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01. History

History of Henry Ford Cancer Institute

The Henry Ford Cancer Institute consists of a group of cancer treatment locations. The institute has locations throughout central and southern Michigan, with headquarters in Detroit. The institute is part of the Henry Ford Health System, a not-for-profit healthcare organization. The industrialist Henry Ford founded the organization in 1915.

The Henry Ford Cancer Institute has one of the largest cancer center programs in Michigan. It treats more than 9,500 new patients each year. It provides its patients with integrated cancer care. This includes thoracic and lung cancer clinics, supportive services and mesothelioma clinical trials.

The organization receives millions of dollars in funding awards from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) each year. This funding allows the institute to engage in innovative clinical trials and treatments. The institute commonly runs more than 200 clinical trials at the same time. It also dedicates funds to develop advances in individualized care for patients. Precision medicine customizes treatment based on factors such as genetic traits and environmental influences.

The institute also offers the latest cancer treatments and does research into new technologies. It is the first cancer center to image and treat cancer patients at the same time with a technology called MRIdian Linac® by ViewRay. The technology is an MRI-guided radiation therapy system. It helps doctors target tumors in moving body parts, such as lungs. This helps protect surrounding, healthy tissue.

In 2021, the Henry Ford Cancer Institute opened the Brigitte Harris Cancer Pavilion. Located in Detroit, it is the new hub of the institute. Cancer patients, cancer survivors and their families helped design the pavilion. It provides integrated care and support services for cancer patients. It has art therapy and meditation spaces, as well as gathering places for support groups.

02. Mesothelioma Care

Mesothelioma Care at Henry Ford Cancer Institute

Doctors at Henry Ford Cancer Institute are experienced in the tools and techniques used to diagnose and treat mesothelioma. The institute offers a team of dozens of thoracic and lung cancer specialists. They use a multimodal approach to treat mesothelioma.

The institute’s thoracic cancer board and experienced mesothelioma doctors will evaluate patients’ cases. This multidisciplinary board of experts works together to create a personalized treatment plan for each patient. The plan may include chemotherapy, radiation and/or surgery. It may also include other treatments such as palliative care and targeted therapy.

Doctors at the Henry Ford Cancer Institute use emerging, innovative techniques to treat mesothelioma. The institute is among the few nationally recognized robotic surgery centers. Specialists employ minimally invasive robotic surgery to treat almost every thoracic cancer. Doctors at the center also specialize in hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC). This is a heated chemotherapy administered after surgery to remove tumors. It has shown success for peritoneal mesothelioma patients.

The Henry Ford Cancer Institute has an active research team. It is dedicated to discovering new mesothelioma treatments. Eligible patients may have a chance to try new treatments before they are widely available through the institute’s clinical trial program.

03. Specializations

Henry Ford Cancer Institute Specializations

  • HIPEC
  • Medical oncology
  • MRI-guided radiation therapy
  • Precision medicine
  • Robotic surgery
04. Accreditations

Henry Ford Cancer Institute Accreditations

  • American College of Radiology Accreditation
  • American Hospital Association-McKesson Quest for Quality Prize
  • Blue Distinction Center for Cancer Care
  • Commission on Cancer Integrated Network Cancer Program Accreditation
  • John M. Eisenberg Patient Safety and Quality Award
05. Mesothelioma Clinical Trials

Mesothelioma Clinical Trials at Henry Ford Cancer Institute

The following clinical trials are in progress or actively recruiting participants at the Henry Ford Cancer Institute:

Safety, Tolerability, Pharmacokinetics, and Pharmacodynamics of INCB099280 in Participants With Advanced Solid Tumors


Conditions: Carcinoma, Merkel Cell, Carcinoma, Neoplasms, Carcinoma, Squamous Cell, Small Cell Lung Carcinoma, Mesothelioma, Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma, Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Last Updated: October 24, 2022

Status: Recruiting

Locations: Boston, MA. Detroit, MI. Pittsburgh, PA. Houston, TX. Seattle, WA.

06. Hospital Services

Patient and Family Services at Henry Ford Cancer Institute

The Henry Ford Cancer Institute provides a range of services to support cancer patients and their families. For instance, social workers provide counseling and other services. They can help patients access and understand information about their diagnosis. They can also help patients identify treatment options that work for them and their families.

Patients will also have a dedicated nurse navigator. This is a registered nurse who helps guide patients through their cancer care journey. They can provide education about care options and help coordinate appointments and referrals.

Other resources and services for Henry Ford Cancer Institute patients include:

07. Offsite Services in Detroit

Patient and Family Services in the Detroit Area

Detroit is the largest city in Michigan. The city and the surrounding area offer many services for cancer patients and their families. Offsite services include medical supply resources, nutrition services and support groups.

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