The UPMC Neurosurgical Oncology Program at the Hillman Cancer Center treats patients with tumors of the nervous system including the brain and spine as well as patients suffering from the neurologic effects of systemic cancer.

Our neurosurgeons collaborate with the Hillman network of medical and radiation oncologists to provide the best treatment available for patients with benign and malignant tumors of the nervous system. We also conduct research leading to more effective therapies than those currently available. Their specific expertise includes the use of minimally invasive surgical techniques, such as awake craniotomies and the use of endoscopic techniques.

Radiosurgery including the CyberKnife is also available for treatment of lesions throughout the spine and brain. These lesions may be either benign or malignant including metastases, meningiomas, neurofibromas, schwannomas, and vascular malformations. Radiosurgery and specialized image-guided radiation therapy using the Trilogy has been used to successfully treat lesions in patients who are otherwise not candidates for surgery or for lesions that are not amendable to open surgical techniques.

Arlan Mintz, MD, is director of the adult neurosurgical oncology program and leads the cranial CyberKnife program. Richard M. Spiro, MD, is the director of spinal oncology and Peter Gerszten, MD, is the director of spinal CyberKnife. Ian Pollack, MD, is the director of the Brain Tumor Porgram which is a cutting edge research program.

About the Hillman Cancer Center

The Hillman Cancer Center is the flagship treatment and research facility of the UPMC Cancer Center Network. Home to the state-of-the-art clinical services of UPMC Cancer Centers and the nationally and internationally recognized research
of the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, Hillman Cancer Center provides specialized diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and care for patients and their families.

Hillman Cancer Center also has a full range of services to help patients better cope with cancer. Patients and their families have access to a wide array of educational, counseling, nutritional and genetic resources.

The 2002 opening of Hillman Cancer Center was made possible in part through the generosity of Henry L. Hillman and the Hillman Foundation.

The center is located at 5115 Centre Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15232, adjacent to UPMC Shadyside.

For appointments, call (412) 647-8312.