UPMC Hillman Cancer Center

08/25/2025

Join us for the inaugural Thomas E. Richards Distinguished Lecture Series at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center on September 8. This new annual event honors the legacy of Thomas E. Richards and celebrates innovation in cancer research and care.

Our featured speaker, Dr. Graham Colditz, deputy director of the Institute of Public Health at Washington University in St. Louis, will share insights on the critical importance of cancer prevention—especially as it relates to breast cancer.

Registration is required as seating is limited.

🔗 Register Now: https://securelb.imodules.com/s/1729/2-pittsburgh/interior.aspx?sid=1729&gid=2&pgid=7447&cid=21362

🕔 5:00 p.m.

📍 The Assembly, 5051 Centre Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213

08/24/2025

Kurt Weiss wasn't planning on going to the doctor's that week. Like most teenagers, he had other things on his mind. Then at football practice, his leg started to hurt him terribly.

"My mother threatened to cancel my mountain climbing trip with friends if I didn't go," he explains. "So to humor her, I went."

It was a good thing he did. After being diagnosed with sarcoma, Kurt was sent immediately to Mark Goodman, MD, who at that time was the only orthopaedic oncologist in western Pennsylvania. By the age of 15, Kurt received his last rites when his cancer spread to his lungs for the third time.

Then, in 1990, Kurt participated in a clinical trial that saved his life. Developed by researchers at the MD Anderson Cancer Center, the immune-based method was designed to destroy drug-resistant bone tumor cells. The trial worked, and with the help of Dr. Goodman, Kurt Weiss began the long road to recovery.

Unfortunately, fixing Kurt's leg was no easy task. He developed repeated infections, and finally, Kurt and Dr. Goodman decided together that an amputation was necessary.

"Then, during finals week at Notre Dame, my leg was hemorrhaging every day," remembers Kurt. "I called Dr. Goodman. He said, "Kurt, if I have to come up there and carry you to your tests, you're going to finish your finals before we get this done."

"That experience really had a profound effect on me," explains Kurt. "I had thought I wanted to be an engineer, like my dad and my uncles and my sister. But I really became interested in the pathologic aspects of my disease. And more than that, I admired the people like Dr. Goodman who were looking after me. I wanted to be like them when I grew up."

And grow up, he did. In 2003, he earned his medical degree and won a Howard Hughes Research Scholars Award to do research on metastatic bone tumors at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Eventually, he joined Dr. Goodman's practice at UPMC.

Now known as Kurt Weiss, MD, he is one of only a handful of surgeons who specialize in sarcoma. Dr. Weiss is also one of the very few physician-scientists searching for a cure for this disease, and the only one who is also a former sarcoma patient.

08/22/2025

Tom O’Lenic, co-author of "Immaculate: How the Steelers Saved Pittsburgh," is making a difference! He continues to donate all of the book’s proceeds to the Multiple Myeloma Research Fund at the University of Pittsburgh, benefiting UPMC Hillman Cancer Center. This heartfelt gesture is in gratitude to his writing partner and good friend, Ray Hartjen, a multiple myeloma survivor.

"Immaculate: How the Steelers Saved Pittsburgh" is more than just a book for Tom; it's a passion project. He believes that the Pittsburgh community found strength and unity through the deindustrialization transformation, thanks to the galvanizing presence of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

08/19/2025

Feeling queasy or exhausted on top of everything else cancer throws at you can feel overwhelming. Nausea, vomiting, and fatigue are among the most common and most dreaded side effects of modern cancer care. The good news is that we now have powerful medications, smart lifestyle hacks, and team-based support to keep them under control.

Discover causes and treatments for cancer-related nausea, vomiting, and fatigue, plus tips, meds, and support to help you feel better during care.

08/14/2025

In March 2017, Cindy Cook noticed her bowel movements had changed – the shape changed, she felt like she could never fully empty, and she always had the urge to go. The 47-year-old chalked it up to the effects of her new diet.

After many months, Cindy visited her primary care doctor who had her tested for celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder where ingesting gluten leads to damage in the small intestine.

Her doctor referred her to a specialist to have a colonoscopy done. Yet, Cindy kept canceling appointments.

Meanwhile, Cindy’s symptoms didn’t change. Several months later, again at the urging of her hairdresser, she finally had a colonoscopy in December.

“It was the easiest thing I ever did,” says Cindy.

However, her doctor found a tumor that was 4.9 centimeters (cm) and recommended Cindy to the best doctor they knew: David Medich, MD, a colon and re**al surgeon at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center.

Although a CT scan revealed her re**al cancer hadn’t spread, Dr. Medich recommended she undergo chemotherapy and radiation therapy to shrink her tumor before having surgery to remove it.

“I would trust my life with Dr. Medich. He was so caring and loving.”

Cindy started treatment in DuBois in 2018. She completed 28 radiation treatments then six weeks later, had five chemotherapy sessions. She responded well to the treatment; a PET scan showed her tumor shrunk to 1.7 cm.

On July 5, Cindy underwent a surgical procedure at UPMC Passavant–McCandless to have part of her re**um and 22 lymph nodes removed.

Following her recovery, Cindy returned to the hospital three months later to have the ileostomy reversed. Upon being discharged, she received good news.

“Dr. Medich told me I had gone from stage three to stage one since my treatment, and that I was now cancer-free,” says Cindy.

Moving forward, Cindy will undergo a colonoscopy every three years.

Cindy, now 53, said she wishes she would have listened and had her first colonoscopy sooner.

“I am so vigilant about telling people to take care of their bodies because I should have, and I didn't. And I probably could have saved myself a lot of what happened,” she says.

08/11/2025

John C. Byrd, MD, an internationally acclaimed physician scientist in hematologic malignancies, has been appointed director of UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, which together with the University of Pittsburgh is the region’s only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center and one of the country’s largest academic cancer treatment networks.

Byrd, who brings nearly three decades of distinguished experience in innovative research, superior patient care and educational excellence, will assume overall responsibility for all aspects of cancer-related basic, translational, and clinical research and education at both the University of Pittsburgh and UPMC Hillman in Nov. 2025.

“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Byrd and his extensive experience in conducting and supporting internationally influential cancer research, developing and overseeing premier programmatic efforts and elevating holistic patient care,” said Anantha Shekhar, MD, PhD, senior vice chancellor for the health sciences and John and Gertrude Petersen Dean of the School of Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh. “The formidable breadth and quality of his leadership capabilities will prove essential to advancing a center already operating at the exceedingly high level of UPMC Hillman.”

In addition to his role as director, Byrd will serve as associate vice chancellor for cancer affairs at Pitt and will be recommended for appointment to hold the Hillman Professorship of Oncology in the Pitt School of Medicine’s Department of Medicine.

“The appointment of Dr. Byrd represents a defining moment in the continued advancement of UPMC Hillman Cancer Center as a global leader in cancer care and research,” said Leslie Davis, president and CEO of UPMC. “His distinguished record of scientific innovation, strategic leadership, and unwavering dedication to patient-centered care will further accelerate the groundbreaking work underway across our network. We are honored to welcome a visionary whose contributions continue to shape the future of hematologic oncology and elevate the standard of care worldwide.”

08/08/2025

Oral cancer, or mouth cancer, occurs when cells in your mouth grow in abnormal ways. About 60,000 people develop cancer in the tissues of their mouth, tongue, or throat each year. Oral cancers are a type of head and neck cancer.

You may not notice oral cancer symptoms at first. Seeing a dentist regularly is one way to detect oral cancers early.

Oral cancer, or mouth cancer, can cause changes like pain, bleeding, and red or white patches in your mouth. Learn more about mouth cancer symptoms.

08/05/2025

Earlier this year, UPMC opened the first dedicated clinic providing oncology services for liver transplant recipients facing gastrointestinal cancers on the east coast of the United States.

The multidisciplinary team of providers includes cancer experts from UPMC Hillman Cancer Center and transplant specialists from the UPMC Center for Liver Care. Anwaar Saeed, MD, chief, Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology Program, UPMC Hillman, sees patients at the UPMC Hillman clinic in collaboration with Stela Celaj, MD, PhD, transplant hepatologist, UPMC Center for Liver Care.

Learn more about cancer care post-transplant on our blog.

Cancers that recur after organ transplant, or new cancers that develop, are often challenging to treat. Expert, multidisciplinary care can help.

08/05/2025

"I really do love helping people by fixing a problem surgically. I am presented with a cancer diagnosis that requires removal for improved outcomes, and in just a matter of a few hours, this is something we can accomplish. Patients often recover quite quickly as well, which allows for moving on to adjuvant therapy, as indicated, and hopefully a very full and cancer-free life." Dr. Jennifer Steiman, surgical oncologist

08/01/2025

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the United States. But early detection can improve outcomes and save lives.

Ryan Levy, MD, is division chief at UPMC’s Division of Thoracic Surgery. Here, he discusses treatment options, early warning signs, and what you need to know about lung cancer screening.

Ryan Levy, MD discusses treatment options, early warning signs, and what you need to know about lung cancer screening.

07/28/2025

Richard Trowbridge, 73, was shaving in August 2024 when he felt a soft, square-shaped spot on his skin.

Unsure of what it was, the Williamsport resident scheduled an appointment with his primary care physician, who decided to monitor the spot for two weeks. When no change occurred, Richard's P*P ordered more testing. An ultrasound and small biopsy confirmed the presence of squamous cell cancer.

With the diagnosis in hand, Richard was referred to UPMC Ear, Nose, and Throat, where Kathryn Morton, MD, otolaryngologist, recommended a PET/CT scan to gain a clearer picture of the situation.

The scan revealed a lump at the base of his tongue. To gather more information, Dr. Morton performed a small internal biopsy, which confirmed that Richard had human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated throat (oropharyngeal) cancer. From there, he was referred to UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, where a comprehensive treatment plan was developed.

By October, Richard met with Abdalla Sholi, MD, a medical oncologist at UPMC Hillman in Williamsport. Dr. Sholi took the time to thoroughly explain the treatment plan, detailing how medical oncology and radiation oncology would work together to fight his cancer. Richard was scheduled for five rounds of chemotherapy.

One of the key figures in Richard's treatment was Whoon Kil, MD, radiation oncologist, whose expertise and direct approach provided clarity and reassurance.

"He explained everything in great detail, always to the point," recalls Richard. "I appreciated the week-to-week updates, which helped me stay informed and prepared."

As part of his treatment, Richard underwent 35 radiation sessions. To mitigate side effects, he used the tongue-out technique, which played a crucial role in preserving his sense of taste — an aspect often affected by radiation therapy targeting the tongue.

Throughout his journey, Richard was continuously impressed by the team at UPMC Hillman. "Everyone was honest, straightforward, and worked incredibly well together," he says. "I was blown away by their teamwork and the way they made me feel like a priority."

Richard added that the radiation technologists also made a significant impact.

"They were amazing — always ensuring the process was as smooth as possible," Richard shares.

Beyond medical care, Richard found crucial support in Laurie King, patient navigator. "She was a huge help, guiding me through all the paperwork for work and short-term disability. That was a major relief," he says.

Reflecting on his experience, Richard acknowledges the emotional and physical challenges of a cancer diagnosis. "When you hear the word' cancer,' it's like the rug is pulled out from under you. Suddenly, your whole life revolves around treatments."

Now, with treatments behind him, Richard is eager to return to normal life.

"It's life-changing to go through something like this," he says. "But I was lucky — I had a terrific care team supporting me every step of the way."

07/24/2025

At UPMC, healing comes in many forms, including with a cold nose and a warm heart. Our therapy pets, complete with UPMC ID badges, bring comfort, calm, and smiles to patients, visitors, and staff across our campuses. Whether in hallways or waiting rooms, these four-legged friends are making a “pawsitive” impact every day.

Meet Anchor and Sanibel, the lovable Labrador retriever duo bringing joy to UPMC Shadyside, UPMC St. Margaret, and UPMC Hillman Cancer Center.

Anchor makes his rounds in UPMC scrubs, always carrying his matching stuffed bear, while Sanibel brightens every visit in a custom UPMC skirt and colorful anklets representing each department. Their owner, Ron Frey, has been part of the UPMC Pet Therapy Program since 2012 and knows firsthand the powerful comfort therapy pets bring to patients, families, and staff.

Hank, the gentle Newfoundland, provides peace to those dealing with loss or grief at Family Hospice, part of UPMC. While Hank is young, he is a well-trained therapy pet, certified through Therapy Dogs International. Known for his custom bib, he also visits UPMC Hillman Cancer Center locations and other hospital campuses, especially during special events like Nurses Week. Off-duty, he enjoys a daily game of chase.

“We can’t possibly know what someone is feeling or going through on any given day or moment, so if Hank can bring a bit of cheer to someone’s day or make someone feel good, that’s a great thing,” says his owner, Ann Felter.

We’re grateful for therapy pets like Anchor, Sanibel, and Hank whose presence brings calm, connection, and comfort to patients, families, and staff alike!