In collaboration with the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center patient care network and with support from Clinical Protocol and Data Management (CPDM), Hillman investigators are leading innovative clinical trials that offer patients access to the latest cancer tests and treatments. Before clinical trials can become active, they must be approved through the Protocol Review Committee/Protocol Review and Monitoring System (PRC/PRMS). The Data and Safety Monitoring Committee (DSMC) provides oversight for and ensures the safety of participants in clinical trials.
To capitalize on our expertise and provide consistent oversight, CPDM uses a disease-specific centers model for conducting clinical trials at Hillman. Each Disease Center is supported by the Clinical Research Services team, meets on a regular basis, and possesses the specialized expertise required to review and prioritize trial concepts and monitor the relative scientific merit, feasibility, progress, and safety of trials in a specific focus area. As such, they prepare informational materials for separate consideration by the DSMC and PRC/PRMS, which have Hillman-wide responsibilities and authorities.
Clinical Disease Centers and Leadership
| Disease Center | Director | Clinical Research Manager |
| Biobehavioral Center | Dana Bovbjerg, PhD Marci Nilsen, PhD |
Josh Plassmeyer |
| Brain Center | Jan Drappatz, MD | Linda Elias |
| Breast Center | Marija Balic, MD | Josh Plassmeyer |
| Gastrointestinal (GI) Center | Anwaar Saeed, MD | Debra Diecks |
| Genitourinary (GU) Center | Leonard Appleman, MD, PhD | Brieana Marino |
| Gynecologic Center | Alexander Olawaiye, MD | Josh Plassmeyer |
| Head and Neck Center | Dan Zandberg, MD | Jen Ruth |
| Immunotherapy and Drug Development Center | Liza Villaruz, MD | Julie Urban |
| Lung Center | Liza Villaruz, MD | Jen Ruth |
| Malignant Hematology Center | Radhakrishnan (Rad) Ramchandren, MD | Linda Elias |
| Melanoma Center | Diwakar Davar, MD | Danielle Bednarz |
| Pediatric Center | Jean Tersak, MD | Susana Traub |
| Radiation Oncology Center | Heath Skinner, MD, PhD | Samantha Demko |
| Sarcoma Center | Melissa Burgess, MD | Danielle Bednarz |
