UPMC Hillman, Independence Health System Elevate Radiation Oncology Services in Butler

In April 2025, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Independence Health System in Butler expanded its radiation oncology services with a new linear accelerator (LINAC) – a $6 million investment that included construction of a multi-ton vault to house the state-of-the-art technology.

The LINAC is an Elekta Versa HD radiotherapy system that delivers high-energy x-rays or electrons to the region of a tumor.

“The radiotherapy system can address forms of cancer not previously treatable here,” says Jason Pawlowski, PhD, DABR, senior director, Radiation Oncology and Medical Physics, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center.

According to Dr. Pawlowski, 25 patients are treated at the facility daily.

“Operating this LINAC will expand our capacity to care for even more people and ensure patients are scheduled for treatment efficiently and close to home,” says Dr. Pawlowski.

The technology also allows UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Independence Health System to remain on the forefront of the most advanced cancer care available for Butler County residents.

New Treatment Techniques Benefit Patients

The ultra-precise radiation beams target very small tumors and can do so in a shorter amount of time, making it a safer and more effective treatment for patients.

“This radiotherapy system enables new treatment techniques, including stereotactic radiosurgery, a noninvasive radiation therapy that uses highly focused radiation beams to destroy tumors in the brain, and stereotactic body radiotherapy, which is used to treat tumors in other parts of the body besides the brain,” says Heath Skinner, MD, PhD, department chair, Radiation Oncology, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center.

Seeing an increased need for radiation oncology services locally, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Independence Health System prioritized this investment to increase access to the highest quality of cancer care right where people live.

Dr. Skinner adds that many types of radiation therapy require patients to receive treatments daily for consecutive weeks and months. “We’ve always focused on bringing cancer care to our patients close to their homes, so they don’t have to travel far for essential, lifesaving treatment,” he says.

UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Independence Health System has been serving the Butler community since 2013.

Along with the radiation oncology location on Technology Drive inside Benbrook Medical Center, an additional UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Independence Health System location is on Crossroads Campus on Oneida Valley Road where medical oncology and supportive care services are provided.

UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Independence Health System in Butler is accepting new patients. To learn more or to discuss a referral, call 724-482-2679.