Dept of Medicine | University of Pittsburgh

Dr. Liza C. Villaruz

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University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute (UPCI)

Expert in Lung Cancer
Expert in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
40 reported clinical trials
59 drugs studied

About Liza C. Villaruz

Education:

  • Obtained MD from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine in 2010.
  • Completed Residency in Radiation Oncology at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center in 2015.
  • Finished Fellowship in Radiation Oncology at the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute in 2016.

Experience:

  • Assistant Professor of Radiation Oncology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.
  • Radiation oncologist at the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, with a specialization in breast cancer and gastrointestinal malignancies.

Area of expertise

1Lung Cancer
Global Leader
Liza C. Villaruz has run 27 trials for Lung Cancer. Some of their research focus areas include:
Stage IV
Stage III
Stage II
2Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Global Leader
Liza C. Villaruz has run 25 trials for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. Some of their research focus areas include:
Stage IV
Stage III
Stage II

Affiliated Hospitals

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University Of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute (UPCI)
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UPMC Pinnacle Cancer Center/Community Osteopathic Campus

Clinical Trials Liza C. Villaruz is currently running

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Crizotinib

for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

This randomized phase III trial studies how well crizotinib works in treating patients with stage IB-IIIA non-small cell lung cancer that has been removed by surgery and has a mutation in a protein called anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK). Mutations, or changes, in ALK can make it very active and important for tumor cell growth and progression. Crizotinib may stop the growth of tumor cells by blocking the ALK protein from working. Crizotinib may be an effective treatment for patients with non-small cell lung cancer and an ALK fusion mutation.
Recruiting2 awards Phase 328 criteria
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Chemotherapy + Immunotherapy

for Mesothelioma

This phase II trial compares the usual treatment alone (carboplatin, pemetrexed, and bevacizumab) to using immunotherapy (atezolizumab) plus the usual treatment in treating patients with peritoneal mesothelioma. The usual treatment consists of surgery or chemotherapy. Carboplatin is in a class of medications known as platinum-containing compounds. It works in a way similar to the anticancer drug cisplatin, but may be better tolerated than cisplatin. Carboplatin works by killing, stopping or slowing the growth of cancer cells. Pemetrexed is in a class of medications called antifolate antineoplastic agents. It works by stopping cells from using folic acid to make DNA and may kill cancer cells. Bevacizumab is in a class of medications called antiangiogenic agents. It works by stopping the formation of blood vessels that bring oxygen and nutrients to tumor. This may slow the growth and spread of tumor. Immunotherapy with monoclonal antibodies, such as atezolizumab, may help the body's immune system attack the cancer, and may interfere with the ability of tumor cells to grow and spread. Giving atezolizumab with usual treatment may work better than usual treatment alone.
Recruiting1 award Phase 236 criteria

More about Liza C. Villaruz

Clinical Trial Related6 years of experience running clinical trials · Led 40 trials as a Principal Investigator · 14 Active Clinical Trials
Treatments Liza C. Villaruz has experience with
  • Pembrolizumab
  • Carboplatin
  • Pemetrexed
  • Atezolizumab
  • Irinotecan Hydrochloride
  • Berzosertib
Breakdown of trials Liza C. Villaruz has run

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Frequently asked questions

Do I need insurance to participate in a trial?
Almost all clinical trials will cover the cost of the ‘trial drug’ — so no insurance is required for this. For trials where this trial drug is given alongside an already-approved medication, there may be a cost (which your insurance would normally cover).
What does Liza C. Villaruz specialize in?
Liza C. Villaruz focuses on Lung Cancer and Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. In particular, much of their work with Lung Cancer has involved Stage IV patients, or patients who are Stage III.
Is Liza C. Villaruz currently recruiting for clinical trials?
Yes, Liza C. Villaruz is currently recruiting for 14 clinical trials in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania. If you're interested in participating, you should apply.
Are there any treatments that Liza C. Villaruz has studied deeply?
Yes, Liza C. Villaruz has studied treatments such as Pembrolizumab, Carboplatin, Pemetrexed.
What is the best way to schedule an appointment with Liza C. Villaruz?
Apply for one of the trials that Liza C. Villaruz is conducting.
What is the office address of Liza C. Villaruz?
The office of Liza C. Villaruz is located at: University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute (UPCI), Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15232 United States. This is the address for their practice at the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute (UPCI).
Is there any support for travel costs?
The coverage of travel expenses can vary greatly between different clinical trials. Please see more financial detail in the trials you’re interested to apply.