Subscribe to Pittwire Today
Get the most interesting and important stories from the University of Pittsburgh.On Nov. 13, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center celebrated the completion of its second-floor renovations at the flagship Shadyside location with a special dedication ceremony that marks the official opening of the Mario Lemieux Immunotherapy Center and the Pietrandrea Clinic — two spaces made possible by the generosity of the Mario Lemieux Foundation as well as Bob and Chris Pietrandrea, respectively.
“Today marks a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to advancing cancer care, supporting our patients and strengthening our community,” said Stanley Marks, chairman of UPMC Hillman Cancer Center. “We celebrate the beautiful renovation of our second floor, which will have a profound impact on our patients, their families and the oncology teams who care for them.”
The Mario Lemieux Immunotherapy Center expands and enhances innovative immunotherapy treatment options for patients with certain solid tumors, combining innovative research with personalized care.
“We are deeply grateful for the continued support of the Lemieux Foundation, along with Mario and Nathalie Lemieux,” Marks added. “Their commitment to developing a specialized treatment center will also advance immunotherapy research to benefit our patients at UPMC Hillman.”
President Tom Grealish said the Mario Lemieux Foundation “has had a long-standing relationship with UPMC and UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, and we believe these are proven organizations where our investment will directly benefit the patients who come here.”
The Pietrandrea Clinic is dedicated to compassionate, patient-centered care, providing a space where patients meet with their oncology team for treatment updates, test results and personalized care planning.
“Chris and I wanted to make this area bright, comfortable, and interesting, which is why we took great care in selecting some of the large pieces of art for this space,” said Bob Pietrandrea. “We know that these patients are going through difficult treatments, and having an interesting yet comfortable area can make a big difference.”
“Philanthropic investments are the driving force behind progress in cancer research and patient care, enabling institutions like ours to pursue groundbreaking discoveries, expand innovative treatment options, and provide compassionate support for patients and families,” said John Byrd, director of UPMC Hillman Cancer Center and Pitt’s associate vice chancellor for cancer affair. “I believe these investments we celebrate today will shape the future of cancer care for generations to come, and I am deeply grateful to be part of an institution that values the power of giving.”
With a growing number of patients seeking care at UPMC Hillman, more than 400 clinical trials underway and groundbreaking immunotherapy treatments available, the need for a more efficient, enhanced and comfortable space for patients and staff was clear. The renovations include 35 exam rooms, 15 treatment rooms with beds — five of which have private bathrooms — and 27 treatment chairs, nine of which are private. Soft lighting, artwork selected by the Lemieux and Pietrandrea families, and an improved layout create a more comfortable experience for patients and greater efficiency for staff and clinicians.