What You Should Know:
– The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC), one of the largest and most renowned academic medical centers in the United States, has officially opened the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center – Croatia.
– Located on the campus of the General Hospital Zabok and the Croatian Veterans Hospital, this state-of-the-art oncology facility represents the largest American investment in the Croatian healthcare system to date, with nearly $20M committed in the project’s initial phase.
Bringing World-Class Cancer Care Standards to Croatia
UPMC, a globally respected healthcare provider and insurer headquartered in Pittsburgh with a $28B annual budget, operates 40 hospitals and 75 specialized oncology centers worldwide. The new Croatian center leverages this extensive expertise to offer comprehensive cancer care services, including radiation oncology, medical oncology, and advanced PET-CT diagnostics, catering to patients from Croatia and neighboring countries. This initiative aims to provide care aligned with the highest UPMC standards, built upon a legacy of medical breakthroughs.
Advancing Personalized Medicine and Research Locally
Beyond providing established treatments, the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center – Croatia is poised to advance personalized cancer therapy. Plans include utilizing artificial intelligence applications on OMICS data, particularly genomic analysis, through a collaboration with St. Catherine Specialty Hospital and the International Center for Applied Biological Research. The center will also function as a vital hub for translational medicine and clinical research, offering patients access to innovative clinical trials and cutting-edge therapeutic options.
Project initiator Prof. Dragan Primorac, a leader in applied biological sciences and personalized medicine, emphasized this impact: “Croatian oncology has a great tradition, and cooperation with UPMC represents a significant step forward in both the clinical application of the latest technologies and methods for treating oncology patients and in translational medicine… Our recent results in whole-genome analysis, comprehensive molecular profiling from tumor tissue samples, and liquid biopsy will enable further progress in diagnostic approaches and significantly contribute to the further development of precise and personalized therapy for patients with malignant diseases.”
A Collaborative Effort Rooted in Local Needs
UPMC leadership stressed that the center’s development was grounded in understanding Croatia’s specific requirements. “We are happy to provide comprehensive access to cancer diagnosis and treatment in Croatia according to the highest UPMC standards,” said Prof. Joel Nelson, MD, Executive Vice President of UPMC and President of UPMC International. He noted the crucial role of Prof. Primorac in initiating the project and detailed the engagement process: “During our arrival process in Croatia, UPMC collaborated with the Ministry of Health, leading doctors and oncology patients to thoroughly understand Croatia’s real needs regarding cancer diagnosis and treatment needs. The new center in Zabok will provide top-notch access… supporting the efforts of the Croatian healthcare system in improving the prevention, detection, and treatment of malignant diseases.”
