fromdisasterto breakthrough · g. nicholas beckwith iii james broadhurst carlos m. cardoso frank...

UPMC Cancer Centers and University of Pittsburgh Cancer InstituteVol.6,N

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D I S C O V E R Y & C A R E

From disaster tobreakthrough:UPMC pathologist pioneersradiation and thyroid cancer link

Cancer Discovery & Care is a publication of UPMCCancer Centers and theUniversity of PittsburghCancer Institute(UPCI) and is produced by UPMC Clinical Marketing. © Copyright 2010 UPMC. All rights reserved. No portion of

this magazine may be reproduced without written permission. Send suggestions, comments, or address changes to

Amyjo McDade at UPCI/UPMC Cancer Centers, Office of Communications, UPMC Cancer Pavilion, 5150 Centre

Ave., Room 457a, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, or via e-mail [email protected].

UPMC Cancer Centers and

University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute


The University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, workingin conjunction with UPMC Cancer Centers, UPMC’s clinicalcare delivery network, is western Pennsylvania’s only NationalCancer Institute (NCI)-designated Comprehensive CancerCenter, reflecting the highest level of recognition by NCI.

Contents

4From disaster to breakthrough

8Building relationships to fight cancer

12Remembering Jeffrey E. Shogan, MD

14Charity starts at home

18The power of partnership

24News briefs

2 University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute

Sy Holzer, Chair

Elsie H. Hillman, Vice Chair

Curtis Aiken

Thomas J. Balestrieri

G. Nicholas Beckwith III

James Broadhurst

Carlos M. Cardoso

Frank Coonelly

Harriet Crawford

Randall L. Crawford

Barbara Crown

Nicholas Deluliis

Joseph W. DeNardo

Robert C. Denove

Douglas P. Dick

George A. Fechter

Lee B. Foster II

John P. Friel

Chip Ganassi

Thomas B. Grealish

Joseph Haleski

Roy W. Haley

I. N. Rendall Harper Jr.

Mark Hart

Dawne Hickton

Bill Isler

William Kassling

Mario Lemieux

Sally Levin

Jeffrey Lipton

David J. Malone

Kevin McClatchy

Leslie Merrill McCombs

Susan P. McGalla

Martin G. McGuinn

Katie McSorley

David Morehouse

Eugene J. O’Sullivan

Arnold Palmer

Bradley Penrod

Sen. John R. Pippy

Jane Roesch

Cynthia Roth

Susan C. Santa-Cruz

Frederic B. Sargent

Dan Shapira

Robert Slagle

Sandy Snyder

Stephen R. Tritch

Thomas VanKirk

Jack Wagner

John Weinstein

Michael Zamagias

Nancy E. Davidson, MD

Director

Stanley M. Marks, MD

Director of Clinical Services andChief Medical Officer

James G. Terwilliger

Executive Vice President

Peter D. Tate

Chief Financial Officer

David L. Bartlett, MD

Co-Director of Surgical OncologyServices and Chief of the Divisionof Surgical Oncology

Michael J. Becich, MD, PhD

Associate Director for Cancer Informatics

Dana Bovbjerg, PhD

Director of Biobehavioral Medicine Program

Adam M. Brufsky, MD, PhD

Associate Director of Clinical Investigations

Edward Chu, MD

Chief of Division of Hematology/Oncologyand Deputy Director of UPCI

Maryann Donovan, PhD, MPH

Associate Director for Research Servicesand Advancement

Peter G. Ellis, MD

Deputy Director of Clinical Services andAssociate Chief Medical Officer

Susan Frank, RN, MSN

Director of Clinical Operations,Hillman Cancer Center

Laura Gailey-Moul

Vice President of Operations

Vijaya C. Gandhi, PhD, MBA

Associate Director for Administrationand Strategic Planning

Jennifer Ruben Grandis, MD, FACS

Program Leader,Head and Neck Cancer Program

Dwight E. Heron, MD

Director of Radiation Oncology Services

James D. Luketich, MD

Co-Director of Surgical OncologyServices and Chair, Department ofCardiothoracic Surgery

Colleen McCabe Mantini, MPA

Director of Government Relations

Joel Nelson, MD

Program Director, Prostate Cancer Program

Jennifer M. Raetz

Development Director

Shivendra V. Singh, PhD

Director of Basic Research

Clayton Smith, MD, FRCPC

Director, Hematological MalignanciesProgram and Leukemia and Stem CellClinical Transplant Services

Bennett Van Houten

Leader, Program of Molecularand Cellular Cancer Biology

UPMC Cancer Centers and University of PittsburghCancer Institute Executive Leadership

UPCI Council

3UPMC Cancer Centers

Nancy E. Davidson, MD

Director, University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute and UPMC Cancer CentersAssociate Vice Chancellor for Cancer Research

Hillman Professor of Oncology

Professor of MedicineUniversity of Pittsburgh School of Medicine

Cancer research has always been ground-breaking science, with discoveries coming in manyforms for preventing, detecting, treating, and defeating this devastating disease.

At the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute (UPCI) and UPMC Cancer Centers, ourmission has been to accelerate the transition of our scientific endeavors from the lab to thebedside — or, in other words, to enable our patients to benefit from our research in the fastesttime frame possible.

Our UPCI physician-researchers are on the frontlines of translating scientific discovery intoeveryday clinical practice. Their innovative work already is changing the way cancer is detectedand treated.

One example of this progress is the work of UPCI researcher Yuri Nikiforov, MD, PhD, whois featured in this issue. Dr. Nikiforov used his experience in the former Soviet Union to feedhis fascination with the relationship between exposure to radiation and the development ofthyroid cancer. Now, the fruits of his unique molecular research have been borne out in the

development of tests that can detect cancer in cells that appear benign,and may, in the future, predict a person’s susceptibility to developthyroid cancer after radiation exposure.

Our researchers are making progress in this field every single day.But to continue making these kinds of strides in advancing scientific

discovery, we must rely on the support of our Pittsburgh family — the patients and relatives,business and community leaders — who contribute their time, treasures, and talents to helpingour institution grow and prosper. And thanks to that family, UPCI now begins its 25th year,and will commemorate this achievement throughout the 2010-2011 academic year.

As we celebrate this significant milestone in our institution’s history, we also celebrate themilestones that have been achieved in cancer research and care over the past quarter century.Along that path, our understanding of cancer has advanced thousandfold, and more people arealive today because of our increased knowledge of this disease. But this journey must continue.

I look forward to continuing our partnership as we work toward a future without cancer.

The Power of Partnershipa future without cancer

Our UPCI physician-researchers areon the frontlines of translating scientificdiscovery into everyday clinical practice.


From disaster tobreakthrough:

UPMC pathologist pioneers radiation and thyroid cancer link


n 1986, Yuri Nikiforov, MD, PhD, was a pathologist andresearcher at a pediatric hospital in Minsk in the formerSoviet Union when Reactor Number 4 exploded at theChernobyl nuclear power plant, spewing radioactive isotopes

into the air. Millions of people in surrounding countries wereexposed to high doses of radiation. Four years after the accident,Dr. Nikiforov began diagnosing an unprecedented number ofthyroid cancers in patients who had been exposed to radiationas a result of the Chernobyl accident.

As criticism over the Soviet Union’s initial mishandling of thedisaster dissolved, Dr. Nikiforov had only begun to answer alingering medical question posed by the tragedy. With more

than 10 million people potentially exposed to radiation in theair, grass, and drinking water, why did such a disproportionatenumber of people present with thyroid cancer?

Dr. Nikiforov’s career path would eventually lead him to UPMCas a premier pathologist in understanding thyroid cancer, anddeveloping state-of-the-art diagnostic procedures that have becomestandard practice when diagnosing the disease. Dr. Nikiforovworks with UPMC’s Multidisciplinary Thyroid Center and theUniversity of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute (UPCI) to pioneerefforts in developing novel strategies for earlier diagnosis, moreeffective treatment, and the prevention of thyroid cancer.

Continued

“In a tragic way, Chernobylwas a unique opportunityfor us to freely understandthe biology of radiation.”

Yuri Nikiforov, MD, PhD

I


Identifying the Inherited RisksSimilar tragedies in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan, suggesteda link between radiation exposure and thyroid cancer; however,due to a lack of specific technology at the time, little wasunderstood of the connection. “In a tragic way, Chernobyl wasa unique opportunity for us to freely understand the biology ofradiation and how radiation induces cancer in children and adults,”says Dr. Nikiforov. “We hoped to find a way to minimize orcompletely prevent the carcinogenic effects of radiation.”

Dr. Nikiforov and his team began to investigate and understandthe genetic markers related to thyroid cancer. He identifiedspecific mutations that occur in the RET and BRAF genes asa result of radiation exposure.

Research has shown that the presence of each of these mutatedgenes plays a role in the development of cancer. Dr. Nikiforovdiscovered that damage induced by radiation forces activationof the RET and BRAF genes, leading to tumor development inthe thyroid. The BRAF gene mutation is an indicator of theaggressiveness of the thyroid cancer. Knowing how aggressive acancer is may affect a patient’s treatment plan, allowing surgeonsto determine how extensive tumor removal should be.

Today, Dr. Nikiforov’s research focuses on discovering howcertain inherited genetic features make a person susceptible todeveloping radiation-induced cancer. A mutation of the RETgene may indicate a person’s high susceptibility to radiation-induced thyroid cancer.

In the aftermath of the explosion at Chernobyl, approximately1 million children were exposed to significant doses of radiation;approximately 4,000 developed thyroid cancer. “This demonstratedan inherited predisposition to cancer,” said Dr. Nikiforov. Aneventual unraveling of a genetic code that leads to increasedcancer susceptibility could benefit cancer patients who wouldtypically consider radiation therapy as a treatment plan for theircancer. “This has profound implications,” says Dr. Nikiforov. “If

we knew who was predisposed to radiation-induced cancer,oncologists may recommend a different treatment plan toprevent the patient from developing a secondary cancer,”says Dr. Nikiforov. This discovery could also lead to a futurescreening tool that could determine who has the least risk ofdeveloping radiation-induced cancers in work environments,such as nuclear power plants and the NASA space program.

Looking Beyond the MicroscopeDr. Nikiforov’s research transcends the barriers of the lab andholds major clinical applications for the more than 38,000 peopleeach year diagnosed with thyroid cancer. Endocrinologiststraditionally diagnose thyroid cancer using fine needle aspiration(FNA), which involves removing cells from a nodule using athin needle. Pathologists review this sample under a microscopeto determine if the cells are malignant or benign. For patientswith inconclusive results, the tumor cells can be studied againstDr. Nikiforov’s identified genetic mutations to better determinethe likelihood of cancer. “The panel of genetic markers reallyhelps to make for a more specific and accurate diagnosis ofcancer in thyroid nodules,” says Dr. Nikiforov. These novelgenetic markers can be used to diagnose a cancer even if thethyroid cells appear benign under the microscope.

Dr. Nikiforov’s genetic testing is recognized as an effectivemethod of diagnostics by the American Thyroid Association.At UPMC’s Multidisciplinary Thyroid Center, patients haveaccess to this state-of-the art molecular diagnostic evaluationfrom its pioneering source.

Dr. Nikiforov remains interested in uncovering additional markersthat will definitively determine if a tumor is malignant or benign.The National Cancer Institute has awarded Dr. Nikiforov a$1-million grant to continue his research with UPMC and toidentify new genetic markers and understand the reason for therapidly growing incidence of thyroid cancer in the UnitedStates. Additional findings could ultimately change the future ofcancer care and diagnosing cancer for thousands worldwide.

“The panel of geneticmarkers really helpsto make for a morespecific and accuratediagnosis of cancerin thyroid nodules.”

UPMC Cancer Centers 7

“Because of this genetictesting, we were able tointervene at an early stage,long before Denise’s cancerbecame widespread.”

Steven P. Hodak, MDCo-director, MultidisciplinaryThyroid Center, UPMC and UPCI

Importance of Genetic Testing in the Fight Against CancerTwelve years afterDeniseMurphywasdiagnosedwith a small thyroidnodule, she could feel a change in the size of her thyroid, despite theuse of medication to suppress the nodule. In 2007 and 2008,Denise had two fine needle aspiration (FNA) procedures, bothnegative for cancer.

Due to continued neck discomfort and painful swallowing, UPMCendocrinologists would ultimately send a sample of thyroid tissueobtained from the FNA to be tested for genetic markers discoveredand pioneered by Yuri Nikiforov, MD, PhD, director, ThyroidMolecular Diagnostics, UPMC and University of Pittsburgh CancerInstitute (UPCI). The results would make Denise a poster child forDr. Nikiforov’s work.

Endocrinologists and their patients typically rely on FNA as amethod of diagnosing thyroid cancer. Endocrinologists extractthyroid tissue from a patient and submit it to a pathology laboratorywhere it is examined under a microscope to determine if the tissuecontains malignant or benign cells. According to Steven P. Hodak,MD, co-director, Multidisciplinary Thyroid Center, UPMC andUPCI, and Denise’s endocrinologist, FNA can be falsely negative inup to 2 percent of cases. “Even though repeated FNAs can reducethe risk of false negative testing, it can’t be eliminated completely,”says Dr. Hodak.

Denise’s biopsy tested positive for a mutation in a thyroid signalingprotein called RAS. “Patients with an RAS mutation have anincreased risk for thyroid cancer or may already have a hiddenthyroid cancer that can be missed on FNA,” says Dr. Hodak. “Themutation of Denise’s RAS gene suggested a cancer could beforming in her thyroid.”

As a patient of UPMC’s Multidisciplinary Thyroid Center, Denisehad the benefit of cross collaboration between key physicians that

would ultimately lead to a tailored treatment plan. While workingas a phlebotomist in an outpatient lab at UPMCMontefiore, Denisehad heard good things about Sally E. Carty, MD, co-director, UPMCMultidisciplinary Thyroid Center, UPMC and UPCI. “I knew she hadan excellent reputation and I wanted to meet with her to discuss myoptions,” says Denise. Based on the genetic testing, the painfulswallowing, and other complications, such as development ofautoimmune thyroiditis, Denise chose to have her entire thyroidsurgically removed.

After surgery, the RAS-positive nodule in Denise’s thyroid testedpositive for a papillary microcarcinoma, which, if left untreated,could have spread throughout the nodule and thyroid.

Like every surgery, the procedure had risks. As a skilled soprano inher church choir, Denise was told that surgery could change hervoice or worse — she might never sing again. “It was a majormental hurdle I had to overcome,” says Denise. “There were a lot ofrisks involved, but Dr. Carty’s skilled hands prevented that.”

Once Denise healed, she found she was able to sing again in herchurch choir. “I waited a fewweeks after the surgery even to try, butI do have my voice and I’m thankful,” says Denise.

Denise takes medication to regulate the hormones that wouldnaturally be produced by her thyroid. “I feel very lucky,” says Denise.“Because of the genetic test and the skilled hands of my surgeon,my thyroid cancer was caught early; it saved my life.”

“Because of this genetic testing, we were able to intervene at anearly stage, long before Denise’s cancer became widespread,” saysDr. Hodak. “That’s the power of this mutational testing.”

Denise Murphy’s treatment and results may not be representative of all similar cases.


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At her third session of a seven-week radiation treatment

plan, breast cancer survivor Patricia Taylor, 64, looked her

radiation oncologist in the eye and said, “Whatever happens

to me, I want to tell you that in my heart I know you’re

giving me your very best. Whatever the outcome, I know

you care about me, not just as a patient, but as a person,

and that matters to me; it matters a lot.”


hat mattered to Patricia inthose crucial days andweeks is what matters to allcancer patients every single

day: confidence in their doctors.Patients and physicians agree thatclinical outcomes may be improved bya strong patient-physician relationship.Studies have shown that patients aremore likely to comply with theirphysicians’ recommendations if theyfeel comfortable with and caredabout by their doctors, and have goodcommunication with them.

Powerful Partnerships Enhance theCircle of CareIn cancer treatment, when lives areon the line, patient-centered care isabout partnership. UPMC CancerCenters and the University ofPittsburgh Cancer Institute (UPCI)foster partnerships that extend amongmembers of the entire health careteam, patients, and their families.Effective treatment is founded onpartnerships between patients anddoctors, researchers and donors,laboratory and clinical researchers,and between the cancer institute andcommunity advocates.

“It is a theme we return to again andagain,” says Nancy E. Davidson, MD,director, UPCI and UPMC CancerCenters. “All of these partnerships areessential to our continued success inthe fight against cancer.”

Investigating the Physician-PatientRelationshipPatient-preference studies have typicallylooked at patient relationships withtheir primary care physicians andmedical oncologists. Until recently,however, few studies have examinedthe vital relationship between patientsand their radiation oncologists.

Cancer patients often can feeloverwhelmed and burdened by thepsychological impact of dealing witha life-threatening cancer diagnosis.Solid, positive relationships betweenpatients and their radiation oncologistscan therefore build confidence andengage the patients’ full participationin achieving positive outcomes.

When Patricia was diagnosed withbreast cancer on Christmas Eve 2008,she knew she “wanted to be treated bythe best.” A year earlier, her husband,James, 71, was diagnosed with prostatecancer, and while researching the fieldof radiation oncology in Pittsburgh,her search led her to Dwight E. Heron,MD, FACRO, director of RadiationOncology Services, UPMC CancerCenters. “The word on the grapevinewas that he knew his stuff, that he hadheart and treated people as individuals.”

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Patricia had indeed found the rightman to treat her husband’s cancer,as well as her own. Dr. Heron wasan investigator in a study of therelationship between patients andradiation oncologists. Beginning in2006, this ground-breaking study,funded by the American Society ofRadiation Oncology and UPMCCancer Centers, took a systematicapproach to examining this uniquepatient-physician relationship.

“The radiation oncologist is uniquelypositioned to develop strong bondswith patients by virtue of daily radiationtreatments that continue for six to eightweeks,” says Ajay Bhatnagar, MD, MBA,adjunct professor, Radiation OncologyServices, UPMC Cancer Centers.“Both patient and physician benefitthrough the trust established duringthese complex treatment regimens.”

Led by Dr. Bhatnagar as principalinvestigator, the study surveyed a totalof 508 patients with breast, lung, orprostate cancer who received radiationtherapy. Patricia was among them.The survey focused on interaction andcommunication, such as the use ofeveryday language, as well as physicaland emotional behavior, such as aphysician’s touch.

“The ability of the physician tocommunicate clearly and comfortablywith the patient is a critical part oftreatment,” says Dr. Heron.

On her third day of treatment, whenPatricia expressed her feelings soopenly with Dr. Heron, she remembershe was holding her hand. “He alwaysspoke right to me, eye to eye, neverat me or around me,” she recalls.“He gave me faith and he gave meconfidence.” A year after her radiationtreatments, Patricia is cancer free.

UPMC Cancer Centers and UPCIphysicians and researchers are at theforefront of innovative cancer treatmentand research that impacts patient-centered care. Now, thanks to theresearch of Drs. Bhatnagar and Heron,as well as other investigators in thestudy, and thanks to patients likePatricia who participated in thestudy, physicians are gaining a deeperunderstanding of how the strength ofthe patient-physician relationship caninfluence positive clinical outcomes.

These patients’ treatment and results may not berepresentative of all similar cases.


RememberingJeffrey E. Shogan, MD


or Jeffrey E. Shogan, MD,caring for others came naturally,and it was this caring naturethat allowed him to become a

well-liked and highly successful medicaloncologist. But even as a businessman,his caring nature was evident as heplayed a leading role in establishingUPMC Cancer Centers in severalunderserved communities throughoutwestern Pennsylvania and abroad. Inone of his most recent ventures, hesought to establish a medical clinic inThailand, a project that, unfortunately,he never had the opportunity to finish.

Dr. Shogan, director of business servicesand chief business officer of UPMCCancer Centers, passed away in January2010 at age 56.

“Jeff was an extraordinary individual,”says Stanley Marks, MD, director ofclinical services and chief medical officer,UPMC Cancer Centers. “He was anequally skilled oncology physician,

businessman, and humanitarian. Hehad an ability to see an opportunityfor change that the rest of us couldn’t.His blend of physician skills, businessacumen, and compassion for peoplewas unique. We were fortunate at theCancer Centers to have benefited fromhis visionary approach to providingoncology services.”

Dr. Shogan was a brilliant medicaloncologist who helped to grow the stemcell transplantation program at AlleghenyGeneral Hospital before joiningUPMC; he also was an integral part ofthe development and growth of UPMCCancer Centers. It was his vision andresolve that led to the inception andexpansion of one of the largest cancercare networks in the country. His effortsalso were fundamental in the internationalexpansion of UPMC Cancer Centers,where he helped to set up two centers inIreland, and was in the planning stagesfor centers in the United Kingdom,Cyprus, and Turkey.

Through the years, Dr. Shogan touchedthe lives of many people, including hispatients. He was admired by colleaguesfor his remarkable rapport with patients.When his patients learned of his untimelypassing, they likened his death to that oflosing a friend or family member.

A Pittsburgh native, Dr. Shogan grewup in Monroeville, Pa. After completinghis bachelor’s degree at Yale University,he served two years in the Peace Corpsstationed in Thailand, followed by a yearin Nigeria working with Westinghouse,before attending medical school at theUniversity of Pittsburgh.

Dr. Shogan’s humanitarian effortsextended well beyond his years in thePeace Corps. He established scholarshipfunds for local students with financialburdens, often purchased text booksfor nursing and medical students inthird-world countries, and helped thesmall country of Bhutan with its healthcare needs.

During his time in the Peace Corps,he became passionate about the Thaipeople and their culture. Over the pastfew years he found time to go back andvolunteer, working with children at aThai orphanage. And most recently, hehad begun the process of planning andfunding a charitable medical clinic forThai refugees.

“Jeff felt very strongly about bringingbetter health care to third-worldcountries like Thailand,” Dr. Markssays. “To that end, we are workingdiligently to make that dream a reality.That spoke volumes about him. Nomatter how tough or politically difficulta challenge was, he was always up tothe task. We will miss him greatly.”

Dr. Shogan will long be rememberedfor the legacy he left on the local healthcare community and abroad.

F

“His blend ofphysician skills,business acumen,and compassion forpeople was unique.”

Stanley Marks, MD

Dr. Shogan’s wifeand children planto carry on hisvision to open theclinic in Thailand.

ThailandBANGKOK

Chiang Mai

Khon Kaen

SuratThani

Pattani

Nakong Sawan


Charitystarts at home


Philanthropic Efforts Translateto Better Care for Cancer PatientsSince its inception in 1985, theUniversity of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute (UPCI)hasmade exemplary strides in detecting, treating, and eliminating cancer.As the best and brightest in their field, our physicians and researchers havedemonstrated an ongoing commitment to advancing UPCI’s mission throughtheir pioneering clinical and scientific efforts. This commitment does not endat the bedside or the research lab.

otivated by personal experiences, inspiredby patient progress, and encouraged by theselflessness of other donors, a strong core ofour physicians and researchers has demonstrated

additional dedication as Circle of Hope members in supportof UPCI’s research and UPMC Cancer Centers’ patient careprograms. This special link among our physicians, researchers,patients, caregivers, and donors has helped to foster amazingsuccesses throughout UPCI’s 25-year history.

“I am honored to be leading an organization where ourphysicians, researchers, and staff have such a level of commitmentto our mission,” says Nancy E. Davidson, MD, director, UPCIand UPMC Cancer Centers, and donor. “Our physicians andresearchers are making the ultimate commitment: Not only arethey giving of themselves through patient care and research,they are making a sustainable investment that will ensure thegrowth of our cancer programs well into the future.”

Getting PersonalAll donations make an impact, whether they fund a specificprogram or provide support for the organization’s highest priorityneeds, such as basic research programs, clinical research, patientcare programs, recruitment of new physicians and scientists,patient education, and outreach programs.

One of the channels through which UPMC Cancer Centersand UPCI physicians and researchers give back is by creatingendowment funds at UPCI. These funds play an essential rolein supporting and helping to advance the mission of UPMCCancer Centers and UPCI. They are permanent legacies thatprovide significant recognition, as well as vital annual income.

Adam M. Brufsky, MD, PhD, co-director, Magee-WomensBreast Cancer Program, and members of his family, establishedthe Ruth C. Brufsky Fund for Clinical Research on PancreaticCancer in honor of his mother, who died of the disease.

“This fund provides seed money for things that might otherwisenot be funded, such as clinical speakers and research,” saysDr. Brufsky. “Although the fund is in its infancy, it is beginning tomake a difference. Already we have sponsored the Ruth C. BrufskyMemorial Lecture and have provided funds for clinical trials.”

Stanley M. Marks, MD, director, clinical services and chiefmedical officer, UPMC Cancer Centers, also understandsfirsthand how consistent, annual philanthropic support canaugment the impact of providing exceptional cancer care.He has experienced this through the growth of the Stanley M.Marks, MD, Endowed Research Fund, established by gratefulpatients and colleagues to honor the outstanding level of patientcare Dr. Marks works to uphold, while contributing to valuableresearch that will influence the quality of future care. “By donatingto these endowments, we are able to work toward a goal ofimproving treatments and outcomes. These research dollarsare vital to finding new and better treatments,” says Dr. Marks.

Similarly, the Sampson Family Endowed Chair in ThoracicSurgical Oncology, a permanent endowment established by agrateful patient, family, and friends in 2005, is designed tosupport outstanding leadership within the Lung and ThoracicMalignancies Program at UPCI and the Department ofCardiothoracic Surgery. James Luketich, MD, was honored withthe chair after treating Myles D. Sampson, who was diagnosedwith esophageal cancer. “These endowments help to find new

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ways of diagnosing and treating cancer,” says Dr. Luketich, whoalso has supported the chair. “I’m honored to be a part of thiseffort, and I look forward to seeing the advances in detectionand treatment options it will provide.”

Recently recruited to UPMC Cancer Centers and UPCI byDr. Luketich, Blair Jobe, MD, recognizes and supports thephilanthropic cycle necessary to sustain and advance programs.For example, while grateful patients and families provide supportfor research efforts he leads, Dr. Jobe chooses to honor thosewho support his efforts by joining them as a philanthropic partner.Dr. Jobe works with, and donates personally to the Michael J.Newton Esophageal Cancer Research Fund, relocated to theUniversity of Pittsburgh, to support esophageal cancer researchthrough the Heart, Lung, and Esophageal Surgery Institute.“We as doctors have to set an example and show where ourhearts are,” says Dr. Jobe. “If we are going to ask others todonate to our causes, then we need to be willing to donate also.”

Recognizing aNeedSome physicians want to make a more immediate impact onthe lives of their patients who are affected by cancer. Physicians,researchers, and staff across the network have chosen to puttheir charitable dollars toward UPMC Cancer Centers’ PatientAssistance Fund, created to help cancer patients across thenetwork overcome some of the financial barriers associated withcompleting their treatment. The fund is designed to providepartial, short-term assistance to help eligible patients and theirfamilies with care-related costs, primarily nutritional support.

Barry C. Lembersky, MD, clinical associate professor of medicineand contributor to the fund, sees the Patient Assistance Fund as away to help patients meet basic everyday needs to live life beyondthe scope of their treatments. “Having cancer and getting thecorrect treatment can be expensive, even for patients withexcellent health insurance. There are almost always considerableout-of-pocket expenses. By providing patients with temporaryfinancial relief, we can help patients concentrate on getting well;without it, many patients would not be able to complete theirtreatment,” says Dr. Lembersky. Since its inception in 2005,nearly 1,300 patients in need at 20 different UPMC CancerCenters have benefited from the Patient Assistance Fund.

Similar to the Patient Assistance Fund, the OHA EndowedPatient Assistance Fund was initiated by Oncology HematologyAssociates (OHA), an affiliated oncology group of UPMC CancerCenters. After watching many of their patients struggle financially,the group wanted to make a philanthropic difference by establishinga fund and donating to help financially-challenged cancer patients.The fund was established as an endowment in order to last intoperpetuity to ensure that help will be available for patients in need.

“Donating to the fund is a way to return our good fortune tothe community,” says Patrick Kane, MD, a cancer physician inUPMC Cancer Centers’ network and a supporter of the OHAEndowed Patient Assistance Fund. “Many of our patients havebeen affected by the economic downturn, and donating to thisfund allows us to see immediate results and help people right now.”

Another key supporter of the OHA Endowed Patient AssistanceFund, Kiran Rajasenan, MD, an oncologist in UPMC CancerCenters’ network, supports the fund as a way of giving back tothe patients who have relied on the OHA practice for excellentcancer care. “Contributing to the fund is important to mebecause it ensures these funds will be used for our own patients,”says Dr. Rajasenan. “It helps provide financial assistance to ourpatients in need, thereby allowing them to focus their energyon their health issues.”

Bridging Science and the ClinicTo improve patient care, UPCI’s philanthropy cycle is deeplyrooted in translational research. Among our talented researchers,Theresa L. Whiteside, PhD, director emerita, ImmunologicMonitoring and Cellular Products Laboratory, UPCI, knowsthe demands, requirements, and labor necessary to be successfulin translating lab discoveries into practical applications at thebedside. Her research lab evaluates human immune cells’ responsesto tumor cells and is working to discover how to reverse theeffect cancer cells have on a human’s immune cells. Dr. Whitesidegenerously and consistently supports translational efforts inimmune therapy. “Philanthropy can provide a necessary bridgefor accomplishing translation effectively, and relatively rapidly,”says Dr. Whiteside. “I want to see the findings made in ourlaboratories applied to therapy, so that patients can benefit fromnovel discoveries as soon as possible.”

“We as doctors have to setan example and show whereour hearts are.”

Blair Jobe, MD


A Family’s Philanthropic Efforts Advocate for Awareness

As a retired cancer specialist, Jack Hill, MD, has seen manypatients diagnosed with cancer — he just never expected his owndaughter to be one of them. When Suzanne Hill Alfano developeda nagging cough and discovered a nodule over her clavicle severalweeks later, Dr. Hill recognized the seriousness of the symptoms.

Thirteen months later, Mrs. Alfano succumbed to lung cancer,leaving behind two daughters, ages 7 and 3, and parents whodecided to dedicate themselves to increasing awareness aboutlung cancer.

In memory of their daughter, Dr. Hill and his wife, Peggy, set upthe Suzanne Hill Alfano Endowment for Lung Cancer Researchat the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute (UPCI) to supportlung cancer research and awareness. They hope their long-termcommitment to UPCI will not only honor their daughter, but alsocontribute to finding a cure. “We could lie down and feel sorry for

ourselves, but we didn’t want to be victims. We wanted somethingpositive to come from Suzanne’s death,” says Mrs. Hill.

Not only do they support the cause financially, but Dr. and Mrs. Hillalso have spent countless hours advocating for awareness thatlung cancer is not just a smoker’s disease. According to Mrs. Hill,non-smokers, particularly young women, now make up 15 to 20percent of lung cancer patients. “My daughter never smoked aday in her life,” says Mrs. Hill. “We are trying to get the word outthat you don’t have to be a smoker to develop lung cancer.”

As part of these efforts, Dr. Hill travels around the countryspeaking to groups about lung cancer, and has even lobbiedthe Pennsylvania Legislature to provide more money for cancerresearch. “If we, as surviving family members don’t step up, therewill be no one to carry the banner for those lost to this disease,”says Dr. Hill. “That is why we have chosen to take up this causeand we encourage others to also.”

“Jack is actively involved because he wants to help raise moneyto fund research,” says Mrs. Hill. “I am involved because I am soangry that something like cancer took my daughter. I don’t wantanyone else to have to go through the pain and trauma Suzanneand her young family went through.”

At UPMC Cancer Centers and UPCI, the combination of personalcommitment, such as that embodied by Dr. and Mrs. Hill, andphilanthropy has a powerful effect on the quality of care offered,not only to patients but to the field of cancer medicine, as well.

As a clinician, Peter Ellis, MD, believes that his direct care withpatients is strongly influenced by the efforts conducted in UPCI’sresearch labs. “I am able to do everything I do because of theresearch that was done by those before me,” says Dr. Ellis.“That’s why I have chosen to help support the researchers whoare advancing cancer care.”

Similarly, David Stefanik, MD, a cancer physician in UPMCCancer Centers’ network, believes strongly in the work beingperformed in his colleagues’ laboratories and supports theirefforts through philanthropic donations. “I contribute to UPCIto support the work of Grace Yu, PhD, and Michael Epperly,PhD,” says Dr. Stefanik. “They work hard at the task of seeking

new ways to protect all of us from cancer. I will continue mycontributions because of the importance of the work being doneand the caliber of the people involved.” Dr. Stefanik supportsDrs. Yu and Epperly’s research in targeting cells that contributeto the growth of tumors.

Contributing Toward the FutureWith each donation, UPMC Cancer Centers and UPCIphysicians and researchers are working to build the future ofthe organization from within. “The dedication and selflessnessof our physicians, researchers, and all our donors is remarkable,”says Dr. Davidson. “Each donation, no matter the size or therecipient, helps to reinforce the vision for our future.”

Dr. and Mrs. Hill with their daughter, Suzanne, and her daughters,Victoria and Katherine.


ENDOWED CHAIRSA number of endowed chairs support the mission of UPMCCancer Centers and the University of Pittsburgh CancerInstitute. The income generated from endowed chairs enablesour scientists, clinicians, and their teams to strengthenestablished areas of expertise, expand new initiatives, andforge new frontiers in science that benefit our patientsand their families now and into the future.

The Claude Worthington Benedum Endowed Chair inRadiation Oncology

The Jane and Carl Citron Endowed Chairin Colon Cancer

The Richard M. Cyert Endowed Chairin Molecular Oncology

The Gregory T.H. Davies Endowed Chair in BrainTumor Research and Physician Education

The Lawrence Ellis Endowed Chair inHematology and Oncology

The Bernard Fisher Endowed Chair in Surgical OncologyThe Giant Eagle Foundation Endowed Chair

in Cancer GeneticsThe Hillman Endowed Chair in OncologyThe Arnold Palmer Endowed Chair in Cancer PreventionThe Sampson Family Endowed Chair in Thoracic

Surgical OncologyThe Sandra and Thomas Usher Endowed Chair

in MelanomaUPMC Endowed Chair in Head and Neck Cancer

Surgical ResearchUPMC Endowed Chair in Lung Cancer Research

VISIONARY SOCIETYThese dedicated partners have given or helped to raise acumulative total of $1 million or more in support of cancerresearch and care.

American Cancer Society, Inc.AnonymousFamily and Friends of Nathan S. Arenson*Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation

DSF Charitable FoundationFlight Attendant Medical Research InstituteThe Giant Eagle FoundationTheresa Heinz and The Heinz EndowmentsHarriett L. and Ronald B. Herberman, MDHighmark FoundationElsie H. and Henry L. HillmanHenry L. Hillman FoundationHillman FoundationFamily and Friends of Albert P. Knowles*New Era Cap Charitable Foundation and

Family and Friends of David C. Koch*Mario Lemieux FoundationThe Leukemia and Lymphoma SocietyRichard King Mellon FoundationSusan G. Komen Breast Cancer FoundationN.S.A.B.P. Foundation, Inc.Arnold D. Palmer 2003 Charitable TrustMark E. PasquerillaPNC Financial Services Group and PNC FoundationThe Pittsburgh FoundationMyles D. Sampson* and FamilySanofi-AventisThe David S. and Karen A. Shapira FoundationSandra and Thomas UsherDebi and Harold W. Wheeler IIIWheeler Family Charitable Trust* deceased

FAMILY LEGACY SOCIETYOften, a personal experience with cancer or the loss of a lovedone to the disease spurs a family or others to establish funds thathonor a patient or caregiver through support of continuingefforts to better detect, prevent, and treat cancer.

Suzanne Hill Alfano Endowment for Lung Cancer ResearchNathan S. Arenson Fund for Pancreatic Cancer ResearchAdriane R. Aul Memorial FundBeckwith Family Foundation Endowed Research

Scholars ProgramThe Heidi Browning Endowed Ovarian Cancer Research

Scholars Fund

Ruth C. Brufsky Fund for Clinical Research onPancreatic Cancer

Patti Burns FundAl Copeland Memorial Fund for Merkel Cell

Carcinoma ResearchDr. Joan G. Gaines Breast Cancer Research FundSadie Gerson Distinguished Visiting Scholar ProgramStuart Goodman Brain Cancer Memorial FundPeter E. Hackney Fund for Pancreatic Cancer ResearchHarvey G. Herberman, MD Memorial Cancer

Research FundDr. George W. Hiett Foundation FundDr. Herbert E. Jacob Memorial FundHyman I. Katz Cancer Research FundBarbara Klump Memorial Scholarship FundFrank W. Knisley Memorial FundAlbert P. Knowles Research FundDavid C. Koch Memorial FundMario Lemieux Patient Care and Cancer Research FundScott Limbach Entrepreneurial CenterStanley M. Marks, MD Endowed Research FundThe Liliana Muhlmann Masoner Cancer FundDrew Mathieson Entrepreneurship FundJames A. Mollica Jr. Research Endowment FundOHA Endowed Patient Assistance FundPNC Innovation FundMichael J. Parada Research FundParada Family Liposarcoma Research FundMark E. and Leah M. Pasquerilla Women’s Cancer

Research FundPasquerilla Cancer Genomics and Proteomics

Research FundLinda Saulle Endowed Memorial FundFrieda G. and Saul F. Shapira BRCA Cancer

Research ProgramThe Spang Translational Research Core FacilityJoseph and Giovanna Tarquinio Memorial FundEdward Thaw Blood Research FundEdward Underhill Memorial Fund for Colon

Cancer ResearchWayne Fusaro Pancreatic Cancer Research FundDr. Leonard S. Zombek Memorial Fund

Philanthropy has many forms — donations, sponsorships,underwriting, community-based events, planned giving, in-kindsupport, and volunteerism — each one as important as the next.

No use of resources yields a better return than the collectiveimpact of your generosity on our patients and their families.When one person is diagnosed with cancer, a vast network ofpeople connected to that individual weathers the effects of thedisease. At UPMC Cancer Centers and the University of

Pittsburgh Cancer Institute (UPCI), your continued supportensures that we can continue to unravel the mysteries of cancer.And every time we do, we move another step closer to improvingthe lives of all cancer patients and survivors.

From all of us at UPMC Cancer Centers and UPCI, thank you foryour ongoing partnership in all of our philanthropic efforts and,above all, for sharing our commitment to a future without cancer.


PLANNED GIVINGUPMC Cancer Centers and the University of PittsburghCancer Institute gratefully acknowledge planned gifts from thefollowing individuals:

Cheryl and Bruce AmericusMr. and Mrs. Donald E. ChriseSusan and Barney GuttmanHarriett L. and Ronald B. Herberman, MDMargaret M. and John B. Hill, MDBetty Lou LuketichAnna PiocquidioHilda M. and Henry D. Sundermann Jr.Bonnie W. and Thomas L. VanKirk, Esq.Debi and Harold W. Wheeler, III_________________________________________________ANNUAL GIVINGThe Annual Fund provides vital support for the operation ofclinical programs, basic and clinical research programs,recruitment of new physicians and scientists, seed moneysupport, medical and patient education, and outreach programs.Those listed have made sustained annual investments at thefollowing designated levels._________________________________________________

CIRCLE OF HOPEThe Circle of Hope honors individuals, family foundations,and privately held companies that make contributions of$10,000 or more in a calendar year. This list recognizesthose who were members in 2008, 2009, and through 2010to this point of publication.

Anonymous (5)The Joseph Allen FoundationCheryl and Bruce AmericusPatrice and Robert AmericusAyers FoundationDebbie and Michael BarbaritaBeckwith Family Foundation at the recommendation of

Dotty and Nick Beckwith and Alice and Jim* BeckwithWilliam F. BenterJack L. Bergstein — in memory of wife, Fyrne BergsteinKen Bernstein and Jacquelyn SofferRenard L. BiltgenIrene Blumenkranz and David E. GoldMary Ann and Charles BogostaBarbara and Gary K. Bowser Sr.Susan and Michael BoyleLisa and John L.B.* BrookeJill Brufsky and Adam Brufsky, MD, PhDSeth BrufskyBernita BuncherBarbara and Gerald E. ChaitSusan and Alan CitronCarl CitronMary and Jay Cleveland Jr.Sandra S. and Richard A. CohenThe Al Copeland FoundationCaryn and Sam CovelliJ. Samuel and Rose Y. Cox FoundationBarbara Ann and Robert A. CrownRandi and L. Van V. Dauler Jr.Sandra N. DanoffNancy E. Davidson, MD and Thomas Kensler, PhD

Jamini Vincent DaviesBurtis J. Dolan FamilyAnn and Edward DunlapMary Lou and Richard DurrLori and Peter Ellis, MDWilliam F. FabrizioDiane Faust and Barry Lembersky, MDSheila and Milton FineStephanie and Thomas FlanneryKimberly and Curtis FlemingRobert FlugFoster Charitable Foundation at the recommendation of

Issie and Lee Foster, Barbara and Bernard Mars, WendyMars, PhD, and Peter Mars

Jane K. France and Christian L. AllisonMurry GerberMerle E. and Olive Lee Gilliand FoundationThomas B. GrealishRhonda and Glen GrossSara and Alan GuttmanSusan G. and Barney C. GuttmanHawksglen FoundationTeresa Heinz and The Heinz EndowmentsHeidi and Robert E. HeltzelHarriett L. and Ronald B. Herberman, MDMargaret M. and John B. Hill, MDElsie H. and Henry L. HillmanThe William Talbott Hillman FoundationJoan and Daniel HilsonCathy and Sy HolzerElizabeth and Blair A. Jobe, MDJanis and Jonas Johnson, MDSharon and Richard JuveBecky Burgwin and Patrick L. Kane, MDLinda and Frank KassTricia and William KasslingKaren and Joseph L. Kelley III, MDKathryn and Cary KleinKoch FamilyValerie R. KochCurtis I. Kossman FoundationPerlow FamilyNathalie and Mario LemieuxRobert LevinSally LevinAnne LewisChristine and James D. Luketich, MDAnna and John MaaghulThe Seena Magowitz FoundationReena and Baljeet Mahal, MDDavid J. MaloneStanley M. Marks, MDMars Family Charitable Foundation

(Mr. and Mrs. Bernard Mars)Shirley Hobbs Martin Memorial FundMyrna and Mark MasonSusan and Stephen McGallaFran and Jim McGlothlinLinda and David McKamishKatie and David McSorleyMoody and Associates, Inc.Jane and Edward MoravitzDonald A. Mosites

The Michael J. Newton Esophageal Cancer FoundationVance K. OppermanSaundra and Gene O’SullivanKit and Arnold D. PalmerLeah M. PasquerillaLisa and Mark E. PasquerillaKathleen and Demetrios PatrinosJai Pausch — in memory of Randy PauschDonald Plung*Hilary Tyson and Charles PorterDorothy L. and Richard E.* Raizman, MDRosemarie and Kiran Rajasenan, MDDavid RathDiana and Frank RathLillian S. RathKristy and William RodriguezRoesch Family FoundationStefania and Jeffrey RomoffCynthia Roth and James Kunkel, MDDiane and Cliff Rowe, JrAbby and Reid RuttenbergKim and Ben SampsonAthena and Frank* SarrisRitchie ScaifeMikell and A. William Schenck, IIITracy and Evan J. SegalShandle FoundationCindy and David S. ShapiraDeborah Shapira and Barry Stern, PhDEdith Shapira, MD and Mark Schmidhofer, MDBarbara and Herbert ShearShirlie and Owen Siegel FoundationGayle and William SimpsonSharon and Bob SlagleSandy and Edgar SnyderPatricia G. SnyderRebecca C. SnyderPatricia and William SnyderPaulette and David F. Stefanik, MDRachel and Scot StevensStork FoundationMarcia and Perry SwansonPamela and Markos TambakerasThe Tippins FoundationGayle L. Tissue and Yiannis KaloyeropoulosBonnie W. and Thomas L VanKirk, Esq.James F. Walsh FoundationMarilyn and Norman WeizenbaumWheeler Family Charitable TrustDebi and Harold W. Wheeler IIIPriscilla and Joseph WhitesideTheresa L. Whiteside, PhDRobin and Gary Zentner* deceased

LEADERSHIP CIRCLE($5,000 - $9,999)Robert DennisDavid DuncanEmilio A. FernandezRobert Joel Gluckman, MDSandra and Lee GoodmanMary Jane and Carl G. Grefenstette


Dwight E. Heron, MDSusan W. and Michael W. D. HowellA. Richard KacinRichard P. KriegerUnited Jewish Federation through the

Lester A. Hamburg Endowment Fund at therecommendation of Farrell Rubenstein

Sheryl Simon, MDJay Vetere

PARTNERS FOR PROGRESS($1,000 - $4,999)Amada and Rashid A. Awan, MDElinor M. AbplanalpWilliam J. AdamsNicholas James AlfanoKimberly and Peter M. AugustineEugene BangKathryn A. BarbustiakSusan J. and David L. Bartlett, MDDenise and Raymond L. Barry Jr.Earl M. BenovitzSamuel Wayne BraverSheryl and Jeffrey S. BroadhurstWilliam O. BrownJanet BryantJ. Glenn CampbellMargaretha L. Casselbrant, MDBarbara Wheeler Davies and Randy Arlen DaviesMalindi DaviesJohn J. DeWaalCathleen and Anthony M. DiGioia III, MDDouglas W. Dimitroff, Esq.Laura E. and Alfred P. Doyle, MDSally H. Durrant, Esq.*, and Robert E. Durrant, Esq.Lowrie C. EbbertRalph A. Falbo Jr.Donald L. Faust Sr.Mr. and Mrs. Thomas P. FrizzellDonna L. Gerson and David A. GersonK. A. GieraltowskiMaryedna Gillespie-GennaulaLee and J. Roger GluntCarlotta M. GoetzJennifer Grandis, MD and Donald J. Grandis, MDStacy GrangerNancy HamiltonSarah J. and C. Talbot Heppenstall Jr.Mary Jo and Thomas M. HillJames G. HopkinsJean and Samuel A. Jacobs, MDLaVonne and Glen R. JohnsonAmy and Dennis J. KelleherJames E. Kelly, Esq.Steven M. KinneyEmily A. and Herman F. KrobothPaul E. LegoBarbara K. LeStageIn memory of Elliott (Bud) Lewis from Lewis Family:

Harriet, Barbara, Marc, Scott, and KimGordon LiskerTerri and Timothy J. Logan

David E. MalehornMarsha D. Marcus, PhD and Bernard D. MarcusSusan and Geraldo J. MatosRaymond J. MauroAnne and William O. McConnelFrancis E. McHughMichael MedressRay MekisScott A. MolanderDarell MyersCarolyn N. PfefferleDr. and Mrs. Julian W. ProctorHariklia and Anastasios Raptis, MD, PhDRobert W. RiordanJean A. and Frank Brooks RobinsonSylvia and Donald M. RobinsonJames P. RosenbloomNancy RozendalRichard J. Saab, MDSalvatore J. SavarinoGregg SearleMary Kay SedlacekTracy Robin Seewald, MD and Steven A. Burton, MDKatherine A. ServichPat and Theodore N. ShafferTimothy SherryMary and Richard SkubakSally M. Snyder and Lee F. SnyderJeffrey Wayne Spear, Esq.Valerie J. StabileMichael D. Voloshin, MDSuzanne and Richard L. WagnerLisa and Peter J. WalshPreston G. WalshNaomi and Peter B. WaltmanErika and Mike WargulaH. Bryan WernerPaul G. Wessel* deceased

CHAMPIONS($500 - $999)Nicholas E. AndrewsJohn W. AnthonyYoshio AraiLynne and Roger L. BarnaDavid P. Bartels, ODNancy Bernstein and Robert E. Schoen, MD, MPHGeorge M. BlairNadine E. BognarBernice Hilberg Bollman and Philip D. Bollman Jr.David E. Brougher, MDCharles Kuang Ming Brown, MD, PhDJohn C. BrownMichael D. CashattJames F. CawleyPatrick ClancyDavid T. ClarkGary ClarkClare Collins and Brian P. Gabriel, Esq.Kelli L. and Robert W. CookThomas G. Cooney Sr.

Mr. and Mrs. Kevin M. CorcoranJustin CrumArmand C. DellovadeGary DilleSusan B. and The Honorable Michael F. DoylePamela Abbott EisnerEdward J. FlammerChristy FlemingMarne B. and Peter B. Geller, DDSBeth R. Grabiak, PhDJames R. GrundtischElisa D. HarrisLathe Haynes, PhDAudrey Hillman HilliardSamuel Lawrence HueySarah H. and Lewis K. JohnsonTimothy L. KaneThomas A. LabertWilliam B. LarkinMark LevinBarry LevineClaire and Lawrence LevineElsie Y. LewisMignon and Waldemar J. LoveGary R. LuchiniDon F. MannsHelen B. and Curtis R. MarquardJacqueline and David MartinKriston and Robert J. McMichael Jr.John L. MehltretterEliza and Hugh Nevin Jr.Thomas J. OsbornJames S. Pasman Jr.Susan H. and John Alden Redfield, PhDCarol J. and Patrick R. RileySally S. and Fred M. RockAnn A. RogersAlan RosskammFrances Bartosiewicz Saxon & George E. Saxon Sr.Doris M. ScottBonnie SeatonDarcy L. SeferJan D. Smith, MDKenneth James SpanglerRuth A. SturtzDavid P. SwansonSara B. ThompsonThe Honorable Leo J. Trich Jr.Margot L. Watt and Sebastian W. FasanelloRoy H. WaugamanCatherine and Jason WebberDiane and Jonathan WebberWest Herr Automotive Group, Inc.Janet M. WilliamsSamuel C. WilliamsonClaudia C. ZavodnickWen Zhu, MD and Min Sun, MD


AMBASSADORS($250 - $499)Frank J. AnesiVijay AtriCarole BaierlRaelene C. BakerLinda and Alan K. BerkJeffrey P. BissellRachel Kirk BoboNancy and David BuckNicoline N. BurkhartCandace CainDavid W. CalvinDavid A. CaperelliChristine CarmazziBarbara CasanovaPaul B. CatonJoseph Rodney ChapmanJennifer L. ChestnutCarol L. ClappConnie and Bruce T. CleevelyGerald CollinsMichael G. DehlerPhilomena M. DemeterKatherine Munsch DeSimone, Esq. and

David Ralph DeSimoneFrank H. DettoreDennis L. DouttMary Ruth Sampson EckmanArthur S. EllisColleen M. EllisJeffrey J. EngThomas EsperRobert L. Ferris, MD, PhDCharles H. Fletcher Jr.Eve France and Howard M. MaiselAnthony C. GiuntaGregory Grabiak, MDChris Ann HaysMilford L. HazletAndrew D. HicksSusan and David H. HicksMary and Mark E. HoffmanCelestin HolmbergJoan M. HoltzJean L. HortJulie and Daniel Graham HudakRichard A. HundleySally E. and Peter KayJoseph Michael KlajaRebecca LahnicheHarold S. LarrickPatricia and Thomas C. LeClereMary M. LeeMarlene Katherine LeechSuzanne Lentzsch, MD, PhD and

Markus Y. Mapara, MD, PhDJoann J. LewisMary Carol and John F. LewisDr. and Mrs. Ronald G. and Judith K. LinaburgDiane LucasBetty Lou Luketich

Steven W. MaasDavid T. MagrishDorothy MaritimeJames MathenyElizabeth B. MatthewJohn Regis McConaghy, MDJames Patrick McDonaldFrancine and David M. McDowellJeff McFaterArnold I. Meisler, MDAlexander M. Neidhardt III, DDSDaniel A. NestelAlice Hopkins NewtonJames S. PattersonThadeus M. PawlikowskiPatricia PiferMildred PosvarJennifer RaetzJohn Charles ReganJohn D. RhodesBetty Sue and Larry RichAnthony Ricottone, MDNorman RobertsonK. George SchoeppnerJohn A. ScottiLois T. and Ross H. Smith Jr., MDMarguerite and The Honorable William L. StandishChristine StankoLyndia C. StaufferLouis A. SteinerGeorge E. SteinsCharles J. StoutSharon R. StultzJan and Carmen N. TarasiEdward Teeple Jr., MDArne van der HeydeJessie M. Van Swearingen, PhDBarbara J. and M. M. Vujevich, MDQingde Wang, MD, PhDJanis and Kenneth M. Wasserman, CPElizabeth and Robert B.* WeidleinSusan E. WeintraubRoger W. WilsonRonald L. WittDenise DeBartolo York and John C. York, MDWalter R. Zoladz IIIJoseph John Zwirecki* deceased

ESTATES AND TRUSTSUPMC Cancer Centers and the University of PittsburghCancer Institute gratefully acknowledge gifts from the followingindividual estates and trusts:

Estate of Robert M. ColteryahnEstate of John F. FortneyGertrude E. Hellerman Charitable Trust FundEstate of Jane Dee McNamaraTrust for the Benefit of Dr. Michael MarkowEstate of Miriam Renton Richards

BUSINESS, CORPORATIONS, ADVOCACYASSOCIATIONS, AND OTHER GROUPSUPMC Cancer Centers and the University of PittsburghCancer Institute gratefully acknowledge gifts of $250 ormore from businesses, corporations, advocacy associations,and other groups.

($100,000 + )Metanexus Institute

($50,000 - $99,999)American Lung AssociationMedImmune, Inc.

($25,000 - $49,999)Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group ResearchFriends for an Earlier Breast Cancer Test

($10,000 - $24,999)Active Media Services, Inc.Aramark CorporationAres Management II, L.P.The Buncher CompanyFriends of Plum Running Mustangs Alumni AssociationP.J. Dick, Trumbull, LindyPhillips Lytle LLP

($5,000 - $9,999)American Heart AssociationLadies Hospital Aid Society of Western PennsylvaniaNew Era Cap Company, Inc. USANew York YankeesPanera BreadRadelet McCarthy Polletta, Inc.RSM McGladrey, IncorporatedSpeed Global ServicesThe TJX Companies, Inc.United Parcel ServiceWorkflow One

($1,000 - $4,999)American Coaster Ad-Mat NorthAmerican Society of HematologyBHNT Architects, P.C.Bison Baseball Inc.Bond, Schoeneck & King, PLLCBuffalo Neurosurgery GroupCF Brand, LLCColgate-Palmolive CompanyCreative Displays & Packaging, Inc.Curbell Plastics Inc.Delaware North Companies, Inc.Eagle Buckram Co., Inc.Empire Financial PartnersEvans City Elementary and Middle SchoolsEvans National BankFedEx Trade NetworksFriends of Mellie’s MissionG & G International, L.L.C.GenescoGibraltar IndustriesHadley Exhibits, Inc.Hannan Executive Services Inc.

Hattan Concepts, Inc.HealthNow New York Inc.Information Technology Department, PPG IndustriesJo-Ann Stores, Executive CommitteeKids and a CauseLawley Agency InsuranceLIA Agency, Inc.M &T BankM &T Insurance Agency, Inc.Menasha CorporationMenasha Packaging Company, LLCMenlo Worldwide LogisticsMilliken & CompanyMJ Mechanical Services, Inc.Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, P.C.P & P Flooring LLCMichael J. Parada WalkathonPittsburgh AssociatesSaperston Asset Management, Inc.Selections by Genea & EricSML GroupSpeed Motor Express of W.N.Y., Inc.St. Andrews Products, Co.Staff of Hillman Cancer Center,

Outpatient Services, 3rd FloorSterling Mets, LPSusquehanna International Group, LLPThe American Ireland FundThe Hillman CompanyThe Martin Group, LLCThe Philadelphia PhilliesThermaSolutions, IncTransportation Marketing Services International, IncTruistUnited Business Systems, Inc.UNO Restaurants, LLC.Vautier CommunicationsVF Services, Inc.William H. Prentice, IncorporatedWPH Airport Associates

($250 - $999)84 Lumber CompanyAccordia Global Compliance GroupAlliance Bernstein, LAlpha Epsilon Phi SororityAnnual Reviews

Ateleta Beneficial Assn.BHS InternationalCarr Textile CorporationCelgene CorporationColleagues at Bayer Material Science CanadaCook Moving Systems, Inc.Doyle for Congress CommitteeEaton Office Supply Co., Inc.The Ellis School 9th Grade Class of 2012Employees of Valier Coal YardEmployees of West Chester Area School DistrictFacility Merchandising IncorporatedFairmount Partners LPFidelity BankFlorida Marlins, L.P.Fox Chapel Presbyterian ChurchFriends of Charlie HouserFriends of Dave CampbellGoya Foods Great LakesGreenberg Traurig, LLPHewlett-Packard CompanyHSBC Bank USA IncorporatedIn-House Dental ServicesJames ServicesLaBarge, Inc.Leedsworld, Inc. dba LEED’sMagee NICU NursesMalizia, Spidi & Fisch, PCMerrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith, Inc.Morgan Lewis & Bockius, LLPOffice of the Senior Vice Chancellor for the Health SciencesPharmaWrite, LLCRP Sales, Inc.S. M. Cristall Company, Inc.San Diego Padres L.P.Shindler Sport Sales, Inc.Singlesource Property Solutions, LLCSt. James Choir FundStaff of Hillman Cancer Center, Outpatient Services, 2nd floorTiffany & CompanyTurkey Trot for Prostate CancerTurner Construction CompanyUnited Way of Westmoreland CountyW. W. Grainger Inc.Waz EngineeringYoung Adults Circle

FOUNDATIONSUPMC Cancer Centers and the University of PittsburghCancer Institute gratefully acknowledge the foundations thathave provided support of $250 or more to further our mission.

AnonymousAyers FoundationThe Joseph Allen FoundationBeckwith Family FoundationThe Breast Cancer Research FoundationBinational Science FoundationBJALCF FoundationThe Brain Tumor Society, IncorporatedBuffalo Bills Alumni Foundation Inc.Buffalo Sabres FoundationThe Buhl FoundationJulius H. Caplan Charity FoundationGrant Channell Memorial FundThe Al Copeland FoundationJ. Samuel and Rose Y. Cox FoundationDee Dee Sacco's Fight For Life FundThe Ellison Medical FoundationEQT FoundationThe Audrey Hillman Fisher FoundationThe Nina Baldwin Fisher Foundation, Inc.John F. Fortney Charitable Pancreatic Cancer Research GroupFoster Charitable FoundationWayne Fusaro Pancreatic Cancer Research FundGabrielle's Angel Foundation for Cancer ResearchShawn Gaertner FoundationMerle E. and Olive Lee Gilliand FoundationGist Cancer Research FundHawksglen FoundationThe Heinz EndowmentsThe William Talbott Hillman FoundationEmma Clyde Hodge Memorial FundCurtis I. Kossman FoundationThe Judith A. Lese Breast Cancer Foundation, IncElaine and Donald Levinson FoundationLife Raft GroupLumina Foundation for Education, Inc.The M & T Charitable FoundationThe Seena Magowitz FoundationMars Family Charitable FoundationMerrill Lynch & Co. Foundation, Inc.The Robert Bensen Meyer, Jr. Foundation, Inc.Multiple Myeloma Research FoundationMusella FoundationNational Hockey League FoundationRobert L. Newman FoundationThe Michael J. Newton Esophageal Cancer FoundationThe New York Mets Foundation, Inc.Elsa U. Pardee FoundationPhRMA FoundationThe Pittsburgh Foundation

The Broadhurst Family FundThe Callihan Family FundThe Gertrude E. Hellerman Charitable Trust FundThe Charles and Jean Stout Family Fund

The Frank E. Rath/Spang and Company Charitable TrustRauch FoundationThe Sampson Foundation


The 2010 Hillman Cancer Center Gala was held Nov. 30, 2010

at the Monroeville Convention Center. The event, Celebrate!

A Future Without Cancer, commemorated 25 years of UPCI

and once again supported cancer research priorities. For more

information please contact the UPCI and UPMC Cancer Centers

Development department at 412-623-4700.


Roesch Family FoundationShandle FoundationShirlie and Owen Siegel FoundationThe Henry John Simonds Foundation, Inc.The Juliet Lea Hillman Simonds Foundation, Inc.Charles F. Spang FoundationStellar Solutions FoundationStork FoundationThe Tippins FoundationUB Foundation Activities Inc.The Frank Varischetti FoundationJames F. Walsh FoundationSamuel Emma Winters FoundationYates Fund for Cancer Hope

UNITED WAYDonors that designated United Way donations and/or pledgesof $250 or more in support of the UPMC Cancer Centers andthe University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute agency codesduring the 2008 United Way and United eWay Campaigns(June 2008 through April 30, 2009).

Kristin R. BellMichael BellMary Ann and Charles BogostaDaniel M. BonacciJody L. CervenakSandra N. DanoffLila I. DeckerRobert A. DeMichieiLori and Peter Ellis, MDElizabeth and Alan H. FinegoldKimberly and Curtis D. FlemingWoodrow W. Frazier IIIMark S. Georgiadis, MDSean M. GirdwoodJack S. GoldsmithDebra GraczykThomas B. GrealishRobert J. HowardClarissa JohnsonDr. and Mrs. Jonas T. JohnsonSean Jay JonesChristopher J. KairysGina Rose KarafaJulie H. KuhrKaren L. LarrimerNancy J. and Stanley Lehman, Esq.Marc D. MarksStanley M. Marks, MDJoyce A. MetnickIone and Kenneth MillerNicholas Molea Jr.William R. NewlinWilliam S. Niznik Jr.David RajkovichJeffrey ReisKimberly Beth SchriverShenango IncorporatedEllen SheppardPatrick M. StabileRandall J. Staggers

Mr. and Mrs. Scot R. StevensDr. Kevin J. StewartPatricia and James TerwilligerSheila M. TraspJanet TripodiRandolph E. Van MeterRobert G. Yurko

UPMC CANCER CENTERS ANDTHE UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGHCANCER INSTITUTE DEVELOPMENTDEPARTMENT

Jennifer Raetz, Development DirectorKambra McConnel, Major Gifts OfficerRosalyn Markovitz, Major Gifts OfficerEleanor Flannery, Administrative Coordinator

Every gift to UPMC Cancer Centers and the University ofPittsburgh Cancer Institute plays a vital role in advancingresearch and enhancing patient care. Unfortunately, spaceis too limited to list the individual names of donors thatgave gifts at levels of $1 to $249. Please know your supportis truly appreciated.

If we have made any errors in any name or omitted anyonefrom this list, please accept our apologies and notify us at412-623-4700._________________________________________________

UPMC CANCER CENTERS ANDTHE UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGHCANCER INSTITUTE CAPITALCAMPAIGN COMMITTEE

Honorary Campaign CommitteeElsie HillmanValerie KochArnold PalmerJim RohrTom Usher

Campaign CommitteeSusan BoyleMichael BoyleRichard A. CohenNancy E. Davidson, MDThomas FlanneryKimberly FlemingThomas B. GrealishBarney C. GuttmanWilliam KasslingCary KleinBarry Lembersky, MDJames D. Luketich, MDStanley M. Marks, MDLeslie Merrill McCombsMark E. PasquerillaBonnie W. VanKirkTom L. VanKirk, Esq.Debi WheelerHarold W. Wheeler IIITheresa L. Whiteside, PhD

The power of partnership:A future without cancer

On Oct. 6, 2009, 650 of the region’s

most influential community and civic

leaders and supporters gathered at the

newMonroeville Convention Center for

the 2009 Hillman Cancer Center Gala to

celebrate more than $3.6 million raised

to advance cancer research and patient

care programs at Hillman Cancer Center.

The 2009 gala theme, The Power of

Partnership, exemplified the key

partnerships that together form the core

mission of UPCI and UPMC Cancer

Centers to provide excellence in patient

care, education, and research.

Guests were treated to a performance

by Emmy award-winning actress and

singer Kristin Chenoweth, a dance

performance by the Pittsburgh Ballet

Theatre School, and dinner prepared by

UPMC executive chef Brad Kelly and his

team. Pittsburgh native actor Michael

Keaton served as master of ceremonies

for the evening.

Gala leadership and supporters included

honorary chairs Elsie and Henry Hillman

and Cathy and Sy Holzer; gala chairs

Susan and SteveMcGalla; and presenting

sponsor PNC.


NEWS briefs

Researchers receivepatent for DNA therapyIn January 2010, the

United States Patent and

Trademark Office awarded

a patent to physician-

researchers from the

University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine for the development

of a new DNA therapy for head and neck cancers. Standard

treatments for head and neck cancers are often ineffective

and accompanied by debilitating side effects. The new

treatment is based on a form of genetic therapy called

antisense, or AS, in which a synthesized strand of DNA or

RNA targets the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)

within head and neck tumors. Expectations were exceeded

during the Phase I study, which was designed primarily to

determine the safety and potential toxicity of EGFR AS

injections. Not only were the AS injections well-tolerated,

but tumors disappeared or shrank considerably in 29 percent

of patients. A Phase II study evaluating the safety and

efficacy of EGFR AS injections in combination with another

drug is currently underway.

Milestone in neurosurgeryIn December 2009, UPMC neurosurgeons performed their

10,000th Gamma Knife® procedure, a milestone surgery

that further distinguishes UPMC as a leader in radiosurgery

experience. Gamma Knife radiosurgery is a multidisciplinary

procedure, requiring the expertise of radiation oncologists

and medical physicists, who partner with neurosurgeons in

the treatment of complex brain tumors. UPMC Cancer

Centers is a highly regarded international training and research

center, offering instruction to medical experts worldwide.

Gamma Knife, first used in North America in 1987 by a

UPMC clinician, destroys brain tumors often considered to

be inoperable. Gamma Knife

procedures are noninvasive

and use radiation to target

diseased brain tissue,

resulting in bloodless brain

surgeries that require no

incisions.

Pittsburgh Steelers teammembersvisit Hillman Cancer CenterThree Pittsburgh Steelers visited patients and families at

Hillman Cancer Center in Shadyside. The team’s center, Justin

Hartwig; tight end, Shawn McHugh; and right guard, Trai Essex

signed autographed pictures, posed for pictures, and shared

stories with patients. Patients enjoyed the afternoon with the

players and UPMC Cancer Centers and Hillman Cancer Center

appreciated the visit.

UPCI researcher awarded V Foundation grantThe V Foundation for Cancer Research awarded a $1-million

grant to Jill M. Siegfried, PhD, co-director of UPCI’s Lung

and Thoracic Malignancies Program, to establish two new

clinical trials for lung cancer patients at UPMC Cancer

Centers. The first trial, based on Dr. Siegfried’s research,

examines estrogen’s role as a lung cancer proliferation

agent. The Phase II trial focuses on the use of an aromatase

inhibitor, a class of drugs designed specifically to counteract

estrogen production. By targeting estrogen, researchers

hope to extend the lives of women with lung cancer.

Founded in 1993 by ESPN and Jim Valvano, legendary former

basketball coach of North Carolina State University, the

V Foundation has raised more than $90 million to fund

cancer research nationwide.

Photo courtesy of the Pittsburgh Steelers




The University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, workingin conjunction with UPMC Cancer Centers, UPMC’s clinicalcare delivery network, is western Pennsylvania’s only NationalCancer Institute (NCI)-designated Comprehensive CancerCenter, reflecting the highest level of recognition by NCI.

A publication of UPMC Cancer Centers and

the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute

UPMC Cancer Pavilion

5150 Centre Ave.

Pittsburgh, PA 15232

www.UPMCCancerCenters.com

UPMC Cancer Centers offers

cancer patients exceptional care

and innovative treatments close to

home.Working in tandem with the

University of Pittsburgh Cancer

Institute, western Pennsylvania’s

only National Cancer Institute-

designated Comprehensive

Cancer Center, UPMC Cancer

Centers provides the latest

advances in cancer prevention,

detection, diagnosis, and

treatment at community-based

locations throughout the region.

The University of Pittsburgh

Cancer Institute comprises the

academic and research activities

for cancer at the University of

Pittsburgh and UPMC.

For information about

supporting cancer research

efforts and patient care at


the University of Pittsburgh

Cancer Institute, contact us

at 412-623-4700.

NONPROFIT ORGU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDPITTSBURGH, PAPERMIT NO. 3834D I S C O V E R Y & C A R E

CANC381480 JAB 11/10



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