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Mesothelioma cancer centers may extend patient survival by providing the best care possible. Choosing a specialized mesothelioma treatment center gives patients access to the latest treatments. Patients can find top mesothelioma centers at the best hospitals throughout the United States.


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 their survival.

The top mesothelioma centers in the United States include:

Brigham and Women’s Hospital

Brigham and Women’s Hospital

International Mesothelioma Program at The Lung Center
Boston, MA 02115


Lung Institute at Baylor College of Medicine

Lung Institute at Baylor College of Medicine

Houston, TX 77030


Washington Cancer Institute

Washington Cancer Institute

Washington, DC 20010


The University of Chicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center

The University of Chicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center

Chicago, IL 60637


Mount Sinai Medical Center

Mount Sinai Medical Center

Lung and Thoracic Cancer Services
New York, NY 10029


The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center

Thoracic Center
Houston, TX 77030


Moffitt Cancer Center

Moffitt Cancer Center

Mesothelioma Treatment and Research Center
Tampa, FL 33612


UPMC Hillman Cancer Center

UPMC Hillman Cancer Center

Mesothelioma Specialty Care Center
Pittsburgh, PA 15232


Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania

Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania

Mesothelioma and Pleural Disease Program
Philadelphia, PA 19104


University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) Medical Center

University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) Medical Center

Comprehensive Mesothelioma Program
Los Angeles, CA 90095

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. These specialized treatment centers may offer access to the latest pleural mesothelioma treatments. This may include experimental treatments and clinical trials.

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. This gives 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 the late Dr. David Sugarbaker, a renowned mesothelioma treatment expert. The Lung Institute has a designated multi-specialty Mesothelioma Treatment Center 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, peritoneal and pericardial. 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. The center offers 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 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 treatment. The care team within the Washington Cancer Institute often treats patients with a multimodal approach. Dr. Paul H. 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: This medical center has a specialized mesothelioma treatment program, directed by Dr. Robert Brian Cameron.
  • VA Boston Healthcare System: This 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): MEDVAMC is associated with the Lung Institute at Baylor College of Medicine.
02. Find a Cancer 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.

Mesothelioma Cancer Clinics

Alaska Regional Hospital

Alaska Regional Hospital

Anchorage, AK 99508
Providence Alaska Medical Center

Providence Alaska Medical Center

Anchorage, AK 99508
O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center of University of Alabama (UAB) Hospital

O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center of University of Alabama (UAB) Hospital

Birmingham, AL 35233
Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute

Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute

Little Rock, AR 72205
Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center

Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center

Sun City, AZ 85351
Banner University Medical Center Phoenix

Banner University Medical Center Phoenix

Phoenix, AZ 85006
City of Hope Phoenix

City of Hope Phoenix

Goodyear, AZ 85338
Mayo Clinic Hospital

Mayo Clinic Hospital

Phoenix, AZ 85054
University of Arizona Cancer Center

University of Arizona Cancer Center

Tucson, AZ 85719
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center

Cedars-Sinai Medical Center

Los Angeles, CA 90048
City of Hope

City of Hope

Duarte, CA 91010
Salk Institute

Salk Institute

La Jolla, CA 92037
Sanford Burnham Prebys

Sanford Burnham Prebys

La Jolla, CA 92037
St. Joseph Hospital of Orange

St. Joseph Hospital of Orange

Orange, CA 92868
Stanford Cancer Institute

Stanford Cancer Institute

Stanford, CA 94305
University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) Medical Center

University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) Medical Center

Los Angeles, CA 90095
University of California San Diego (UCSD) Health

University of California San Diego (UCSD) Health

La Jolla, CA 92037
University of California San Francisco at Mount Zion

University of California San Francisco at Mount Zion

San Francisco, CA 94115
University of California, Irvine

University of California, Irvine

Orange, CA 92868
University of Southern California (USC)

University of Southern California (USC)

Los Angeles, CA 90033
UCHealth Lung Cancer Clinic – Anschutz Medical Campus

UCHealth Lung Cancer Clinic – Anschutz Medical Campus

Aurora, CO 80045
Hartford HealthCare Cancer Institute at Hartford Hospital

Hartford HealthCare Cancer Institute at Hartford Hospital

Hartford, CT 06106
Smilow Cancer Hospital

Smilow Cancer Hospital

New Haven, CT 06511
Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center

Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center

Washington, DC 20057
Washington Cancer Institute

Washington Cancer Institute

Washington, DC 20010
Helen F. Graham Cancer Center & Research Institute

Helen F. Graham Cancer Center & Research Institute

Newark, DE 19713
AdventHealth Cancer Institute

AdventHealth Cancer Institute

Orlando, FL 32804
Moffitt Cancer Center

Moffitt Cancer Center

Tampa, FL 33612
Orlando Health Cancer Center

Orlando Health Cancer Center

Orlando, FL 32806
Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center

Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center

Miami, FL 33136
Georgia Cancer Specialists and Northside Hospital Cancer Institute

Georgia Cancer Specialists and Northside Hospital Cancer Institute

Atlanta, GA 30341
The Georgia Cancer Center at Augusta University

The Georgia Cancer Center at Augusta University

Augusta, GA 30912
Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University

Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University

Atlanta, GA 30322
University of Hawaii Cancer Center

University of Hawaii Cancer Center

Honolulu, HI 96813
Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center

Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center

Iowa City, IA 52242
St. Luke’s Mountain States Tumor Institute (MSTI): Boise

St. Luke’s Mountain States Tumor Institute (MSTI): Boise

Boise, ID 83712
City of Hope Chicago

City of Hope Chicago

Zion, IL 60099
Edward Cancer Center – Naperville

Edward Cancer Center – Naperville

Naperville, IL 60540
Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University

Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University

Chicago, IL 60611
Rush University Cancer Center

Rush University Cancer Center

Chicago, IL 60612
The University of Chicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center

The University of Chicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center

Chicago, IL 60637
Columbus Regional Hospital Cancer Center

Columbus Regional Hospital Cancer Center

Columbus, IN 47201
Purdue University Center for Cancer Research

Purdue University Center for Cancer Research

West Lafayette, IN 47907
Cancer Center of Kansas

Cancer Center of Kansas

Wichita, KS 67214
The University of Kansas Cancer Center – Westwood

The University of Kansas Cancer Center – Westwood

Westwood, KS 66205
University of Louisville

University of Louisville

Louisville, KY 40202
The Gayle and Tom Benson Cancer Center

The Gayle and Tom Benson Cancer Center

New Orleans, LA 70121
Willis-Knighton Cancer Center

Willis-Knighton Cancer Center

Shreveport, LA 71103
Brigham and Women’s Hospital

Brigham and Women’s Hospital

Boston, MA 02115
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

Boston, MA 02215
Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research

Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research

Cambridge, MA 02139
Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center

Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center

Boston, MA 02114
National Cancer Institute

National Cancer Institute

Bethesda, MD 20892
Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins

Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins

Baltimore, MD 21287
University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center

University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center

Baltimore, MD 21201
Maine Medical Center Cancer Institute

Maine Medical Center Cancer Institute

Scarborough, ME 04074
MaineGeneral Medical Center

MaineGeneral Medical Center

Augusta, ME 04330
Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute

Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute

Detroit, MI 48201
Henry Ford Cancer Institute

Henry Ford Cancer Institute

Detroit, MI 48202
St. Joseph Mercy Ann Arbor Cancer Center

St. Joseph Mercy Ann Arbor Cancer Center

Ypsilanti, MI 48197
University of Michigan

University of Michigan

Ann Arbor, MI 48109
UP Health System – Marquette

UP Health System – Marquette

Marquette, MI 49855
Van Elslander Cancer Center

Van Elslander Cancer Center

Grosse Pointe Woods, MI 48236
Masonic Cancer Center – University of Minnesota

Masonic Cancer Center – University of Minnesota

Minneapolis, MN 55455
Mayo Clinic Cancer Center

Mayo Clinic Cancer Center

Rochester, MN 55905
Barnes-Jewish Hospital

Barnes-Jewish Hospital

Saint Louis, MO 63110
Missouri Baptist Medical Center Cancer Center

Missouri Baptist Medical Center Cancer Center

Saint Louis, MO 63131
Saint Louis University Cancer Center

Saint Louis University Cancer Center

Saint Louis, MO 63110
The University of Kansas Cancer Center – Missouri

The University of Kansas Cancer Center – Missouri

Kansas City, MO 64154
The University of Mississippi Medical Center Cancer Institute

The University of Mississippi Medical Center Cancer Institute

Jackson, MS 39213
Billings Clinic Cancer Center

Billings Clinic Cancer Center

Billings, MT 59101
Duke Cancer Center

Duke Cancer Center

Durham, NC 27710
UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center

UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center

Chapel Hill, NC 27514
Wake Forest Baptist Health

Wake Forest Baptist Health

Winston-Salem, NC 27157
Sanford Roger Maris Cancer Center

Sanford Roger Maris Cancer Center

Fargo, ND 58102
CHI Health Henry Lynch Cancer Center

CHI Health Henry Lynch Cancer Center

Omaha, NE 68124
University of Nebraska Medical Center

University of Nebraska Medical Center

Omaha, NE 68105
Norris Cotton Cancer Center

Norris Cotton Cancer Center

Lebanon, NH 03756
Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey

Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey

New Brunswick, NJ 08903
University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center

University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center

Albuquerque, NM 87102
Comprehensive Cancer Centers of Nevada

Comprehensive Cancer Centers of Nevada

Las Vegas, NV 89169
Southern Nevada Cancer Research Foundation

Southern Nevada Cancer Research Foundation

Las Vegas, NV 89106
Albert Einstein Cancer Center

Albert Einstein Cancer Center

Bronx, NY 10461
Hematology and Oncology Associates of Central New York

Hematology and Oncology Associates of Central New York

East Syracuse, NY 13057
Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center

Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center

New York, NY 10032
Mount Sinai Medical Center

Mount Sinai Medical Center

New York, NY 10029
NY-Presbyterian/Columbia University Medical Center

NY-Presbyterian/Columbia University Medical Center

New York, NY 10032
NYU Langone Medical Center

NYU Langone Medical Center

New York, NY 10016
Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center

Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center

Buffalo, NY 14203
University of Rochester Medical Center

University of Rochester Medical Center

Rochester, NY 14642
Case Western Reserve University

Case Western Reserve University

Cleveland, OH 44106
Cleveland Clinic

Cleveland Clinic

Cleveland, OH 44195
Mercy Health — St. Joseph Warren Hospital Cancer Center

Mercy Health — St. Joseph Warren Hospital Cancer Center

Warren, OH 44484
The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center

The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center

Columbus, OH 43210
OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center

OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center

Oklahoma City, OK 73104
OHSU Knight Cancer Institute

OHSU Knight Cancer Institute

Portland, OR 97239
Providence Cancer Institute – Franz Clinic

Providence Cancer Institute – Franz Clinic

Portland, OR 97213
Samaritan Pastega Regional Cancer Center

Samaritan Pastega Regional Cancer Center

Corvallis, OR 97330
Fox Chase Cancer Center

Fox Chase Cancer Center

Philadelphia, PA 19111
Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania

Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA 19104
Penn Presbyterian Medical Center

Penn Presbyterian Medical Center

Philadelphia, PA 19104
Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center

Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center

Philadelphia, PA 19107
Temple Lung Center

Temple Lung Center

Philadelphia, PA 19140
The Wistar Institute Cancer Center

The Wistar Institute Cancer Center

Philadelphia, PA 19104
UPMC Hillman Cancer Center

UPMC Hillman Cancer Center

Pittsburgh, PA 15232
Lifespan Cancer Institute, Rhode Island Hospital

Lifespan Cancer Institute, Rhode Island Hospital

Providence, RI 02903
Medical University of South Carolina

Medical University of South Carolina

Charleston, SC 29425
Sanford Cancer Center

Sanford Cancer Center

Sioux Falls, SD 57104
Baptist Cancer Center Memphis

Baptist Cancer Center Memphis

Memphis, TN 38120
Memphis Veterans Affairs Medical Center

Memphis Veterans Affairs Medical Center

Memphis, TN 38104
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

Memphis, TN 38105
Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center

Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center

Nashville, TN 37232
Baylor Scott & White Clinic – Temple

Baylor Scott & White Clinic – Temple

Temple, TX 76508
Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research

Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research

Dallas, TX 75390
Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center

Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center

Dallas, TX 75390
Lung Institute at Baylor College of Medicine

Lung Institute at Baylor College of Medicine

Houston, TX 77030
Mays Cancer Center

Mays Cancer Center

San Antonio, TX 78229
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center

Houston, TX 77030
Huntsman Cancer Institute

Huntsman Cancer Institute

Salt Lake City, UT 84112
Jordan Valley Cancer Center

Jordan Valley Cancer Center

West Jordan, UT 84088
University of Virginia Health System

University of Virginia Health System

Charlottesville, VA 22903
Virginia Commonwealth University

Virginia Commonwealth University

Richmond, VA 23298
Virginia Oncology Associates

Virginia Oncology Associates

Norfolk, VA 23502
The University of Vermont Cancer Center

The University of Vermont Cancer Center

Burlington, VT 05401
McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research

McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research

Madison, WI 53706
University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center

University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center

Madison, WI 53792
Mary Babb Randolph Cancer Center

Mary Babb Randolph Cancer Center

Morgantown, WV 26506
St. Mary’s Medical Center

St. Mary’s Medical Center

Huntington, WV 25702
Big Horn Basin Regional Cancer Center

Big Horn Basin Regional Cancer Center

Cody, WY 82414
Rocky Mountain Oncology

Rocky Mountain Oncology

Casper, WY 82609
03. Mesothelioma Cancer Clinic

What Is a Mesothelioma Cancer Center?

A mesothelioma cancer center is a specialized facility that treats mesothelioma patients. At mesothelioma treatment centers, a team of experts develops treatment plans based on current research and the needs of each patient. This team may include oncologists, surgeons, nurses, nutritionists and others. The team may recommend a multimodal approach to treat patients. This means treatment plans may include two or more therapies. Many of these centers also offer supportive care options, such as nutritional help and support groups.

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer. Patients should find a hospital that specializes in mesothelioma cancer to receive care best suited to the condition.

Some of these centers may also have specific designations that identify them as a center of excellence for treating cancers, such as mesothelioma. One specific designation is maintained by the National Cancer Institute (NCI). An NCI-Designated Cancer Center must meet rigorous standards in terms of research and providing leading-edge care. There are currently 71 NCI-Designated Cancer Centers in the country. Some mesothelioma cancer centers have this designation, including The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.

04. Why Choose a Specialized Hospital?

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 may 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 personalized treatment plans. Doctors collaborate to determine the best treatments for a patient’s unique needs.
  • Proper care can extend life expectancy. Mesothelioma is an aggressive disease. Mesothelioma life expectancies 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.
05. How to Choose the Best Center

How to Choose the Best Mesothelioma 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:

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 52 Comprehensive Cancer Centers, 12 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 32 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 care team 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.

06. Common Questions

Common Questions About Mesothelioma Cancer Centers

What is the best hospital for mesothelioma?

Some of the best hospitals for mesothelioma include:

  • Brigham and Women’s Hospital
  • The Lung Institute at Baylor College of Medicine
  • University of Chicago Comprehensive Cancer Center
  • Washington Cancer Institute at Washington Hospital Center

Choosing the best hospital for mesothelioma depends on many personal factors, such as deciding how far the patient is willing to travel. Many of the top mesothelioma centers are in larger cities or affiliated with universities.

Why is it important to find a cancer center that specializes in mesothelioma?

Cancer centers specializing in mesothelioma have experience diagnosing and treating this rare form of cancer. These centers may help patients access clinical trials and newer treatments that may improve survival. Plus, general oncologists may have never seen a case of mesothelioma cancer. Mesothelioma doctors have experience in diagnosis and treatment of the rare cancer.

How do I find a doctor who specializes in mesothelioma?

Patients who want to find a doctor who specializes in mesothelioma may want to start their research online. It is important to remember that doctors who specialize in mesothelioma are not as common as other cancer specialties. Patients may need to travel to get mesothelioma treatment from a specialist if no local options are available.