Cancer Institute

The Center for Thoracic Surgery provides comprehensive, innovative clinical services for the treatment of esophageal cancer, lung cancer (small cell and non-small cell) and mesothelioma.

Patients of West Penn Allegheny Health System have access to a wide variety of clinical trials. We are accredited by the American Board of Thoracic Surgery as a training site and are one of the few facilities in the country with a specialty track in general thoracic surgery.

The multidisciplinary team at the Center for Thoracic Surgery involves experienced thoracic surgeons, medical and radiation oncologists, pulmonologists, and other medical specialists. We are among the region's leaders in developing and advancing new treatments and maximizing the effectiveness of more traditional options. Our lung cancer specialists assisted in pioneering a combined program of chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery to help improve the cure rate for early stage cancers.

When lung surgery is required, our thoracic surgeons offer some of the most advanced surgical options, including minimally invasive and video-assisted techniques that require smaller incisions and provide a faster recovery. Our thoracic surgeons are also leaders in exploring less invasive diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to esophageal cancer and have led the region in experience with the use of thorascopic and laparoscopic management of this malignancy.

One promising minimally invasive technique is called Photodynamic Therapy (PDT), currently a treatment for advanced esophageal cancer. The treatment, which takes 12 to 25 minutes, can be used during all stages of cancer and may be used in conjunction with surgery or other treatments. Although far from a cure-all, its greatest promise may be with early-stage cancer patients as a means of avoiding surgical intervention.

These techniques often can help patients make an earlier return to full activities and develop greater tolerance to the possible therapies that may subsequently be needed.

Learn more about Lung Cancer in our Health Library.

Thoracic Cancer Specialists

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Thoracic Cancer Clincal Trials

Thoracic cancer clinical trials are available at the West Penn Allegheny Health System. Please click here for more detailed information.