UPMC Launches Clinic Offering Cancer Care for Transplant Recipients
May 1, 2025
In January 2025, UPMC opened the first dedicated clinic providing oncology services for liver transplant recipients facing gastrointestinal cancers on the east coast of the United States.
“Organ transplant recipients have a higher risk of developing cancer,” says Anwaar Saeed, MD, chief, Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology Program, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center. “This increased risk is in part due to the immunosuppressant medications used to prevent organ rejection. We’re dedicated to treating people holistically, taking into account their specific cancer type, transplant condition, ongoing treatments, and personal life goals.”
Dr. Saeed sees patients at the UPMC Hillman clinic in collaboration with Stela Celaj, MD, PhD, transplant hepatologist, UPMC Center for Liver Care.
“By providing exceptional consulting services, we aim to support organ transplant recipients who develop cancer at any stage post transplantation, ensuring the best possible outcomes and quality of life,” says Dr. Celaj.
Comprehensive Cancer Care for Transplant Recipients
Whether patients have had a transplant a decade ago or even as recently as in the past year – they may benefit from these services. Once the doctor meets them, our oncologists work together to create the most optimal and personal treatment plan. This comprehensive plan allows them to manage their cancer and reduce the risk of complications.
Because cancer is complex, treatment often requires a mix of therapies and lifestyle changes. Treatments may include medical, radiation, or surgical oncology. During treatment, referring providers are kept in constant communication.
In the future, the team hopes to expand services to other solid organ transplant patients with different malignancies.
“We aspire to set new standards in patient care to address the complex needs of this unique patient population,” says Dr. Saeed, who is also working with Dr. Celaj towards building a research program.
This will help advance their understanding of cancer in post-transplant patients and move the most promising results from labs into clinical trials.
Call 412-623-7994 to refer a patient to the clinic.
