Lung Cancer

About Us

UPMC Hillman Cancer Center provides state-of-the-art, evidence-based care to patients with lung cancer by coordinating the skills and experience of a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals. 

The program’s team brings together thoracic surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, pulmonologists, and pathologists to provide a complete continuum of care – incorporating best practices and access to the latest therapies and clinical trials.

Program Overview

Thoracic Surgery and Pulmonary Medicine Services

A multidisciplinary team of pulmonologists and thoracic surgeons employ comprehensive, state-of-the-art diagnostic evaluations. They use a variety of image-guided biopsy techniques, such as endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS), endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), bronchoscopic biopsy, CT-guided needle biopsy, and minimally invasive video assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) biopsy, to determine the stage and type of lung cancer and the most effective treatment plan.

Thoracic Medical Oncology

At UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, medical oncologists at the Lung Cancer Program are experts in use of chemotherapy and biologic targeted therapies, and have pioneered novel regimens for the treatment of lung cancer and other thoracic malignancies. 

Patients also have access to the latest therapies and clinical trials at the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center (Research), western Pennsylvania’s only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center.. 

When appropriate, lung cancer patients are placed on a Clinical Pathways, a disease-specific treatment strategy developed by physicians, to ensure that all patients receive the same evidence-based care.

Each pathway combines innovative and promising clinical trial options with the best standard of care therapies. Ongoing review by the clinical team ensures that each pathway remains the best and most effective treatment option available.