The Department of Pathology

Dr. Douglas Flieder picture
Dr. Douglas Flieder is the departmental chair and oversees the Biosample Repository Facility

The Department of Pathology at Fox Chase Cancer Center serves as a keystone of the institution’s mission to prevent, diagnose, and treat cancer. By integrating advanced laboratory diagnostics with cutting-edge scientific discovery, we provide the critical information that guides clinical decision-making and supports personalized cancer treatment strategies.


Our team of board-certified pathologists, laboratory professionals, and technical specialists deliver comprehensive diagnostic services across a broad spectrum of disciplines, including surgical pathology, cytopathology, hematopathology, molecular pathology, flow cytometry, cytogenetics, and clinical chemistry through the application of sophisticated diagnostic technologies.


We play a central role in multidisciplinary cancer care working closely with oncologists, surgeons, radiologists, and other specialists to characterize tumors, identify actionable biomarkers, and provide insights that inform treatment selection and disease monitoring. Advanced immunohistochemical, molecular and genomic analyses identify genetic alterations that may predict therapeutic response, support targeted treatment approaches, and contribute to precision oncology initiatives.


The Department of Pathology is an integral component of a National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center and supports diverse research programs. Faculty members collaborate with investigators across scientific disciplines to study the molecular mechanisms of cancer development and progression, discover novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers, and develop innovative approaches to cancer detection and treatment. The department also maintains the Biospecimen Repository Facility and collaborates closely with the Protocol Support Laboratory.
We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of quality, safety, and regulatory compliance. State-of-the-art College of American Pathologists-accredited laboratories employ rigorous quality assurance and quality control measures to ensure the reliability and accuracy of diagnostic testing. Continuous investment in emerging technologies, digital pathology, molecular diagnostics, and laboratory automation expands the department’s ability to meet the evolving needs of patients and healthcare providers.


Education and professional development are fundamental to our mission. Faculty members contribute to the training of pathology and other subspecialty residents, fellows, and laboratory professionals, fostering the next generation of clinicians and scientists. Through mentorship, scholarly activity, and interdisciplinary collaboration, the department promotes a culture of lifelong learning and scientific inquiry.


By combining diagnostic excellence, collaborative clinical care, and innovative research, the Department of Pathology at Fox Chase Cancer Center advances the understanding of cancer biology while delivering the highest quality care to patients.