News and Events
Top Stories in the News
Below are recent stories in the news about the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute and the UPMC Cancer Centers. The links listed will take you to the original media articles. If you are unable to access an article, please email Clare Collins at collcx@upmc.edu for a copy of the story. Click on the titles for source, publication date, first sentence, and a link to the complete story.
New Screening, Treatments in Works for Ovarian CancerPittsburgh Post-Gazette, October 1, 2008 – Down the hall from his office in the Magee Womens Research Institute on Craft Avenue in Oakland, Thomas P. Conrads, a scientist in the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, sits daily in front of a tabletop-sized piece of equipment rarely, if ever, found in cancer research centers. It's called a mass spectrometer
An expert in proteomics, or the study of proteins in a biological system, Dr. Conrads oversees these state-of-the-art instruments while they separate and identify the thousands of proteins in cells from minute tissue samples of early-stage ovarian cancer that were donated by surgical patients at Magee Womens Hospital of UPMC.
Cell Phones, Cancer DebatedPittsburgh Post-Gazette, September 26, 2008 – Dr. Ronald Herberman urged a U.S. House subcommittee yesterday to support more research into the potential health effects of cell phone use and urged precautions in using the devices, particularly by children.
Renowned New York Biobehavior Oncologist to Lead Pitt Cancer Research ProgramPop City, September 17, 2008 – The University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute (UPCI) has tapped a nationally renowned expert in biobehavioral oncology research as director of its recently rededicated Biobehavioral Medicine Program.
UPMC to Run Local Cancer Care FacilityMeadvile Tribune, September 16, 2008 – Meadville-area cancer patients will no longer have to make the long trek to Pittsburgh to participate in clinical trials conducted by University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Cancer Centers. A new affiliation agreement puts the Erie-based Regional Cancer Center and its satellite facilities in Meadville and Ashtabula, Ohio, under UPMC management.
Cancer Chief Sees Cell Phone RisksHe Will Alert Pitt Institute's Faculty, Staff to Possible Health Effects
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, July 23, 2008 – The director of the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute and UPMC Cancer Centers plans to issue an advisory to about 3,000 faculty and staff today about the possible health risks associated with cellular phone use.
Cancer institute partners with German hospitalPittsburgh Post-Gazette, June 25, 2008 – The University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute announced a partnership with a hospital in Germany today that aims to accelerate progress in cancer research, education and patient care.
The partnership also will involve a student exchange program and creation of a common international fundraising strategy for research.
Also reporting on the story: Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield and National Association Name Area Hospitals as Blue Distinction Centers for Complex and Rare CancersForbes.com, March 11, 2008 – Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield has named Allegheny General Hospital, UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside and UPMC Passavant as Blue Distinction Centers for Complex and Rare Cancers.
Blue Distinction Centers for Complex and Rare Cancers are facilities within participating Blue Cross and Blue Shield network service areas that offer comprehensive inpatient cancer care programs for adults.
Link no longer available
Pitt Researchers Link Virus to Rare Type of Skin CancerPittsburgh Post-Gazette, January 23, 2008 – A newly discovered virus may play a role in the development of Merkel cell carcinoma, a rare and lethal skin cancer that afflicts mainly the elderly and those with weak immune systems, according to a study in the latest edition of the journal Science.
"This is actually the beginning of a long process because there are so many things that can be done now that we have a target," said Patrick Moore, a professor of microbiology and molecular genetics at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, in a telephone interview. "Within the next couple of years, I would hope there would be a test that would help diagnose infection with this virus and that we could target treatment against this virus."
Mellon Foundation: $23 Million for Child Health InstitutePittsburgh Post-Gazette, October 24, 2007 – Two days after giving Carnegie Mellon University $25 million, the Richard King Mellon Foundation today announced a separate $23 million gift to the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh and the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.
The officials who were in Oakland today for the announcement acknowledged that the Mellon gift is one of the largest ever for pediatric research anywhere in the country. University of Pittsburgh Chancellor Mark Nordenberg, in recognizing the Mellon family for its longtime contributions to the area, noted that in the mid 1980s the same foundation provided $10 million toward the creation of the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, now a key institution in Pittsburgh's drive to cure cancer.
Briefs: Restaurants Sets Cancer Center FundraiserPittsburgh Tribune-Review, October 24, 2007 – On Nov. 4, big Burrito Restaurant Group will donate 100 percent of its evening food sales to the Hillman Cancer Center for research and patient care.
The big Benefit kicks off at 5 p.m. and runs throughout the evening at Casbah, Eleven, Kaya, Soba and all nine Mad Mex locations.
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