01. Top Treatment Centers
Top Mesothelioma Treatment Centers
Mesothelioma cancer centers give patients access to the best treatments available. Specialized centers offer experienced mesothelioma doctors, access to clinical trials and state-of-the-art facilities. Patients who receive treatment at a mesothelioma cancer center may extend survival.
The top mesothelioma centers in the United States include:
Notable Treatment Centers for Pleural Mesothelioma
Pleural mesothelioma is the most common type of this cancer. Some treatment centers specialize in treating malignant pleural mesothelioma. Patients who choose a treatment team with pleural mesothelioma experience have access to the best treatments, clinical trials and care.
Some of the best centers for pleural mesothelioma treatment include:
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center offers specialized treatments for pleural mesothelioma, including extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP). This surgery involves the removal of the lung and surrounding impacted tissues. The care team at the Thoracic Center takes a multimodal approach to pleural mesothelioma treatment. This may include a combination of common treatments, such as chemotherapy, radiation and surgery.
- The Cedars-Sinai Medical Center treats pleural mesothelioma patients through the Lung Cancer Clinic. The clinic specializes in minimally invasive surgery and video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). The medical center also leads clinical trials for mesothelioma patients.
- Brigham and Women’s Hospital operates The International Mesothelioma Program (IMP). The IMP was founded in 2002. The program has a large team that specializes in mesothelioma, including Dr. Raphael Bueno. The program also partners with several other prestigious hospitals in the area, giving patients access to the expertise of 13 cancer treatment centers. The program treats hundreds of mesothelioma patients each year. The IMP has experience treating mesothelioma patients with all types of the disease.
- The UCLA Medical Center features Dr. Robert Brian Cameron’s Comprehensive Mesothelioma Program. The program was founded in 1997. Doctors in the program specialize in lung-sparing surgeries for pleural mesothelioma patients. The medical team also specializes in the treatment of sarcomatoid mesothelioma, a rare cell type.
- The Lung Institute at Baylor College of Medicine was founded by Dr. David Sugarbaker, a renowned mesothelioma treatment expert. The Lung Institute has a designated multi-specialty Mesothelioma Treatment Center, which is now led by Dr. Taylor Ripley. The Mesothelioma Treatment Center provides patients with personalized, multidisciplinary treatment plans. The center also leads clinical trials and research in genome sequencing.
Notable Treatment Centers for Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the lining of the abdomen, called the peritoneum. It is the second most common form of the disease. Several cancer centers have specialized treatment programs for peritoneal mesothelioma. These mesothelioma cancer centers often offer abdominal surgeries and specialized chemotherapy methods, such as heated intraoperative peritoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC).
Some of the best centers for peritoneal mesothelioma treatment include:
- The Moffitt Cancer Center is home to the Mesothelioma Research and Treatment Center. It treats the three most common types of mesothelioma: pleural, pericardial and peritoneal. The center also specializes in heated intraoperative peritoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC). The Moffitt Cancer Center has a robust clinical trial program, giving eligible patients access to promising new treatments.
- The Cleveland Clinic’s Taussig Cancer Center focuses on a multidisciplinary approach and targeted treatments ideal for peritoneal mesothelioma cases. Patients can consult a team of doctors to tailor their treatment plans, such as mesothelioma specialist, Dr. James Stevenson. The team may include oncologists, pulmonologists, pathologists, radiologists and thoracic surgeons.
- Brigham and Women’s Hospital is one of the top mesothelioma treatment centers in the world. The hospital’s International Mesothelioma Program (IMP) provides treatment for all types of mesothelioma. Doctors within the IMP treat peritoneal mesothelioma patients with surgery, radiation and/or chemotherapy. The IMP is also actively involved in research and some patients may be eligible for clinical trials.
- UPMC Hillman’s Mesothelioma Specialty Care Center features peritoneal mesothelioma expert Dr. James Pingpank. He and other experts at UPMC guide patients through the diagnosis and treatment process. Treatments offered at the Mesothelioma Specialty Care Center include HIPEC and peritonectomy, a surgery to remove the abdominal lining.
- Washington Cancer Institute provides specialized peritoneal mesothelioma care from Dr. Paul H. Sugarbaker and his team. The care team within the Washington Cancer Institute often treats patients with a multimodal approach. Dr. Sugarbaker created the Sugarbaker Procedure, an innovative combination of cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC.
Notable Mesothelioma Treatment Centers for Veterans
Veterans make up a large percentage of mesothelioma diagnoses. While veterans may choose to receive treatment at any of the centers listed above, several VA centers also provide mesothelioma treatment. VA mesothelioma treatment centers understand the treatment and resources necessary for veteran mesothelioma patients.
These centers are often affiliated with non-VA mesothelioma programs, giving veterans access to cutting-edge care. Top VA mesothelioma treatment centers include:
- West Los Angeles VA Medical Center has a specialized mesothelioma treatment program, directed by Dr. Robert Brian Cameron.
- VA Boston Healthcare System works with experienced mesothelioma doctors at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School.
- Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC) is associated with the Lung Institute at Baylor College of Medicine.
Resources for Mesothelioma Patients
02. Find a Center Near You
Find a Mesothelioma Treatment Center Near You
Mesothelioma centers and clinics are located around the United States. Patients may choose to find a treatment center close to home or travel elsewhere for specific treatment centers and doctors. Travel may be required for patients located far from universities and large cities.
Select a state to see a list of cancer centers in your preferred area. If you or your loved ones require more assistance choosing a treatment center, our team can assist you in this process.
03. Why Choose a Specialized Center
Why Mesothelioma Patients Need Specialized Treatment Centers
Mesothelioma cancer is rare. General oncologists may not have experience in treating this disease, so patients should seek the expertise of a specialized treatment center. Mesothelioma cancer centers have experts who have worked with many patients and are also leaders in research. Experienced mesothelioma treatment centers can provide patients comprehensive care that may extend survival.
There are several reasons why patients should choose a dedicated mesothelioma center, including:
- Diagnosis is difficult and misdiagnosis is common. Mesothelioma symptoms are vague, which can often lead to late-stage diagnoses. The cancer is also often misdiagnosed as more common illnesses. Cutting-edge facilities increase patients’ chances of early and accurate diagnosis.
- Treatment should be tailored and specialized. Mesothelioma treatment centers offer multidisciplinary teams that work together to create a personalized treatment plan. Doctors collaborate to determine the best treatments for a patient’s unique needs.
- Proper care can extend life expectancy. Mesothelioma is an aggressive disease. Life expectancies for this cancer depend greatly on fast and effective treatment. Working with a designated mesothelioma care team can ensure patients are given the best care to potentially extend survival.
04. How to Choose a Center
How to Choose the Best Cancer Center for You
Patients and their loved ones have many aspects to consider when choosing their mesothelioma treatment center.
Factors to contemplate when selecting the best mesothelioma cancer center for you, include:
- Doctors at the facility
- Treatments available
- Availability of clinical trials
- Reputation, awards and affiliations of the center
- Expenses not covered by insurance, such as travel and lodging
Research Mesothelioma Doctors
It is important to work with an oncologist who has mesothelioma experience. Because this disease is rare, general oncologists may not know how to properly diagnose and treat mesothelioma. Mesothelioma experts are best equipped to confirm a diagnosis and develop an effective treatment plan.
Researching top mesothelioma doctors may also help patients find dedicated mesothelioma programs. Often these programs have support staff for assisting patients and loved ones through their cancer journey.
Consider Your Treatment Options
Specialized mesothelioma cancer centers tailor treatment plans for individual patients. A multimodal approach is common for mesothelioma. Multimodal treatment plans combine two or more types of treatment, such as surgery and chemotherapy.
There are several treatment options commonly recommended for mesothelioma, including:
Some patients may choose to supplement these procedures with alternative treatments or seek symptom management (palliative care).
Ask About Ongoing Mesothelioma Research and Trials
Top mesothelioma cancer centers are often leaders in research and clinical trials. Patients may apply to participate in a clinical trial if they meet the eligibility criteria.
Patients who do not respond to common treatments may be candidates for clinical trials and experimental treatments. As researchers continue to understand mesothelioma, new treatment options continue to emerge.
Check for Specially Designated Treatment Centers
Choosing a cancer center with a great reputation can provide patients with peace of mind. Centers may be affiliated with a national body, such as the National Cancer Institute or National Comprehensive Cancer Network. These affiliations recognize cancer centers for dedication to research, patient care and successful treatment.
National Cancer Institute-Designated Cancer Centers
The National Cancer Institute (NCI) is a division of the National Institutes of Health. Cancer treatment centers can become NCI-designated when recognized for scientific excellence. These centers work towards developing more effective approaches to cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment.
Currently, there are 71 NCI-designated cancer centers. These centers apply for NCI designation and must prove they exhibit the qualities of a top treatment facility.
Attributes of an NCI-designated cancer center include:
- Employing top mesothelioma doctors
- Offering advanced treatment options, such as immunotherapy, gene therapy, photodynamic therapy and other emerging treatments
- Conducting clinical trials, testing new cancer drugs and advancing standard treatments
There are three tiers of NCI designation. Each level dictates the amount of funding NCI may give to each center. Comprehensive Cancer Centers are the highest tier. There are 51 Comprehensive Cancer Centers, 13 Cancer Centers and seven Basic Laboratory Cancer Centers.
More information about the specially designated centers can be found on the NCI website.
National Comprehensive Cancer Network
Cancer centers may also be recognized by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN). Most NCCN member centers are NCI-designated comprehensive cancer centers as well. Currently, there are 30 NCCN-recognized cancer institutes located around the country.
NCCN centers are involved in advancing practices around cancer care, research and education. For instance, NCCN centers offer a multidisciplinary team approach to patient care and lead clinical trials.
Learn more about the organization’s guidelines at the NCCN website.
Consider Treatment Costs and Other Expenses
Cancer care and treatment can come with many associated costs. Treatment costs may be daunting for patients and loved ones. However, a mesothelioma expert can help locate helpful resources.
For example, one common cost is travel. Many patients choose to seek treatment at centers located far from home. Some facilities may help with housing for mesothelioma patients and family members when they travel for treatment.
Patients may also be able to help cover costs with travel grants and free enrollment in clinical trials at some mesothelioma centers.
