Leading UPMC Hillman Cancer Researchers Named as Susan G. Komen® Scholars and Advisors

Adrian V. Lee, PhD, a leading breast cancer researcher at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center and the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, will join the Susan G. Komen Scientific Advisory Board to help lead Komen’s overall research strategy and investments.

In addition, the Komen organization added nine researchers and two patient advocates as Komen Scholars. Among them is Steffi Oesterreich, PhD, also a leading UPMC Hillman breast cancer researcher, scientific collaborator and co-director of the Women’s Cancer Research Center, a collaboration between UPMC Hillman and Magee-Womens Research Institute.

Together, the Lee/Oesterreich laboratory studies the molecular basis of breast cancer development and resistance to therapy with the goal of improving precision medicine and outcomes for breast cancer patients. 

Lee also serves as the director of the Institute of Precision Medicine, a joint effort by UPMC and Pitt.  He has published over 160 peer-reviewed research articles. His laboratory is supported by funding from the Department of Defense, Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Breast Cancer Research Foundation and other sources. He serves on numerous national peer-review committees and is on the editorial board of several journals. In 2018, Lee received the Terri L. Chapman Award from Susan G. Komen, the PNC Elsie Hillman Distinguished Scholar Award and the University of Pittsburgh Biomedical Graduate Scholar Association (BGSA) Distinguished Mentor Award.

Oesterreich has also authored over 160 scientific articles in breast cancer, and her research has continuously been funded by Susan G. Komen, Breast Cancer Research Foundation, the National Cancer Institute and other sources. Together with Lee, Oesterreich received the PNC Elsie Hillman Distinguished Scholar Award. 

Lee and Oesterreich will join an advisory group of nearly 50 accomplished leaders in breast cancer research and advocacy, representing more than 20 major health institutions across the U.S. The Komen Scholars are the foremost experts in laboratory research, clinical practice, public health and patient advocacy.