A specialist at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center at UPMC Passavant–Cranberry.

Cranberry resident Bob Carlisle, 68, whose wife works as a nurse at UPMC, was diagnosed in 2011 with Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia. The rare, slow-growing form of blood cancer is also known as lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma, a form of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

Bob Carlisle, 68, of Cranberry, has a rare blood cancer, but said he feels fortunate he can get treatment so close to home at UPMC Passavant–Cranberry.

Because his cancer is treatable but not curable, Bob requires regular monitoring and doctor visits. With the 2022 expansion of UPMC Hillman Cancer Center at UPMC Passavant–Cranberry, now he only needs to drive five minutes down the road for bloodwork, chemotherapy treatments, and follow-up appointments.

“I think it’s great. I can get everything done there,” says Bob. “When you have cancer and need treatment, it’s nice not having to deal with the traffic.”

As a Cranberry Township resident for the past 28 years, Bob has witnessed the area’s explosive growth. That’s a big reason why he was thrilled to hear UPMC Hillman Cancer Center was expanding services at UPMC Passavant–Cranberry.

“The Cranberry area has changed drastically. It just keeps growing,” he says. “Being able to get the care I need close to home is very important. The parking is easy and free, plus it saves me from driving another half hour or so to UPMC Passavant–McCandless.”

What’s the Renovated UPMC Hillman Cancer Center Like?

The expanded UPMC Hillman Cancer Center at UPMC Passavant–Cranberry brings cancer care closer to home for patients, like Bob, who live north of Pittsburgh, offering more access to top cancer specialists and state-of-the-art treatments.

One of six physician exam rooms

The first-floor location doubles its previous capacity to serve cancer patients. Added clinic space also increases nursing capacity with improved access to clinical trials. Having more exam rooms means multiple oncologists can see patients. There are now seven UPMC Hillman medical oncologists seeing patients at the center, including:

The expansion was made possible following the 2020 move of UPMC Magee-Womens Specialty Services from the UPMC Passavant–Cranberry campus to the UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex, where there is now a hub for women’s health care and services, in one convenient location.

Never Miss a Beat!

Get Healthy Tips Sent to Your Phone!

Message and data rates may apply. Text the word STOP to opt out and HELP for help. Click here to view the privacy and terms.

Meeting the Demand for Cancer Care

The renovated UPMC Hillman Cancer Center is designed to meet the increasing demand for cancer services in the northern communities.

“It’s a full-scale expansion that allows us to bring more cutting-edge treatments right to our patients in Cranberry Township and the surrounding communities,” says Dr. Rajasenan, a medical oncologist and hematologist and chair of oncology at UPMC Passavant.

He adds that with advanced technology, many cancers are now treated as chronic diseases. His team continues to see these patients for follow-up bloodwork, imaging studies, and office visits – and the need for cancer care continues to grow.

“We have an obligation – not only to our patients but also to our hospitals throughout the community – to reduce the burden of cancer,” says Stanley Marks, MD, chairman and chief medical officer of UPMC Hillman Cancer Center.

“This expansion helped us do that by improving patient access to clinical trials, oncology specialists, and other vital services and resources. That, in turn, will translate to better cancer care and better outcomes.”

In the Neighborhood

Prior to the expansion, space constraints meant that many cancer patients in the Cranberry area had to travel farther to UPMC Hillman Cancer Center at UPMC Passavant–McCandless for appointments and treatments. Patients also had to travel there for clinical trials.

“Convenience matters a lot when you have cancer,” says Dr. Rajasenan. “You don’t want to spend precious time traveling to see a doctor or to undergo treatment. Our expanded location eliminates the added barriers to care.”

Convenient “One-Stop Approach”

Check-in and out area

Convenience was a big focus of the expansion – and it’s a major benefit for local patients.

The Cranberry location is closer to residents and has ample parking, and the first-floor location makes treatment even more accessible. The expanded space also boasts an on-site lab so patients can get their bloodwork done there, too.

In addition, UPMC Imaging Services is adjacent to the facility, where patients can go for CT scans, MRIs, and ultrasounds.

“It improves the experience we’re able to offer our patients,” says Dr. Puhalla. “Having cancer is difficult enough. This space makes it easier – from scheduling and check in, to labs and treatment. It’s more of a one-stop approach with the needs of our patients in mind.”

According to Dr. Puhalla, a breast cancer specialist and clinical trial researcher, the expansion also allows clinical trials to be brought to patients at UPMC Passavant–Cranberry since there is now room for the staffing needed to support research, including a nurse coordinator and clinical trials research nurse.

“When you have cancer, you want to receive the absolute best, state-of-the-art treatment. It’s a bonus when it’s convenient and close to home,” says Dr. Puhalla.

Cancer Care in Cranberry Township

One of two private treatment bedrooms

Two of 14 semi-private infusion bays with reclining treatment chairs and personal TVs

The UPMC Hillman Cancer Center at UPMC Passavant–Cranberry is conveniently located on the first floor and includes:

  • Patient-centered layout designed for privacy, comfort, and accessibility.
  • Six physician exam rooms.
  • 14 semi-private infusion bays with reclining treatment chairs.
  • Two private treatment bedrooms.
  • Personal TVs during treatment.
  • On-site lab for bloodwork.
  • On-site access to UPMC Hillman’s robust clinical trials.
  • Clinic space where patients benefit from a collaborative approach to cancer care by a multidisciplinary team of medical oncologists, oncology nurses, a clinical trials research coordinator, and other staff dedicated to supporting cancer patients and their loved ones.

Patients have access to a wide array of cancer services, including:

  • Gynecologic oncology
  • In-house lab
  • Medical oncology
  • Treatments, including:
    • Chemotherapy
    • Hormone therapy
    • Immunotherapy
    • Injections
    • Targeted therapy

The facility also serves as a general infusion center for UPMC Passavant–Cranberry, providing a variety of infusion services such as rheumatology drugs, antibiotics, and fluids.

For more information about the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center at UPMC Passavant–Cranberry or to schedule an appointment, call 412-367-1199.

Comprehensive Cancer Services, Closer to Home

Along with our UPMC Passavant-Cranberry campus, cancer care is available at multiple locations throughout the northern suburbs of Pittsburgh, including:

UPMC Hillman Cancer Center at UPMC Passavant–McCandless

9100 Babcock Boulevard

Pittsburgh, PA 15237

  • Imaging — advanced radiation oncology diagnostic services.
    • PET-CT scan (cancer treatment planning).
    • 4D PET-CT scan (diagnostic imaging).
    • 4D CT scan (diagnostic imaging).
    • On-Board Imager® (OBI) and Cone-Beam CT (image guided radiotherapy).
  • Medical oncology.
    • Chemotherapy.
    • Hormone therapy.
    • Immunotherapy.
    • Targeted drug therapy.
  • Radiation oncology.
  • Surgical oncology.

UPMC Magee-Womens Imaging at UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex

8000 Cranberry Springs Drive, Suite 2M600

Cranberry Township, PA 16066

  • Advanced breast cancer diagnostics and care, including biopsies.
  • Breast imaging.
    • 3D mammograms (screening and diagnostic).
    • Breast and gynecological ultrasounds.
    • DXA (bone densitometry).
  • Breast surgery.
  • Breast Cancer Risk Management Clinic.
  • Cancer risk assessment and genetic counseling.

UPMC Magee-Womens Specialty Services partners closely with UPMC Hillman Cancer Center for women’s cancer diagnostics and prevention. It also works in coordination with expert surgeons and teams at UPMC Passavant–Cranberry and UPMC Passavant–McCandless and outpatient centers located in Allison Park and Wexford.

Editor's Note: This article was originally published on , and was last reviewed on .

About UPMC Hillman Cancer Center

When you are facing cancer, you need the best care possible. UPMC Hillman Cancer Center provides world-class cancer care, from diagnosis to treatment, to help you in your cancer battle. We are the only comprehensive cancer center in our region, as designated by the National Cancer Institute. We have more than 70 locations throughout Pennsylvania, Ohio, and New York, with more than 200 oncologists – making it easier for you to find world-class care close to home. Our internationally renowned research team is striving to find new advances in prevention, detection, and treatment. Most of all, we are here for you. Our patient-first approach aims to provide you and your loved ones the care and support you need. To find a provider near you, visit our website.

This article is most relevant to people located in Southwest Pa.. If you want to only be shown articles relevant to your region, then please update your preferred region here: