Clinical Research

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, MS, CCRP
Brain Center	Jan Drappatz, MD	Linda Elias, BSN, RN
Breast Center	Marija Balic, MD	Josh Plassmeyer, MS, CCRP
Gastrointestinal (GI) Center	Anwaar Saeed, MD	Debra Diecks, BSN, RN
Genitourinary (GU) Center	Leonard Appleman, MD, PhD	Brieana Marino, MA, CCRP
Gynecologic Center	Alexander Olawaiye, MD	Josh Plassmeyer, MS, CCRP
Head and Neck Center	Dan Zandberg, MD	Jen Ruth, BSN, RN, CCRP
Immunotherapy and Drug Development Center	Liza Villaruz, MD	Julie Urban, BS, PhD, CCRP
Lung Center	Liza Villaruz, MD	Jen Ruth, BSN, RN, CCRP
Malignant Hematology Center	Radhakrishnan (Rad) Ramchandren, MD	Linda Elias, BSN, RN
Melanoma Center	Diwakar Davar, MD	Danielle Bednarz, BS, RN, CCRP
Pediatric Center	Jean Tersak, MD	Susana Traub, MD, MBA
Radiation Oncology Center	Heath Skinner, MD, PhD	Samantha Demko, BSN, RN
Sarcoma Center	Melissa Burgess, MD	Danielle Bednarz, BS, RN, CCRP