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 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 Directors

Disease Center Director
Biobehavioral Center Dana Bovbjerg, PhD
Brain Center Frank Lieberman, MD
Breast Center Adam Brufsky, MD, PhD
Gastrointestinal (GI) Center Nathan Bahary, MD, PhD
Genitourinary (GU) Center Leonard Appleman, MD, PhD
Gynecologic Center Alexander Olawaiye, MD
Head and Neck Center Dan Zandberg, MD
Immunotherapeutics Center Jason Luke, MD
Lung Center Antoinette Wozniak, MD
Malignant Hematology Center Warren Shlomchik, MD
Melanoma Center John Kirkwood, MD
Pediatric Center Linda McAllister-Lucas, MD, PhD
Phase I Center Edward Chu, MD
Phase II Center Nathan Bahary, MD, PhD
Radiation Oncology Center Heath Skinner, MD, PhD
Sarcoma Center Melissa Burgess, MD