UPMC Hillman Cancer Center Launches $9.6M Expansion Project

FARRELL, Pa. – UPMC Hillman Cancer Center at UPMC Horizon-Shenango Valley has initiated a $9.6 million expansion.

The project includes the construction of a vault for a new state-of-the-art linear accelerator, which is used for external beam radiation oncology treatments by delivering high-energy X-rays or electrons to the region of a tumor.

This project will add a second LINAC to what is already available through the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center.

“Our patient volumes continue to increase, and when demand for UPMC services rises, we prioritize and we respond to the needs of our community,” said Dr. Beth Piccione, president of UPMC Horizon and UPMC Jameson. “Operating a second LINAC to perform vital radiation oncology treatments will further increase access to lifesaving care for even more people in our community.”

The new LINAC is a state-of-the-art TrueBeam radiotherapy system, which will allow UPMC Hillman Cancer Center to provide precise treatment of tumors, including in the lungs, breast and prostate, with less effect to surrounding tissues, according to Dr. Heath Skinner, department chair of radiation oncology at the cancer center.

The UPMC Hillman Cancer Center at UPMC Horizon-Shenango Valley has been serving the community for more than 13 years. Over the past 25 years, UPMC has invested more than $150 million to expand elevated services at UPMC Horizon, including the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center locations in Greenville, New Castle and Farrell.

Since it opened in 2011, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center has more than doubled both the number of new patients and oncology treatments each year. In 2023, the facility saw 439 new patients and provided nearly 8,500 radiation oncology treatments.

Pictured at top: From left are state Rep. Parke Wentling, R-7th; Dr. Heath Skinner, chair of radiation oncology at UPMC Hillman; Beth Wild, president of UPMC Hillman Cancer Center; Dr. Uzoma Iheagwara, chair of radiation oncology at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center; Dr. Beth Piccione, president of UPMC Horizon and UPMC Jameson; state Sen. Michelle Brooks, R-50th; Joel Yuhas, executive vice president of UPMC and president of the UPMC Health Services Division.

Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.