Research

With a strong commitment to research, the Division of Hematology/Oncology is actively advancing the understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer and hematological disorders. Through our clinical, basic, and translational research programs, our faculty are defining lifesaving approaches and accelerating the transformation of breakthroughs in their laboratories into clinical application for patients within the region and beyond.

The UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, which serves as the hub for the Hematology/Oncology scientific and clinical research activities in cancer, is internationally recognized for its leadership in the prevention, detection, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer. As the preeminent institution in western Pennsylvania for the delivery of cancer care, the performance of basic, translational, and clinical research, and the education of the next generation of cancer researchers and physicians, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center is a leader in the global effort to reduce the burden of cancer. With over 300 research and clinical faculty members specializing in disciplines ranging from cancer prevention and early detection to novel therapeutic discovery, survivorship, and end of life care, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center maintains a broad strategic vision and comprehensive approach to understanding and defeating cancer. At UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, basic researchers collaborate with clinician-scientists to rapidly advance the most promising laboratory studies into novel clinical trials, providing patients with early access to new and innovative treatments.

The UPMC Hillman Cancer Center is also one of only 51 NCI-designated P30 comprehensive cancer centers in the country and the only one in Western Pennsylvania. These Cancer Centers of Excellence are recognized by the NCI for their scientific leadership, resources, and the depth and breadth of cancer research in basic, clinical, and/or population science. A large number of Division faculty play important roles in this P30 grant, including Riyue Bao, PhD (Co-Director of Cancer Bioinformatics Services); Adam Brufsky, MD, PhD (Co-Leader, Cancer Therapeutics Program); Ronald Buckanovich, MD, PhD (Co-Leader, Cancer Biology Program); Leisha Emens, MD, PhD (Co-Leader, Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Program); James Herman, MD (Co-Leader, Cancer Epidemiology and Prevention Program); Yen-Michael Hsu, MD, PhD (Director, Immunologic Monitoring and Cellular Products Laboratory); Linda B. Robertson, DPH, MSN, BSN (Associate Director, Health Equity and Community Outreach & Engagement); John C. Schmitz, PhD (Co-Director, Cancer Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics Facility); Antoinette Wozniak, MD, (Associate Director of Clinical Research); and Hassane Zarour, MD (Co-Leader, Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Program). 

The Division also includes a Section of Benign Hematology with more than 10 physician-scientists and research investigators and is of the largest benign hematology programs in the U.S. Areas of excellence include hemophilia and bleeding disorders, and sickle cell disease. The section oversees more than 20 clinical studies, primarily in sickle cell disease, but with a growing number of trials in other areas of benign hematology, such as acquired platelet disorders and autoimmune hemolytic anemias.