Pittsburgh, PA
Fairmont Hotel
September 18, 2026
4.25 CE/CME/CPE and
ABPath MOC

Advancing Precision Cancer Care Through Multidisciplinary Collaboration

Pittsburgh, PA
September 18, 2026

Advancing the Diagnostic-to-Treatment Continuum in Cancer Care –
Pittsburgh

Where translational science meets compassionate care

Pittsburgh’s strong foundation in biomedical research and clinical innovation makes it an ideal setting to bring together leaders in oncology, pathology, and precision medicine. This complimentary, CME-accredited conference will highlight emerging advances in molecular diagnostics, artificial intelligence–driven analysis, and biomarker-guided therapies that are reshaping cancer care.

The program will be co-chaired by Marija Balic, MD, PhD, MBA, Professor of Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh and a breast medical oncologist at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, whose research focuses on translational breast cancer biology and the use of circulating tumor DNA and genomic technologies to guide therapy.

Joining her as co-chair is Adrian V. Lee, PhD, Pittsburgh Foundation Chair and Director of the Institute for Precision Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh, and Professor of Pharmacology & Chemical Biology and Human Genetics. Dr. Lee’s work focuses on translating molecular and genomic discoveries into precision therapies for breast cancer and improving the integration of genomics into clinical care.

Together with an expert faculty of clinicians and translational scientists, this program will explore how advances in diagnostics, genomics, and multidisciplinary collaboration are accelerating the delivery of personalized cancer treatment from the laboratory to the clinic.

Agenda

UPMC Hillman Cancer Center

EVENT PARTNER

September 18, 2026

All presentations to take place in Ballroom North unless otherwise noted.

7:30 AMRegistration & Check-in
8:25AMWelcome and Introductions Marija Balic, MD, PhD, MBA, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center; Adrian V.  Lee, PhD, Institute for Precision Medicine
8:30 AMBreast Cancer: Biomarkers and Methodologies Rohit Bhargava, MD, UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital
8:50 AMHFO Breast Cancer: Keynote Address Steffi Oesterreich, PhD, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center
9:10 AMBreast Cancer Back to the Future Nolan Priedigkeit, MD, PhD, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
9:30 AMInsight Into UPMC Network Rushir Choksi, MD, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center; Stanley M. Marks, MD, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center
10:00 AMExhibits/Breakfast
10:10 AMNon-CME Session – (Ballroom South)
10:50 AMExhibits/Break
11:00 AMLung Cancer Liza C. Villaruz, MD, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center
11:20 AMColorectal Cancer: Biomarkers and Methodologies Stanley R. Hamilton, MD,  FCAP, AGAF, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
11:40 AMPrecision Oncology in Gastroesophageal Cancer: Biomarkers and Emerging Targeted Therapies Anwaar Saeed, MD, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center
12:00 PMGenitourinary Cancer Leonard J. Appleman, MD, PhD, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center
12:20 PMGynecologic Cancer Sarah E. Taylor, MD, PhD, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center
12:40 PMBreast Cancer Clinical Trials Marija Balic, MD, PhD, MBA, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center
1:00 PMExhibits/Lunch
1:10 PMNon-CME Session –  (Ballroom South)
1:50 PMExhibits/Break
2:00 PMAdvances in MRD and Liquid Biopsy in Precision Oncology Adrian V. Lee, PhD, Institute for Precision Medicine
2:20 PMPrecision Oncology: Community Setting vs. Large Academic Institutions Adrian V. Lee, PhD, Institute for Precision Medicine; Dhaval R. Mehta, MD, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center; Shannon L. Puhalla, MD, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center
2:50 PMHematology John C. Byrd, MD, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center
3:10 PMPanel Discussion: Emerging Challenges and Opportunities in Precision Oncology Marija Balic, MD, PhD, MBA, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center; Adrian V. Lee, PhD, Institute for Precision Medicine
3:40 PMAdjourn
  • Integrate evidence-based advances from both pathology and oncology to enhance biomarker testing, diagnosis, and treatment planning for solid tumors and hematologic malignancies.

  • Apply multidisciplinary insights and new clinical data to improve therapeutic decision-making and patient outcomes across diverse practice settings.

Speakers

THE LOCATION

Fairmont Hotel
510 Market Street
Pittsburgh, PA  15222

REGISTRATION

SPONSOR

Interested in sponsoring the event? Email Nigel Russell by using the link below!

Sponsor