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01. History

History of NY-Presbyterian/Columbia University Medical Center

NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital was formed by a merger of two separate institutions, New York Hospital and Presbyterian Hospital. The New York Hospital was the second oldest hospital in the United States, dating back to 1771. In 1898, the hospital became affiliated with Weill Cornell Medical College. The Presbyterian Hospital was founded in 1868 by James Lenox, a philanthropist and wealthy book collector from New York City.

NewYork-Presbyterian operates two cancer treatment centers: the Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center and the Weill Cornell Cancer Center of New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center.

Recently, the hospital also opened a Mesothelioma Center, which sees more than 100 newly diagnosed mesothelioma patients each year and takes on important research to add to experts’ knowledge of the disease.

02. Mesothelioma Care

Mesothelioma Care at NY-Presbyterian/Columbia University Medical Center

NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Medical Center offers renowned advanced care for pleural mesothelioma. Through their affiliated campuses, Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center and the Weill Cornell Medicine Sandra and Edward Meyer Cancer Center, patients may also seek treatment depending on their individual case, including hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) offered through a specialized program at Weill Cornell Medicine. Through customized treatment plans, a team of doctors at each of these centers provide a multidisciplinary approach to mesothelioma cancer care.

Mesothelioma specialists at NewYork-Presbyterian have experience diagnosing mesothelioma, including through endoscopy or camera-assisted biopsies that can also aid in developing a treatment plan. Once diagnosis is confirmed, experts in surgical oncology, chemotherapy and radiation therapy work together to develop specialized treatment plans, and also offer treatment such as immunotherapy radiology and minimally invasive thoracic surgery. Their team also provides care and procedures centered around comfort, such as those to treat breathing and minimize pain.

The Sandra and Edward Meyer Cancer Center at Weill Cornell, a part of NewYork-Presbyterian, explore alternative treatment methods for mesothelioma. Weill Cornell treats mesothelioma and funds research opportunities for exploring immunotherapy as a method of treatment. The lung cancer program through the Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center also treats mesothelioma with specific, targeted therapies and pain management.

Cancer centers at NewYork-Presbyterian provide access to clinical trials to access novel treatment approaches. Support programs, like nutritionists, rehabilitation therapists and a palliative care team, are also offered to help them through the emotional and physical challenges they may face during treatment.

03. Specializations

NY-Presbyterian/Columbia University Medical Center Specializations

  • Chemotherapy
  • Endoscopy
  • Immunotherapy
  • Radiology
  • Radiation therapy
  • Thoracic surgery
  • Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC)
04. Accreditations

NY-Presbyterian/Columbia University Medical Center Accreditations

  • Commission on Cancer (CoC) accreditation
  • National Cancer Institute (NCI) Comprehensive Care Center
  • National Cancer Institute (NCI) Community Oncology Research Program
  • National Best Hospitals for Cancer by U.S. News & World Report