UPMC Cancer Centers physicians are specialists in the treatment of cancer and many of them specialize in particular types of cancer. Patients scheduling an appointment will be seen by a UPMC physician who specializes in that patient's particular type of cancer. UPMC physicians are also involved in clinical trials and research and are, therefore, aware of the latest developments in cancer treatment. In addition to the UPMC physicians, other services are available to patients through social workers, nutritionists, pharmacists and nurses, whose education and experience in the field of oncology supplement your medical care with a team approach.
The only time a second opinion for any type of medical care is not appropriate is in an emergency situation. With cancer care, a second opinion is always appropriate. At UPMC Cancer Centers, we have disease-site specialists who will evaluate the tests and treatments you have already had, your pathology slides and will review your options for treatment at any point in the disease process. This process is usually covered by your health insurance.
Our staff can assist you in that process. Our phone number, 412-647-2811, is staffed by experienced oncology nurses and social workers who can assist you and / or your family members in the process of determining which of our specialists would be most appropriate for you to see and can complete the scheduling process for you. We can also assist you in obtaining the information you will need to bring with you at the time of your appointment and answer any other questions you may have about treatment options, clinical trials and procedures available at UPMC Cancer Centers that may not be available in your community. Our oncology nurses and social workers are available to assist you in this process Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., except holidays.
Clinical trials, also called research studies, test new treatments in people with cancer in order to find better ways to treat the disease. Clinical trials test new drugs, new types of surgery or treatment methods such as gene therapy. Phase I trials are the first step in testing a new treatment in humans where researchers are looking for a better way to help cancer patients. Phase II trials determine whether the new treatment has an anticancer effect. Phase III trials compare the new treatment with the results of standard treatment.
The Clinical Trials section of this Web site provides a searchable database listing the currently active clinical trials at UPMC Cancer Centers and the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute (UPCI) (joint effort).
Additionally, our patient educators have summaries of all the current clinical trials conducted by UPMC/UPCI. Summaries of these studies can be sent to your physician or directly to you to share with your physician. The educators can also search the National Cancer Institute's clinical trial database for research being done at other cancer centers across the country.
Each study has certain requirements for entry as a participant. To see if a patient qualifies, the doctor who serves as the principal investigator of the study will look at how each patient who applies meets those requirements. You can look at the eligibility criteria for each UPMC / UPCI clinical trial in the clinical trials database.
Type-specific cancer information for some of the major cancers seen at UPMC Cancer Centers can be reviewed in this Web site's Cancer Information section. Additionally, our patient educators have information on all types of cancer, including:
Information is also available on topics associated with a diagnosis of cancer, including:
This information can be mailed free-of-charge by calling our number at 412-647-2811. Patients and families being seen at the UPMC Cancer Centers Outpatient Clinic at the Hillman Cancer Center may want to visit the Patient and Family Education Center located on the ground floor near the elevators in the William M. Cooper Pavilion.
The Education/Support section of this Web site provides a searchable database listing active cancer-related support groups at UPMC Cancer Centers and other UPMC locations. These support groups may address a specific cancer, such as a breast cancer support group, or be general in nature. These groups are also listed by geographic location, so a caller can get information about a group that meets closest to their home.
Our educators also have listings of cancer support groups that meet in Pittsburgh and the surrounding area. Information about national support groups is also available through the Patient Education.
Complementary medicine is treatment used in addition to conventional therapy. For example, using relaxation techniques during chemotherapy. Complementary therapies may also include music, massage, yoga, tai chi, etc.
The Integrative Medicine Program at UPMC Cancer Centers conducts research on complementary and alternative therapies and cancer. The clinical use of these therapies at UPMC Cancer Centers provides information about various approaches to cancer prevention and treatment as well as symptom management.
Complementary medicine is not the same as alternative medicine. Alternative medicine is treatment in place of conventional therapy such as surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation. Alternative therapies are generally unproved, expensive and may be harmful. Many alternative therapies are sold over the counter. It is strongly recommended that cancer patients discuss alternative or complementary therapies with their oncologist or physician prior to beginning such treatment.
For additional information on alternative or complementary therapies, contact patient education at 412-647-2811.
Please visit our giving section and learn more about how to make a donation. If you have any questions, please contact:
Ms. Kambra McConnel
Director of Individual Giving, Department of Development
UPMC Cancer Centers / University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute
UPMC Cancer Pavilion
1st Floor
5150 Centre Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15232
Phone: 412-623-4717
E-mail: mcconnelk@upmc.edu
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