University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute (UPCI)

Welcome from Nancy E. Davidson, MD
Director, University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute and UPMC Cancer Centers

I am tremendously excited to take on my new role as director of the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute (UPCI) and UPMC Cancer Centers. As the preeminent institution in western Pennsylvania for the delivery of cancer care, the conduct of basic and translational research, and the education of the next generation of cancer researchers and physicians, UPCI and UPMC Cancer Centers is exceptionally well positioned to contribute to the global effort to reduce the burden of cancer. My goal is to extend the notable successes achieved under the leadership of Ronald B. Herberman, MD, founding director of UPCI and director of the UPMC Cancer Centers, to improve cancer care and the health of our citizens.

UPCI and UPMC Cancer Centers are internationally recognized for their leadership in the prevention, detection, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer.

UPMC Cancer Centers integrated cancer care delivery network treats more than 36,000 new patients each year for hematologic and oncologic disorders. Working in tandem with UPCI, western Pennsylvania’s only National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, UPMC Cancer Centers is quickly translating the latest research advances to clinical application for patients throughout the tri-state region as well as those coming from other regions of the United States and beyond. UPCI is ranked 10th in NCI funding, including three competitive Specialized Program of Research Excellence (SPORE) grants focusing on head and neck, lung, and skin cancers.

UPCI and UPMC Cancer Centers network represents more than 2,100 experts in surgical oncology, medical oncology, radiation oncology, otolaryngology, neuro-oncology, palliative care, behavioral medicine, and gynecologic oncology; scientists; administrative staff; and other health care professionals working closely together to help people with cancer. And through our hub-and-satellite network of more than 45 community-based locations in western Pennsylvania and two centers in Ireland, cutting-edge treatments and technologies, including more than 150 clinical trials, are available closer to home.

At the center of the UPMC Cancer Centers network is the Hillman Cancer Center. This five-story facility on the UPMC Shadyside campus serves as the primary location for all UPMC cancer-related services, housing the key components of a full-service cancer center including treatment facilities, disease-specific Cancer Specialty Care Centers, an education center and a center for the prevention and early detection of cancer. The Hillman Cancer Center also accommodates a large portion of our laboratory research activities, allowing clinicians and scientists to work closely together to create the synergy that brings the best science from the lab to the patient.

The UPCI Web Site, intended primarily for scientists and clinical investigators, contains information on our research and treatment progress, clinical trials, fellowship programs, funding opportunities, links to departmental newsletters, job postings, and bulletins about upcoming seminars and professional educational opportunities.

Patients and families can find extensive information about different cancers, and about our clinical programs, services, treatment locations and support services by visiting www.upmccancercenters.com.

We have designed this site to be easy to navigate. However, if you have difficulty finding the information you need about UPCI, please contact the UPCI Webmaster at upciwebmaster@upmc.edu.

Nancy E. Davidson, MD
Director, University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute and UPMC Cancer Centers
Chief, Division of Hematology-Oncology
University of Pittsburgh Department of Medicine