UPMC Hillman Cancer Center

Proud to have two of our UPMC Hillman docs helping to shape the future of immunotherapy!

We congratulate all our oncologists who were recognized as “Top Doctors” this year by Pittsburgh Magazine. See who made the 2024 list https://lnkd.in/eTbiSC4J

Our director Robert Ferris has been involved with #SITC for more than two decades. Proud to have him in the election for the next VP of this important organization!

Congratulations to Bennett Van Houten for being elevated to the rank #AAASFellow by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)! Becoming a AAAS Fellow is among the highest distinctions in the scientific community. This program honors scientists, engineers, and innovators whose efforts are scientifically or socially distinguished. Dr. Van Houten is recognized for “outstanding contributions to the field of DNA damage and repair, particularly the development of several novel methods for understanding the choreography of the DNA repair processes.” Read more: https://lnkd.in/gB_6hHDD

On March 19, the PA Breast Cancer Coalition (PBCC) presented two $100,000 research grants to UPMC breast cancer researchers Julia Foldi, MD, PhD, assistant professor of Medicine, and Shandong Wu, PhD, associate professor of Radiology. The event was held in UPMC Hillman Cancer Center’s Atrium Lobby. To date, the PA Breast Cancer Coalition has contributed $1.5 million to UPMC cancer research. Dr. Foldi studies behaviors of invasive lobular breast cancer (ILC), the second most common type of breast cancer. ILC has a higher rate of recurrence after five years than invasive ductal breast cancer (IDC), another common type. Her team will use PBCC funding to focus on determining why patients with ILC have a greater risk of late metastasis in the hopes of developing targeted therapies and possible recurrence prevention measures in the future. Dr. Wu’s PBCC-funded research focuses on breast cancer screening techniques. In conjunction with previous PBCC research grant winner Dr. Wendie Berg, Dr. Wu studies contrast-enhanced mammography (CEM), a more effective modality than traditional mammography, which includes injecting contrast or dye through an IV into the patient to view clearer images of the breast tissue. CEM is preferred by many patients over breast MRI; however, it produces a high rate of false positives. Dr. Wu plans to utilize artificial intelligence to create new software aimed at distinguishing normal findings from abnormalities in CEM screenings.

Researchers led by Anwaar Saeed, MD, published results from the CAMILLA trial showing that combining cabozantinib and durvalumab in patients with chemotherapy-refractory colorectal cancer is a promising treatment, potentially expanding treatment options. The CAMILLA trial’s promising results have led to the phase III STELLAR 303 trial investigating the combination of zanzalintinib — a next generation multi-kinase inhibitor very similar to cabozantinib — and atezolizumab. Led by Dr. Saeed, this trial will help guide further innovative strategies for combinational ICI-based treatments to challenge the status quo of colorectal cancer immunotherapy options. https://lnkd.in/eWGEg6iv

Population scientist Monica Baskin (UPMC Hillman Cancer Center) is the “Jackie Robinson” of cancer center deputy directors. https://lnkd.in/eHChdXVt

Thank you UPMC Hillman Cancer Center and University of Pittsburgh for having me as a panelist for your discussion on 'Identifying and Measuring Gender Inequities in Medicine and Science' last week. 🎙️ It was an honor to be a part of this training session. I'm glad to see such important conversations taking place and grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the dialogue. 🙌 #GenderEquity #BreakingBarriers #OpenConversations

Today is the 8th annual Pitt Day of Giving! Join us in the collective fight against cancer by supporting the Director’s Discovery Fund, which provides critical resources to researchers and helps advance promising, novel research projects. Thank you for helping us shape the future of cancer research and care. Make a gift at https://lnkd.in/d-9rGyBn.

People in Mercer and Lawrence counties will soon have enhanced access to cancer care as UPMC Hillman Cancer Center at UPMC Horizon-Shenango Valley initiates an expansion to add a second linear accelerator (LINAC). The $9.6 million project includes the construction of a vault for the new, state-of-the-art LINAC, which is used for external beam radiation oncology treatments. It delivers high-energy x-rays or electrons to the region of the tumor.   “This radiotherapy system is designed to treat a variety of cancer tumors wherever they are in the body, including lung, breast and prostate cancers,” said Heath Skinner, MD, department chair, radiation oncology, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center. “It provides more precision, so that surrounding tissues are less affected, and it gives us oncologists better imaging so we can clearly see the treatment while it’s happening and for the patient. The strength of our radiation oncology team and the addition of the new technology means our patients will have access to the latest clinical trials we are conducting at UPMC Hillman.”   Over the past 25 years, UPMC has invested more than $150 million to elevate services at UPMC Horizon, including the expansion of UPMC Hillman Cancer Center locations in Greenville, New Castle, and Farrell. https://lnkd.in/eSjKkrw3