Division of Solid Tumor Oncology

At the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center (SKCCC), our genitourinary (GU) cancer specialists treat several patients each year, bringing unparalleled expertise and experience in the management of GU and urologic cancers. Our doctors have played a pivotal role in developing the standard treatments used today. This extensive experience directly translates into excellent outcomes for our patients.

Unlike many cancer programs where specialists focus on broader areas, our team at SKCCC is composed of experts who focus on very specific types of GU cancers. For instance, we have medical oncologists who specialize solely in kidney cancers and one of the few radiation oncologists in the U.S. whose expertise is dedicated to bladder cancer. This exceptional level of specialization allows our patients to benefit from treatment plans based on deep, focused knowledge. Medical students will have access to physicians like Wm. Kevin Kelly, DO, who is a prominent figure in the field of genitourinary oncology, specializing in the development of novel agents and treatment approaches for genitourinary cancers. He serves as the leader of the Genitourinary Medical Oncology Program at the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center (SKCCC). With extensive experience in both clinical and laboratory settings, Dr. Kelly is dedicated to advancing treatments for GU cancers by conducting research that bridges the gap between the laboratory and patient care. Dr. Kelly is actively involved in numerous national and international clinical studies that aim to improve the outcomes of patients with GU cancers. His research interests are primarily focused on developing therapies that are less toxic while also individualizing treatment plans to meet the unique needs of each patient. His work plays a crucial role in the development of innovative therapies and personalized medicine in the treatment of GU cancers. This is an incredible opportunity to learn directly from physicians who have mastered their field and have extensive experience in treating complex cases.

Our GU Oncology Tumor Board is a key aspect of our multidisciplinary approach. It consists of cancer specialists—including oncologists, pathologists, radiologists, geneticists, and urologists—who meet regularly to discuss individual patient cases. This collaborative process ensures, every medical student, that every potential treatment option is considered, leading to comprehensive, well-rounded treatment plans that offer innovative solutions to challenging cases. Training with members of our GU team, including William Tester, MD, FACP,  the Director of Bladder Cancer Research at Jefferson, offers medical students invaluable firsthand experience in current treatment practices. He is highly regarded for his extensive experience in conducting clinical trials for patients with locally advanced or metastatic bladder cancer. Dr. Tester has also played a significant leadership role in the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center (SKCCC) Phase 1 program, where he works to screen and evaluate new agents for the treatment of urologic cancers. His contributions to clinical research and his focus on advancing novel treatments have made him a key figure in the field of urologic oncology. For medical students, this is a unique opportunity to witness firsthand how specialists work together to optimize patient care.

At SKCCC, our top priority is delivering the safest and most effective treatments to our patients. Patrick Mille, MD, a next-generation medical oncologist, is at the forefront of innovative research in immune-based therapies. Prostate cancer immunotherapy is rapidly advancing, with PSMA, PAP, and STEAP1 emerging as key antigen targets. While checkpoint inhibitors alone have shown limited success, promising approaches such as CAR-T, BiTEs, and personalized vaccines are paving the way for more effective treatments. Current research is also exploring combination strategies to overcome tumor resistance, including cutting-edge low-dose radiation therapies and advanced surgical techniques designed to detect hidden cancers.

Many of our procedures utilize minimally invasive and robotic-assisted technologies, leading to fewer complications, shorter hospital stays, and faster recoveries compared to traditional surgeries. As a medical student, you’ll gain hands-on exposure to these groundbreaking techniques, equipping you with the latest insights that are transforming cancer treatment.

The GU cancer clinical trial program at SKCCC is at the forefront of cancer research. Kevin Kayvan Zarrabi, MD MS FACP, is an Assistant Professor and medical oncologist with a specialized focus on genitourinary malignancies. He is actively involved in both clinical practice and research, dedicating much of his work to advancing the treatment of patients with genitourinary cancers. Dr. Zarrabi serves as a principal investigator for numerous clinical studies, including several investigator-initiated clinical trials. His research interests are centered on developing innovative treatment strategies for patients with advanced cancers, as well as identifying biomarkers to aid in clinical decision-making and personalized therapy. His work aims to improve outcomes for patients by providing more targeted and effective treatment options. Our patients have access to some of the most exciting and innovative clinical trials available in the U.S., offering new treatment options for cancers that don’t respond to conventional therapies. As a student, you will have the opportunity to engage in cutting-edge research and learn about the latest therapeutic advancements in GU cancer.

Many GU cancers, particularly testicular and prostate cancers, can run in families. Our experts in genetics and genetic counseling work closely with patients to assess their individual risks, helping them make informed decisions about their care. Students will have the opportunity to learn how genetics plays a crucial role in both cancer prevention and treatment.

In this dynamic, multidisciplinary environment, medical students will receive comprehensive training, gaining practical experience alongside some of the leading experts in GU and urologic oncology. You will learn how to approach complex cases with a holistic, patient-centered mindset while being exposed to the latest advances in cancer care.