University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute

Welcome

Ronald B. Herberman, MD
Director, University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute

Welcome to the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute (UPCI), the only National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center in western Pennsylvania. In 1985, I joined UPCI as the founding Director. Since its establishment, UPCI has been committed to improving the understanding of cancer; to developing new lifesaving approaches for cancer prevention, detection, diagnosis and treatment; and to educating future generations of scientists and clinical specialists.

In its 20-year history, UPCI has witnessed phenomenal growth and expansion. Our work has resulted in significant achievements that continue to make a difference in our understanding in fields such as molecular biology, immunotherapy and cancer vaccine design, molecular therapeutics, epidemiology, imaging, surgery, and radiation oncology. Our research endeavors have translated into safer, more effective methods of treating cancer and healing patients.

UPCI's new home in the Hillman Cancer Center in Shadyside reflects the synergy between basic and clinical investigations that characterizes much of what we do. Here, UPCI scientists work at the frontiers of their rapidly changing fields and together create 21st century diagnostic tools and targeted therapies. These ongoing collaborative activities at UPCI focus on the entire cancer continuum--from prevention, to early diagnosis and treatment. New initiatives in biochemoprevention and in identifying the broadly defined “environmental” causes of cancer have recently been organized.

The basic and translational research efforts integrate population research, early detection strategies, molecular marker studies, and anticancer agent discovery that will help us to detect and treat cancers earlier, when they are generally curable. These same studies are helping us to understand the biological properties of tumors, which could yield more effective treatments for later-stage disease, and suggest new drugs or vaccines that could be used to prevent tumors in people without cancer but who are at increased risk.

Our clinical practice, through UPMC Cancer Centers, ensures that we can provide state-of-the-art care and offer clinical trials to help prevent, diagnose and treat different forms of cancer. Many of these trials are available only at UPMC Cancer Centers or at a select group of cancer centers nationwide.

UPCI's stature in the field of cancer research and patient care has been achieved with remarkably strong support from the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC), the University of Pittsburgh, and UPCI's Leadership, as well as the many friends and supporters of UPCI, including the UPCI Council.

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.

Ronald B. Herberman, MD
Director, University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute and UPMC Cancer Centers
Chief, Division of Hematology-Oncology
Associate Vice Chancellor for Cancer Research
Hillman Professor of Oncology
Professor of Medicine and Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine