The University of Pittsburgh is home to UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, a nationally and internationally renowned research center dedicated to novel therapeutic discovery and the education of the next generation of cancer researchers. With more than 2,000 physicians, researchers, and staff treating over 110,000 individuals annually, Pitt ranks #6 in NIH funding and #13 in NCI funding among educational institutions. Our comprehensive approach spans all cancer types, from early discovery through clinical translation and patient care.
Research Area: Immunotherapy | Solid Tumors | Hematologic Cancers
Description: Researchers are advancing tebotelimab, a PD-1- and LAG-3-targeting bispecific molecule showing promise in Phase 1 trials for both solid tumors and hematologic cancers. This dual-targeting approach represents a next-generation immunotherapy strategy with potential applications across multiple cancer types.
Ideal Partner Profile: Pharmaceutical and biotech companies developing checkpoint inhibitors, bispecific antibodies, or combination immunotherapy approaches.
Research Area: Glioblastoma | Tumor Microenvironment | Peptide Therapeutics
Description: Scientists have developed novel peptides that modify the tumor microenvironment to enhance antitumor immune responses in glioblastoma, one of the most challenging cancers to treat. This approach offers new hope for improving outcomes in this difficult-to-treat disease.
Ideal Partner Profile: Oncology therapeutics companies, particularly those focused on CNS tumors, immunomodulation, or peptide-based therapies.
Research Area: Breast Cancer | Precision Medicine | Endocrine Therapy Resistance
Description: Researchers are sequencing metastatic breast cancers to identify vulnerabilities for novel precision therapies, with particular focus on estrogen receptor (ESR1) mutations and resistance mechanisms to endocrine therapy. The work includes understanding invasive lobular cancer (ILC), an understudied subtype representing the second most common form of breast cancer.
Ideal Partner Profile: Pharmaceutical companies developing breast cancer therapeutics, precision medicine tools, or companion diagnostics for therapy selection.
Research Area: Head & Neck Cancer | Immunotherapy | Tumor Immunity
Description: Research focuses on understanding immune responses to human papillomavirus-associated head and neck cancers, strategies of immune evasion by cancer cells, and mechanisms of anti-tumor immunity in the microenvironment. This work informs development of novel immunotherapy approaches for these cancers.
Ideal Partner Profile: Companies developing immunotherapies for head and neck cancers, HPV-targeted therapeutics, or agents that overcome tumor immune evasion.
