UPMC Hillman Cancer Center

Thank you to our friends at Champion Lakes Golf Club Bed and Breakfast for the “Let’s Beat Cancer” outing benefitting UPMC Hillman Cancer Center. On July 18, 125 golfers, plus volunteers and friends came out to raise funds and awareness for cancer research. In addition to 18 holes of golf and a basket raffle, there was a question at each hole related to raising cancer awareness and prevention, as well as a prize for the team with the most correct answers. Thanks again to Champion Lakes for bringing hope to patients with their ongoing support for UPMC Hillman research!

As the most common type of cancer in the United States, skin cancer is a danger to everyone. Although people with lighter skin colors can find themselves at greater risk, skin cancer in people of color is still a concern.

Skin Cancer in People of Color | UPMC HealthBeat Although people with lighter skin colors can find themselves at greater risk, skin cancer in people of color is still a concern.

In February 2021, a pair of remarkable clinical trials was published. One was led by UPMC Hillman Cancer Center oncologist Hassane Zarour, MD. Each one involved people with melanoma. Some participants had been successfully treated using drugs called immune checkpoint inhibitors, which help the body to destroy cancer cells. The others had failed to respond to the treatment.

In both studies, researchers collected stool samples from the people who had benefited from the immunotherapy. They then implanted these samples — and the gut bacteria that they contained — into the people who hadn't responded to the drugs, and administered the checkpoint inhibitors again. The hope was that this faecal microbiota transplant would transfer the ability to respond to this potentially life-saving treatment.

Read more in Nature.

Faecal transplants can treat some cancers — but probably won’t ever be widely used Gut microbiota could be crucial to the success or failure of immunotherapy. Donated stool might give oncologists a way to tip the balance, but the real excitement lies in what comes next.

Vince Weber from Imperial is the first person in the United States to get an experimental brain cancer treatment at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center.

“Clinical trials offer innovative therapies and novel treatments. These treatments mean hope for patients,” says Dr. Jan Drappatz, director of Neuro-Oncology at UPMC. Learn more via WPXI-TV Pittsburgh:

Imperial man is 1st in United States to get experimental treatment for brain cancer A man from Imperial is the first person in the United States to get an experimental brain cancer treatment.

Some cancers begin in the liver. But other liver cancers occur when cancer spreads (metastasizes) to the liver from another part of your body. When this happens, metastatic liver cancer, also known as secondary liver cancer, results.

A study published in a 2021 issue of Translational Cancer Research found that more than 20% of secondary liver cancers develop from colorectal cancer. Researchers continue to study treatments that can improve survival rates in people with metastatic liver cancer. One promising treatment is the hepatic arterial infusion pump. Learn more:

Liver Transplant Evaluation Clinics | UPMC HealthBeat Did you know that the world-class expertise of the UPMC Liver Transplant Program is now available in your own backyard? Learn more.

The American Cancer Society estimates about 13,590 new cases of soft tissue sarcoma will be diagnosed in the United States in 2024, and about 5,200 of those cases are expected to be fatal. UPMC Hillman Cancer Center‘s team of orthopaedic surgeons and medical and radiation oncologists offer a comprehensive approach to sarcoma treatment. They partner with pathologists, pain management specialists, and a range of other experts to find the right sarcoma treatment plan for you.

Finding Cutting-Edge Treatment for Soft Tissue Sarcoma | UPMC UPMC Hillman specialists treat a full range of common and rare sarcomas. Learn more from the experts at UPMC.

Sandy Pajak, 62, was preparing for gallbladder surgery in early 2018 when a routine chest x-ray revealed a spot in the upper lobe of her right lung.

“I was very lucky they just happened to find the cancer,” says Sandy, a resident of Export, Pa.

But Sandy was surprised. She had no chest pain or coughing — just pain in her stomach area from the gallbladder.

She was immediately referred to a thoracic surgeon for a lung biopsy that confirmed the spot was a type of non-small cell lung cancer. Believing the tumor was confined to the lung, her surgeon removed Sandy’s upper right lobe in a lobectomy procedure at UPMC East.

Unfortunately, her surgery also revealed that the cancer had already spread outside the lung. She had stage 4 lung cancer.

The news wasn’t good. But Sandy wasn’t ready to call it quits. And while advanced cancers like hers are rarely cured, treatments can help manage them.

“I was scared. But I didn’t want to go yet,” says Sandy. “I had too much life left to live.”

Sandy began tackling her cancer with a fierce passion. She was referred to John L**h, DO, a hematologist and medical oncologist, who started her on intravenous chemotherapy at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Monroeville. “I went once every three weeks for chemo,” says Sandy. “Thankfully, Monroeville is just 10 miles from my home.”

In January 2019, scans showed that Sandy’s cancer had spread to her right rib. That’s when her care team recommended another round of chemotherapy plus radiation, followed by nine months of IV immunotherapy. Sandy’s care continued to take place close to home. She received radiation treatment at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center at UPMC East in Monroeville.

Although the cancer shrank during treatment, another tumor was found on Sandy’s left kidney in late 2019. This time, Sandy had a cryoablation procedure at UPMC East to freeze and kill the tumor.

Unfortunately, a biopsy confirmed cancer had spread to Sandy’s lymph nodes. That’s when her care team recommended she begin a clinical trial called the Lung Cancer Master Protocol, developed for people whose advanced non-small cell lung cancer continues to grow after treatment.

It involved a combination of an antibody and pembrolizumab, an immunotherapy treatment. By blocking a protein called PD-1, pembrolizumab helps the body’s immune system attack cancer cells. Sandy was randomized for the experimental arm of the trial, which has since become the backbone of a U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved study.

Her clinical trial was led by Liza Villaruz, MD, a hematologist and medical oncologist at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center in Shadyside. Dr. Villaruz also is co-leader of UPMC Hillman Cancer Center’s Immunotherapy and Drug Development Center. Sandy was relieved she wouldn’t need to travel to Pittsburgh; she could receive her treatments locally, under the care of Dhaval R. Mehta, MD, a medical oncologist and hematologist at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Monroeville.

“Participating in a clinical trial is a commitment, but I wanted to do something,” says Sandy. “I also wanted to help other cancer patients.”

She completed her clinical trial in June 2022 after two years of treatments. By then, most of her cancer had disappeared.

“It was almost gone. I remained nearly cancer free for two years,” says Sandy.

Sandy’s cancer remained stable for another 15 months. But in September 2023, it was growing again. She began another round of treatment with the same clinical trial, but follow-up scans showed the cancer continued to spread.

That’s when her team recommended a third clinical trial with another combination of drugs. That treatment was discontinued after she experienced a reaction to one of the drugs.

In February 2024, Sandy started a new clinical trial — her fourth — for patients with advanced lung cancer. This trial combines pembrolizumab with an antibody targeting two cancer growth proteins. While she began her latest clinical trial with Dr. Villaruz in Shadyside, she continued her treatments closer to home with Dr. Mehta in Monroeville.

She praised her care team, including the doctors, clinical research coordinator, physician assistant, staff from the pharmacy, and especially the nurses for the care she received at that location — as well as the trust she instilled in them.

“The doctors at UPMC Hillman have been great. But I know all the nurses at UPMC Hillman in Monroeville,” says Sandy. “After six years of treatments, they’re like family. I didn’t want to leave them. Plus, I don’t have to fight parkway traffic or pay for parking.”

“I’m surprised how good I feel,” says Sandy. “It makes me think maybe this is the one. I’ve had a few side effects, but nothing I can’t handle.”

Sandy says she’s grateful for the added years of life she’s gained from her involvement in cutting-edge clinical trials — access made possible through UPMC Hillman’s research and partnerships.

Read more: https://go.upmc.com/2499plWJ4

Hi! I’m Finnegan and I’m a certified therapy dog who regularly visits with patients at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center. I’m a miniature goldendoodle and my owner/handler’s name is Jennifer. I was born June 12, 2021. My favorite activities are snuggling, fetching water bottles, and playing with my brother and sister!

We’re thrilled to share some heartwarming news! Thanks to the incredible generosity of the non-profit organization Kay Days, more than 1,800 patients at UPMC Hillman received a special gift last month: complimentary parking for six days in June.

“Kay Days” began in 2023 as a beautiful tribute to Kay Boyd-Rowe, a cherished 20-year patient of Dr. Kirkwood. Kay’s memory lives on through this initiative, which embodies her unwavering desire to give back to others.

Since the first Kay Day, more than 3,100 patients have experienced the kindness and support of Kay Days. It’s incredible how a single act of generosity can ripple through our community, touching lives and brightening days.

Robin Rowe, Kay's devoted husband, is leading the charge to make free parking a reality for patients. Robin spent several days personally greeting patients, sharing Kay’s passion, and ensuring that her legacy of compassion continues.

Our certified pet therapy dog Anchor hopes you had a happy 4th of July weekend!

🎣 You can support metastatic breast cancer research while fly fishing at the 6th Annual Cast for a Cure fly fishing competition on August 15 & 16 at the HomeWaters.

Metastatic breast cancer claims over 40,000 lives every year. The Women’s Cancer Research Center, a collaboration between UPMC Hillman Cancer Center and Magee-Womens Research Institute, in partnership with the Pittsburgh Penguins Alumni Association, wants to change that. Proceeds from this event benefit the Nicole Meloche Memorial Breast Cancer Research Fund at Magee-Womens.

Register today at MageeWomens.org/castforacure.

After a cancer diagnosis, a medical oncologist is one of the first specialists you’ll meet with. These doctors treat cancer using medication, including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy. Here’s what to know about your first appointment with a medical oncologist following a cancer diagnosis:

Questions To Ask Your Medical Oncologist | UPMC HealthBeat Here's what to know about your first appointment with a medical oncologist following a cancer diagnosis.

Join us virtually during your lunch hour on Thursday, July 25 for Cancer Conversations! Learn more about lung cancer screenings from Faisal Akbar, MD, a medical oncologist at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center in Monroeville.

This educational series is sponsored by UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Monroeville and UPMC Hillman Cancer Center at UPMC East.

Space is limited, so register today at https://go.upmc.com/2846tjQlF

Bowser Subaru and The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) join forces annually to bring hope, love, and warmth to UPMC Hillman Cancer Center. On June 24th, Bowser Subaru and LLS representatives visited UPMC Hillman, distributing pillows that transform into blankets and patient care kits containing socks, sleep masks, water bottles, and other comfort items. These thoughtful donations benefited patients receiving treatment at the Mario Lemieux Center for Blood Cancers in Shadyside. Additionally, Bowser presented Hillman with a generous monetary gift to advance research for improved blood cancer treatments. Thanks to Bowser Subaru and LLS for sharing their love with our patients!

Country Meadows Golf Course in Venango Pa. will host its 12th Annual Fight Fore Cancer benefitting UPMC Hillman Cancer Center on Saturday, July 27. The details:

- Registration starts at 8 a.m.

- Shotgun start at 9 a.m.

- Scramble format (4) 18 holes with a cart

- Morning snack, lunch, and dinner, snack bags, and beverages provided.

- There will be line prizes and hole contests, an auction, raffles, and games of chance.

To register, contact Gail at 814-398-2881 or [email protected]. Proceeds will benefit prostate cancer research.

Ascites (pronounced uh-site-ease) is a condition that affects the belly (abdomen). Fluid builds up inside the abdominal cavity, causing the belly to swell and feel hard. The most common causes of ascites are cancer and liver disease.

This condition may occur when cancer spreads to the abdomen. Specific types of cancer are more likely to spread to the abdomen and cause ascites. If cancer spreads to the abdomen and causes fluid to build up, it’s malignant or cancer ascites.

Read more on our blog:

Malignant Ascites: Cancers That Cause Fluid in the Abdomen | UPMC What type of cancer causes fluid in the abdomen? Learn more about ascites and why it may occur in late-stage cancers.

🌴 Let's make this summer one to remember by supporting Rush to Crush Cancer. Join us in making an impact and fighting cancer. Together we can make a difference!

On June 14, a farewell ceremony was held in the Hillman Atrium for Dr. Steven Evans, surgical oncologist and vice-chairman of the Department of Surgery at UPMC Shadyside. Dr. Amer Zureikat, chief of Surgical Oncology at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, and Dr. Tim Billiar, executive vice president of UPMC and chief scientific officer, delivered remarks. We wish Dr. Evans well in his future endeavors!

John Ryder, 58, hadn’t been to a doctor in years when a close friend suffered a mild stroke in fall 2022. “When is the last time you had a physical?” his friend asked.

At his urging, John quickly scheduled a wellness exam.

“Until then, my attitude always had been: if it’s not broke, there’s no need to fix it,” says John, a Mercer, Pa., resident. “Luckily, I didn’t put it off any longer.”

As part of his physical, John’s doctor ordered routine bloodwork. Everything was good, except for one thing. His prostate specific antigen (PSA) level was a worrisome 6.78 mg/mL — an indicator of possible prostate cancer.

After a biopsy confirmed cancer, John began exploring treatment options and researching cancer specialists. His search ultimately led him to UPMC Hillman Cancer Center at UPMC Horizon–Shenango Valley in Farrell, Pa.

PSA is a protein produced by the prostate gland. When there’s a problem with the prostate, PSA levels can rise above normal levels. Elevated PSA levels can be a sign of an enlarged prostate, inflammation, or prostate cancer.

According to the American Cancer Society, men with a PSA level between 4 and 10 mg/mL have a one in four chance of having prostate cancer. Additional testing is usually done to determine what’s going on.

In John’s case, after his initial PSA rise in mid-2022, a biopsy was performed and came back negative. His PSA continued to be monitored and he had a prostate MRI, which also came back negative. John’s PSA began to rise again in mid-2023, which prompted a prostate core needle biopsy performed in summer 2023. The result: It was positive for cancer.

With a diagnosis in hand, John’s next step was deciding what treatment to pursue. He initially met with William Eric Spielvogle, MD, a medical oncologist and hematologist at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center at UPMC Horizon–Shenango Valley.

Dr. Spielvogle confirmed that the cancer hadn’t spread beyond the prostate. After speaking with John, Dr. Spielvogle referred him to Uzoma Iheagwara MD, PhD, a radiation oncologist and clinical director, radiation oncology, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center at UPMC Horizon–Shenango Valley. Dr. Iheagwara reviewed all of John’s treatment options, including:

-Active surveillance (closer monitoring over time).
-Surgery (to remove his prostate).
-Radiation therapy (external beam, stereotactic body radiation therapy, or brachytherapy).
“I knew I didn’t want to waste any time,” says John. “I could have chosen active surveillance. But I figured if I have something, I might as well do something now.”

John decided against surgery, but he still wanted to be proactive with treatment. He elected to have low dose rate brachytherapy, given the convenience of the one-time, same-day procedure.

With brachytherapy (a form of internal radiation therapy), doctors place tiny radioactive seeds inside the prostate. The seeds emit radiation that destroys the cancer cells, sparing surrounding healthy tissue and organs.

Dr. Iheagwara referred John to Peter Daloni, MD, a urologist at UPMC Horizon.

Both doctors were at John’s side when he had the brachytherapy procedure at UPMC Horizon in January 2024. During the three-hour procedure, 94 radioactive seeds were placed inside his prostate.

A follow-up test done a month later showed his PSA level dropped to 2.57 mg/mL, which is in the normal range.

“When I got those results, I called my wife right away,” says John. “My PSA level was never that low.”

John says he appreciated having doctors who listened to his concerns and took time to explain treatment options. He also praised his doctors and the staff at UPMC Horizon for the care he received. The nurses in the radiation oncology department were “especially helpful and exceptionally nice,” he added.

“I had confidence in them. I knew from my research that the doctors at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center and UPMC Horizon were top notch,” says John. “Everything went smoothly. The care I received was excellent.”

🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️ Pittsburgh, Get Ready! 🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️Join us for the Head for the Cure 5K - Pittsburgh on August 10th! 🔗 Register Now: headforthecure.org/pittsburgh. We’re gearing up for an incredible event! We will have the basket raffle again and if you’re interested in making a basket for our raffle, please reach out!

UPMC Hillman Cancer Center

On July 18, Champion Lakes Golf Club, in conjunction with the Wednesday Night Ladies “Fun League”, will host its annual “Let's Beat Cancer” Golf Outing in Ligonier, Pa. There will be a shotgun start at 10 a.m. followed by a four-person scramble.

The cost is $100 per player, which includes golf, lunch, dinner, and prizes. Net proceeds will benefit UPMC Hillman Cancer Center. Call 724-238-5440 for your reservations (the maximum is 120 golfers).

Meet Zeeva, a certified therapy dog who regularly visits with our patients.

Handler/Owner: Courtney
Breed: Labrador retriever
Birthday: 4/15/14
Favorite Activities: Loves sunbathing, going for walks, and playing ball!

Everyone, including trans people, has an increased risk of cancer as they get older. Cancer screenings are tests that look for cancer before you experience any actual symptoms. Identifying cancer before it causes symptoms makes treating it easier, and early treatment is usually more effective.

Cancer Screenings in the Transgender Community | UPMC HealthBeat Everyone, including trans people, has an increased risk of cancer as they get older. The earlier doctors find cancer, the sooner they can treat it.

1st recipient of UPMC breast cancer vaccine is hopeful it will help others As a young girl, Maria Kitay visited the hospital when her cousin, Clara Carbone Caputo, had breast cancer. “She put her back up against the wall, and she said, ‘It’s so painful to have this,’ ” Kitay said, tearing up at the memory. Her cousin later died of her il...

Traditionally, when people hear low-dose radiotherapy (LDRT), they think of cancer treatment. While LDRT does and can treat cancer, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center has started using it to treat benign conditions like osteoarthritis and other inflammatory disorders. LDRT can relieve pain, reduce the need for steroid injections, and improve mobility. The radiation doses used are much lower than those used for treating cancer.

To schedule an appointment at a UPMC Hillman Cancer Center near you, visit https://hillman.upmc.com/Find

Emily B. is an Improvement Specialist Intermediate, Radiation Therapy, at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center. She tells us what she most enjoys about her role and why she chose UPMC.

Q: What do you enjoy most about your current role?
A: I enjoy the learning opportunities to grow within this role not only professionally but personally. I enjoy being a part of a large organization where there are other quality members and leaders to share education and knowledge with others.

Q: With many options for employment in health care, why did you choose UPMC?
A: UPMC has a strong reputation within the community and offers many locations for employment. This was a huge win when I was working in a clinical role and has brought lots of growth opportunity as a quality member. From the beginning, there has been great mentorship, support, and recognition.

If you’re interested in joining our team in providing radiation therapy to patients, learn more here: https://go.upmc.com/2677Z8Zqn