment to delving into genetic intricacies, highlighting her dedication to understanding cancer at both molecular and clinical levels.
Dr. Haas’ role as the Director of Kidney and Prostate Cancer Clinical Research at Penn Medicine positions her as a driving force in shaping the institution’s research landscape. Her leadership fosters a dynamic environment where innovative ideas flourish, contributing to the institution’s reputation as a hub of groundbreaking research and patient care. Dr. Haas’ tireless efforts in advancing the understanding and treatment of kidney and prostate cancers solidify her as a leader in the field, with a lasting impact on both Penn Medicine and the broader realm of oncology.