UPMC Cancer Centers and Jameson Health System Announce Opening of the UPMC/Jameson Cancer Center

New center to bring state-of-the-art cancer care and added expertise to the region

NEW CASTLE, Pa., March 22 – Leaders from the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) and Jameson Health System today announced the opening of the UPMC/Jameson Cancer Center. Working in collaboration with the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute (UPCI), the region's only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, the new facility will offer cancer patients exceptional care and treatments close to home.

One of 43 UPMC Cancer Centers that have been established throughout the tri-state region, the UPMC/Jameson Cancer Center serves as a model for community-based delivery of cancer services. Radiation oncologists at the center will work in tandem with more than 2,000 physicians, scientists, administrative staff and other health care professionals dedicated to advancing cancer research at UPCI and patient care at UPMC Cancer Centers.

The new center is located at 2602 Wilmington Road, New Castle, Pa., and provides comprehensive cancer services under one roof, including state-of-the-art radiation therapy, improved diagnostic capabilities and other support services to help patients overcome cancer.

“Today's dedication of the UPMC/Jameson Cancer Center guarantees that patients in this region will receive the most effective, technologically advanced radiation treatment available anywhere,” said Dwight Heron, MD, director of radiation oncology services at UPMC Cancer Centers. “We are honored to work with area physicians in their mission to serve the people of this community by providing patients and their families with the support and care they need to overcome cancer.”

Thomas White, CEO of Jameson Health System, commented that the new facility builds on Jameson Health System's long tradition of excellence in patient care. “Providing the highest standard of care to patients treated at Jameson Health System remains our mission, and this collaboration with UPMC builds on that foundation. This center will result in greater convenience for our patients and bring cutting-edge cancer care to the region,” said Mr. White.

An advanced form of radiation therapy called intensity modulated radiation therapy, or IMRT, is one type of treatment that will be provided at the center. IMRT precisely targets radiation to the shape and thickness of a tumor to treat cancer cells while minimizing the dose of radiation received by healthy tissues that surround the tumor. This results in fewer adverse side effects for patients undergoing treatment and can significantly improve quality of life for patients receiving IMRT compared to those receiving standard radiation therapy.

In addition to IMRT, the center also will offer patients access to innovative clinical trials in cancer prevention and treatment available only at UPMC Cancer Centers. “By collaborating with Jameson Health System, cancer patients in this community will have improved access to therapeutic agents that target cancer and promising new treatment options,” said Ronald B. Herberman, MD, director of UPMC Cancer Centers and UPCI.

Jameson Health System has served the community for over 75 years providing high-quality, community-based health care services to Lawrence County. With 300 beds, Jameson operates as a full-service acute care facility occupying two campuses, Jameson Hospital North and Jameson Hospital South. Many outreach centers throughout Lawrence County provide access to a broad and integrated continuum of health and human services to the community.

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UPMC News Bureau