Allegheny Health Network

we take a multidisciplinary approach to treating sarcoma, integrating expertise across specialties to optimize patient outcomes. Our strategy includes a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and access to leading clinical trials.

By convening the best minds in orthopaedic oncology research and treatment throughout AHNCI and across the country, we develop a holistic care strategy through the exchange of ideas and expertise.

Serving as the foundation of our care philosophy,our biweekly internal sarcoma conference assembles AHN bone and soft tissue specialists from areas such as oncology, radiology, and pathology. In these discussions, we strategize for the most complex cases and share updates to ensure synergized, informed treatment plans.

We collaborate with other renowned cancer centers across the U.S. — including West Virginia University Hospital and Marshall University Medical Center — to exchange insights and enhance patient care.

AHNCI is at the forefront of sarcoma research, with recent contributions presented at the 2024 Musculoskeletal Tumor Society annual meeting by Lisa B. Ercolano, MD, Chief of AHN Orthopaedic Oncology.

According to Dr. Ercolano, findings indicate the potential for ctDNA to improve diagnosis, treatment monitoring, and recurrence detection — offering a non-invasive alternative to biopsy.

A pilot study assessing perioperative supplementation in sarcoma patients is informing a larger AHN trial on its role in surgical recovery.

Our research on how patients prefer to receive biopsy results underscores the need for individualized communication approaches.

In addition to extensive research, AHN uses the latest science, technology, and techniques to provide several treatment options to care for each unique patient and case.

A multidisciplinary surgical team — including oncologic, orthopaedic, thoracic, and plastic surgeons — tailors each procedure to the patient's needs.

As the only radiation oncology network in western Pennsylvania accredited by both the American Society for Radiation Oncology and the American College of Radiology, AHNCI uses advanced computer software and imaging to target the radiation beams directly at the tumor, minimizing exposure to healthy tissue.

We provide chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy as standalone treatments or in combination with surgery and radiation.

Our integrated team of pain management specialists, infection control specialists, physical therapists, and psychologists supports patients through both treatment and recovery.

AHN is committed to delivering leading-edge sarcoma care. To refer your patient to AHN Cancer Institute, call the Hope Line at (

Articles

AHN Orthopaedic Institute employs a multidisciplinary approach to sarcoma treatment, integrating surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and clinical trials. Biweekly sarcoma conferences and multi-institutional collaborations enhance patient care through shared expertise. AHNCI leads sarcoma research, with studies on circulating tumor DNA and perioperative immunonutrition. The institute emphasizes individualized patient communication and offers advanced treatment options, including surgery, radiation, and medical oncology. Rehabilitation support is provided by a comprehensive team. AHN is dedicated to delivering cutting-edge sarcoma care, with a referral system in place for patient access.

AHNCI is at the forefront of sarcoma research, with recent contributions presented at the 2024 Musculoskeletal Tumor Society annual meeting.

Synergy and Science: AHN’s Multidisciplinary Approach to Sarcoma Treatment

For patients with lung cancer and other pulmonary conditions, two things are extremely important when it comes to care — early detection and treatment close to home.

, our Pulmonology Program at Allegheny General Hospital was the 

 to use the Ion Robotic Bronchoscopy method for early diagnosis of lung cancer in 2021. Since then, we’ve expanded this technology to four more AHN locations in an unwavering effort to provide better outcomes for more people across western Pennsylvania.

Lung cancer is still the leading cause of cancer deaths, but effective screening and early detection can 

decrease a person’s chance of dying by 20%.

*Early detection allows treatment to start sooner, significantly improving survival rates.

The five-year survival rate in early lung cancer is overall excellent — usually around 90%. On the contrary, stage IV lung cancer has a very poor five-year survival rate, which can sometimes be close to 0%.**

Early detection made possible with robotics

 is a state-of-the-art robotic-assisted bronchoscopy technology that helps diagnose lung cancer at its earliest and most treatable stages.

AHN Pulmonologist, Giath Shari, MD, says that historically the lung is a difficult organ to biopsy, but the Ion Robotic Bronchoscopy has been a “game changer” — offering benefits like:

Ability to confirm a cancer diagnosis and identify its stage.

Ability to start treatment sooner since there is no patient recovery time.

Ability to perform multiple biopsies at one time.

Time savings (procedure takes less than two hours).

Since traditional biopsy methods often involve a procedure and recovery time for the patient, Dr. Shari says that bringing the robotic bronchoscopy closer to home for many people has elicited an overwhelming response.

The Ion Robotic Bronchoscopy is available at five convenient locations across western Pennsylvania, including Erie:

320 East North Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15212

565 Coal Valley Road
Jefferson Hills, PA 15025

A multidisciplinary approach to pulmonology

When it comes to treating cancer or any pulmonary disease, AHN experts across specialties work together to discuss findings and determine the appropriate next steps for each patient’s unique case. There is a team of experts behind each decision and treatment plan providing the highest quality care.

Comprehensive care for multiple lung conditions such as obstructive lung diseases, interstitial lung diseases, and lung cancer.

Several advanced treatment and testing options across the spectrum of pulmonary diseases.

Patient access to lung cancer coordinators and other care management staff.

Provider access to “Tumor Board” meeting findings, where AHN doctors across specialties present their patient cases and discuss the best treatment methods, often combining treatments across disciplinaries.

If you notice anything abnormal on your patient’s CT scan or other testing, don’t wait to refer them to the AHN pulmonology specialists. Call 

AHN also hosts free screening events for eligible individuals (age 50-80 with a 20 pack-year history of smoking). Patients or physicians can call

**Source: Overall survival by pathologic stage according to the seventh edition (A) and the eighth edition (B) groupings using the entire database available for the eighth edition.

Early detection and localized treatment are crucial for lung cancer care. The AHN Medicine Institute's Pulmonology Program has implemented the Ion Robotic Bronchoscopy for early lung cancer diagnosis, expanding its reach across western Pennsylvania. This technology enhances diagnostic accuracy, reduces recovery time, and allows for multiple biopsies without skin incisions. The program emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach, involving experts from various specialties to provide comprehensive care. AHN offers advanced treatment options and facilitates access to lung cancer coordinators, ensuring high-quality, patient-centered care.

Lung cancer is still the leading cause of cancer deaths, but effective screening and early detection can decrease a person’s chance of dying by 20%.

AHN Pulmonology: Bringing Hope to Lung Cancer Patients with Advanced Testing and Treatment Closer to Home

 is redefining autoimmune care by fostering an integrated, collaborative environment where specialists work closely across disciplines to improve diagnosis, treatment, and patient outcomes.

Rather than directing your patient to multiple specialists to establish a diagnosis, referring them to the AHN Autoimmunity Institute gives patients access to a network of 17 specialists spanning areas including lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, endocrinology, and more.

The institute promotes collaboration through a unique design that removes traditional physician offices, replacing them with a “huddle hall” where all specialists and support staff gather to discuss patient treatment in real time during appointments.

As another benefit to patients of the AHN Autoimmunity Institute, we offer a care transformation team made up of four specialists who focus on managing patient needs that are often unmet. The team is comprised of clinical pharmacologists, nutrition experts, behavioral health specialists, and social workers.

This holistic care ensures that each patient is fully supported — from medication management, to addressing anxiety and depression, which affect more than half of autoimmune disease patients according to a recent study.*

The AHN Autoimmunity Institute has treated patients from 40 states who travel for the quality of care they can only find at AHN.

“Our patients have traveled to us from as far as Alaska and Hawaii. Many have come to us seeking a diagnosis they’ve been in search of for so long — after seeing specialist after specialist,” said Joseph Ahearn, MD, Chair of the AHN Autoimmunity Institute. “At the Autoimmunity Institute, we not only provide the scientific diagnosis and treatment for their medical conditions, but the convenience and validation from a mental health aspect, as well.”

Before a patient is seen, we ask that they submit their medical records so our experts can have a comprehensive review of their often-complex history. After records are submitted, the patient will then receive a call from Dr. Ahearn personally to help determine which specialists will be the best fit to treat their unique case. Dr. Ahearn says that due to this level of personalization and listening, patient satisfaction scores are near 100.

At the Institute, we’ve not only integrated patient care, but also leading-edge research into our model. Some of our recent efforts include:

We’vecommercialized a patent family for one of the best 

 in the world that integrates novel biomarkers to detect lupus earlier and more accurately.** This was the result of a combination of recruiting patients and working in our labs to discover, validate, and commercialize this test.

This is a first-of-its-kind, direct-to-patient study to create a biospecimen repository with clinical data and blood samples from patients across the country living with relapsing polychondritis. The goal of this effort is to advance the way the rare disease is diagnosed, monitored, and treated.

At the AHN Autoimmunity Institute, our mantra is: treat the disease and care for the patient. We want to work with you to provide our expert opinion and innovative treatment options to help your patient find the answers they’re looking for.

Make a referral to the AHN Autoimmunity Institute by calling our patient concierge at: 

*Source: Prevalence and identification of neuropsychiatric symptoms in systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases: an international mixed methods study. 

**Source: Multi-centered clinical validation demonstrating superior precision in lupus diagnosis: T cell autoantibodies and TC4d outperform conventional lupus erythematosus biomarkers. 

The AHN Autoimmunity Institute is revolutionizing autoimmune care by integrating specialists across disciplines to enhance diagnosis, treatment, and patient outcomes. Patients gain access to a network of 17 specialists, promoting collaboration through a unique "huddle hall" design. A care transformation team addresses unmet patient needs, ensuring holistic support. The Institute's personalized approach has attracted patients nationwide, with satisfaction scores near 100. Leading-edge research, including biomarker discovery and the PURPOSE Research Initiative, further advances autoimmune care. Referrals can be made through their patient concierge service.

AHN Autoimmunity Institute: Tackling 100+ Autoimmune Diseases Through Collaboration

Patients from hospitals across the state and western Pennsylvania turn to 

for innovative, expert-led care for relief from severe coronary artery disease.

For patients with coronary occlusion or chronic total occlusion (CTO) — a blockage lasting for over 90 days or that blocks 100% of the artery — CTO procedures are a complex, but critical intervention.

While few cardiologists in the region perform CTO proceduresdue to their complexity, AHN is proud to offer 

Specialized equipment, techniques, and talent

CTOs differ from the acute artery blockages that cause heart attacks, requiring specialized expertise and cutting-edge technology for optimal procedure results.

At AHN, our talented Interventional Cardiologistsutilize advanced tools, like precision-engineered wires, guide catheters, and imaging systems designed specifically for navigating and clearing chronic blockages. With this approach, we maximize success rates while prioritizing patient safety and comfort.

Recovery from a CTO procedure is comparable to that of a standard Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) or stent placement, with most patients returning home the next day.

Following the CTO procedure, patients generally report significant improvement, with relief from debilitating symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, and fatigue.

To ensure long-term success, AHN coordinates follow-up care with each patient’s local cardiology team, providing comprehensive support throughout recovery.

If your patient is suffering from symptoms of a severe artery occlusion and you think they may require a CTO procedure, skilled 

at AHN Cardiovascular Institute are here to provide a consultation or second opinion — ensuring the best possible treatment plan for your patient.

For more information or to refer a patient, call 

AHN Cardiovascular Institute offers advanced care for patients with severe coronary artery disease, particularly those with chronic total occlusion (CTO). Despite the complexity of CTO procedures, AHN provides access to three expert operators at Allegheny General Hospital. Utilizing specialized equipment and techniques, AHN's interventional cardiologists achieve high success rates while ensuring patient safety and comfort. Recovery is swift, with most patients experiencing significant symptom relief. AHN also coordinates follow-up care with local cardiology teams to support long-term recovery and success.

AHN is proud to offer three highly skilled chronic total occlusion operators at Allegheny General Hospital. 