UPMC Horizon announces plans for $5.6 million comprehensive cancer center in Hermitage

Hermitage, PA — In order to enhance oncology services in Mercer County, officials at UPMC Horizon and UPMC Cancer Centers have announced plans to construct a $5.6 million cancer center adjacent to the Womancare Center of UPMC Horizon in Hermitage. Working in collaboration with the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute (UPCI), the new facility will offer patients with cancer access to the only National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated comprehensive cancer center in the area.

“UPMC Horizon is changing the landscape of oncology services in Mercer County. Through our relationship with UPMC Cancer Centers and the UPCI, we are able to provide comprehensive oncology services and the sophisticated technology to meet the needs of our community.” says Joel Yuhas, president of UPMC Horizon. “Through our relationship with UPCI, UPMC Horizon offers treatment options no other cancer care provider in our area can offer.”

“This new cancer center will be a place where cancer patients in the region can receive the most effective, technologically advanced and comprehensive cancer care available anywhere,” said Jeffrey Shogan, MD, director of business services, UPCI and UPMC Cancer Centers. “We are honored to serve this community and are pleased to provide patients with the support and care they need to overcome cancer.”

The new center will provide a full range of oncology services, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, diagnostic imaging services, access to the latest clinical research trials through UPCI and UPMC Cancer Centers, support groups, and community education programs. In addition, the opening of a UPMC Passavant multi-specialty surgical suite later this year at the Womancare Center will further enhance oncology services locally by providing access to surgical oncology specialties such as minimally-invasive treatment of colorectal, liver and pancreatic cancer, as well as advanced surgical therapies for thyroid and breast cancer.

“The new facility will be home to an integrated cancer care team of medical and radiation oncologists, oncology nurses and other health professionals that will see each patient through the entire course of cancer – diagnosis, treatment, post-treatment care and recovery,” added Stanley Marks, MD, director of clinical services, UPCI and UPMC Cancer Centers.

Groundbreaking on the cancer center will occur by early 2008 with a project completion date in early 2009.

UPMC Horizon currently offers medical oncology services at both its Greenville and Shenango Valley campuses through Edgardo Lob, MD, and Eric Spielvogle, MD, both specializing in oncology and hematology. Patients in Grove City will also have access to the latest medical oncology cancer care treatment options through Dr. Lob’s hospital-based practice at Grove City Medical Center.

The Life Care Cancer Center, a radiation therapy services joint venture operated by UPMC Horizon and Grove City Medical Center, will cease operations in January 2008. During this transition, a program will be available to provide door-to-door transportation services from both UPMC Horizon hospitals and Grove City Medical Center to alternate UPMC Cancer Center locations in neighboring communities.

In addition to providing convenience for patients and their families, the construction of the new cancer center will benefit the local economy as well. Building the new cancer center will bring construction jobs to the Shenango Valley area, and the new cancer center is anticipated to create new jobs at the hospital.

“Once again, UPMC Horizon is demonstrating its commitment to the health and economic development of Mercer County through its continued growth.” says Yuhas.

This project is evidence of UPMC Horizon’s continued commitment to work in tandem with UPCI and the UPMC Cancer Center network of 43 community-based locations in the region to provide the latest advances in cancer prevention, detection, diagnosis and treatment.

Contact: Erin Palko, public relations manager, 724-589-8107