UPMC Hillman Cancer Center

The UPMC Hillman Cancer Center is the flagship cancer treatment and research facility of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center’s cancer program. The facility has given a physical identity for the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute (UPCI), a National Cancer Institute (NCI) designated Comprehensive Cancer Center and one of the country’s leading cancer centers.

By integrating patient care activities and research endeavors into one location, the design of the Hillman Cancer Center maximizes the opportunities to translate promising research findings in the laboratory into effective new cancer therapies. In addition, this was a catalyst to attract the best and brightest in cancer research to the facility. The attraction of a new physical facility as anchor for a great program was considered a benefit in attracting talent.

The building is situated on a 2.5-acre site adjacent to UPMC Shadyside Hospital in the City of Pittsburgh neighborhood Shadyside. It is composed of two pavilions, a 5-story Treatment Pavilion and a 3-story Research Pavilion, joined by a dramatic sky-lit atrium. The atrium links the Treatment Pavilion and the Research Pavilion, offering a warm environment for patients, visitors, physicians, scientists, and staff.

The atrium features “Spirits’ Flight,” an abstract sculpture that highlights the connection between art and healing. The meditation area and the garden provide patients and their families and friends a comforting space to reflect and share experiences. In addition, the Cancer Center captures the opportunity to display other art installations including the Circle of Care sculpture in the entrance drive.

To say that the facility has been well received is almost an understatement. At the recent opening of the Hillman Cancer Center, the head of the National Cancer Institute said of the facility “This center epitomizes a new hope for cancer patients,”  calling the facility “a model” that is ranked “right at the top,” when compared to the nation’s 60 other cancer centers.