11/13/2025
PITTSBURGH — UPMC Hillman Cancer Center held a dedication ceremony today marking the opening of The Mario Lemieux Immunotherapy Center and The Pietrandrea Clinic at the flagship UPMC Hillman in Shadyside.
The new Mario Lemieux Immunotherapy Center will expand and enhance innovative immunotherapy treatment options for patients with certain types of solid tumors through both cutting-edge research and personalized care. It is yet another example of support from The Mario Lemieux Foundation, which is also responsible for providing funds that developed both the Lemieux Center for Blood Cancers at UPMC Hillman and the Lemieux Lymphoma Center for Children and Young Adults at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh.
“We are deeply grateful for the continued support of the Lemieux Foundation, along with Mario and Nathalie Lemieux,” said Stanley Marks, M.D., chairman of UPMC Hillman Cancer Center. “Their commitment to developing a specialized treatment center will also advance immunotherapy research to benefit our patients at UPMC Hillman.”
“The Lemieux Foundation has had a long-standing relationship with UPMC and UPMC Hillman Cancer Center and we believe these are proven organizations where we know our investment will directly benefit the patients who come here,” said Tom Grealish, president of the Mario Lemieux Foundation.
The Pietrandrea Clinic is dedicated to compassionate, patient-centered care where patients meet with their oncology team for updates on their treatment, test results and planning their personalized cancer treatment plan. The clinic was made possible through a gift from Bob and Chris Pietrandrea, who also have been supporters of UPMC Hillman and who provided personal touches selected for this area.
“Chris and I wanted to make this area bright, comfortable and interesting, which is why we took great care in selecting some of the large pieces of art for this space,” said Bob Pietrandrea. “We know that these patients are going through difficult treatments and having an interesting, yet comfortable area can make a big difference.”
“Philanthropic investments are the driving force behind progress in cancer research and patient care, enabling institutions like ours to pursue groundbreaking discoveries, expand innovative treatment options, and provide compassionate support for patients and families,” said John Byrd, M.D., director of UPMC Hillman Cancer Center. “I believe these investments we celebrate today will shape the future of cancer care for generations to come, and I am deeply grateful to be part of an institution that values the power of giving.”
With the increasing number of patients seeking care at UPMC Hillman, the more than 400 clinical trials being offered and the groundbreaking immunotherapy treatments being offered, there was a great need for a more efficient, enhanced and comfortable space for patients and staff. The renovations provide 35 exam rooms, 15 treatment rooms with beds—five with private bathrooms—and 27 treatment chairs, nine of which are private rooms. In addition, the soft lighting, beautifully selected artwork by the Lemieux and Pietrandrea families, and overall layout of the area will provide a more comfortable experience for patients and more efficiency for staff and clinicians.
Images (Click for high-resolution version)
Photo 1
Caption: UPMC Hillman director, Dr. John Byrd joins Mario and Nathalie Lemieux, their family, Robert and Christine Pietrandrea, with Dr. Stanley Marks, UPMC Hillman chair and Beth Wild, UPMC Hillman president at the dedication of the Mario Lemieux Immunotherapy Center and Pietrandrea Clinic at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center.
Credit: UPMC
Photo 2
Caption: The Mario Lemieux Immunotherapy Center and The Pietrandrea Clinic
Credit: UPMC
Photo 3
Caption: The Mario Lemieux Immunotherapy Center and The Pietrandrea Clinic
Credit: UPMC
Photo 4
Caption: Dr. Stanley Marks with Dr. John Byrd, director UPMC Hillman Cancer Center
Credit: UPMC
