John Hopkins Hospital, Sidney Kimmel CCC

The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at John Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore offers top-notch care for mesothelioma patients. John Hopkins is a leading teaching and research facility, known worldwide for its expertise in a wide range of medical conditions, including mesothelioma. The Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center has been designated as a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute, one of only 41 such centers in the nation.

Pleural and pericardial mesothelioma patients are treated in the Upper Aerodigestive Cancer Program, which treats cancer of the head, neck, lung, and esophagus. The expert staff offers multi-modal (combination) therapy which is often the best hope for mesothelioma patients. A wide range of clinical trials are undertaken at Hopkins, some of which target mesothelioma. Gemcitabine has been one of the drugs used in these trials; it shows promise in treating mesothelioma.

Hopkins specialists have also seen success using photodynamic therapy to treat mesothelioma and other lung cancers. Photodynamic therapy uses a photosensitizer drug and special lights to kill cancer cells; it is less invasive than some mesothelioma treatments. In addition, Hopkins has had success treating mesothelioma and other lung cancers using a drug called Navelbine in combination with other drugs.

John Hopkins also offers emotional support for mesothelioma patients and their families. Several programs are available to address varying needs. Counseling is provided by the Kimmel Cancer Center's Department of Oncology Social Work and the Cancer Counseling Center. Spiritual counseling is available through the Department of Pastoral Services.

Two special residences are available to accommodate out-of-town patients undergoing treatment: the Hackerman-Patz House and the Joanne Rockwell Memorial House. These residences provide a supportive, family atmosphere for Hopkins' patients and their families; they also offer a low nightly rate. Other accommodations are available near the hospital and a shuttle service transports patients to and from the hospital, and around the hospital campus.

Many patients travel thousands of miles to see the specialists at John Hopkins. Two offices help patients coordinate appointments, referrals, travel plans, and lodging with one simple phone call.

Out-of-Town patients in the United States should call: (410) 735-4872. International patients should call 01-410-955-8032 or Fax 01-410-955-0209 or e-mail jhis@jhmi.edu

Mesothelioma Specialists at John Hopkins

Stephen C. Yang, M.D., F.A.C.S, F.C.C.P., Surgeon - Dr. Yang is the Surgical Director of the Thoracic Oncology Program and the Chief of the Division of Thoracic Surgery. He is also an associate Professor of Surgery and Oncology at John Hopkins. Dr. Yang received his medical degree from the Medical College of Virginia and did his general surgery residency at Houston's University of Texas Health Science Center. He undertook his cardiothoracic surgery fellowship at the Medical College of Virginia. In addition, Dr. Yang trained at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center for three years in a thoracic surgical oncology research fellowship. Yang joined the John Hopkins' faculty in 1994.

Dr. Yang's clinical interests include the diagnosis and surgical treatment of mesothelioma, as well as neoadjuvant treatment and protocols. He treats lung cancer, fibrosis, emphysema, and esophageal cancer. He has been involved in research on the molecular biology of mesothelioma and early detection of lung cancer, as well as the staging of lung cancer. Dr. Yang has also pioneered performing successful lung surgery on cancer patients over age 65; more than 1,400 of his surgical patients at John Hopkins have been senior citizens. Yang has numerous publications to his credit and he is board certified by the American Board of Surgery and the American Board of Thoracic Surgery. He is a member of numerous professional organizations.

An appointment with Dr. Yang can be made by calling: (410) 614-3891 or by E-mail: syang@jhmi.edu

Julie R. Brahmer, M.D., Medical Oncologist - Dr. Brahmer is an assistant professor of oncology at John Hopkins. She earned her medical degree from the University of Nebraska Medical Center and undertook her internship and residency in Internal Medicine at the University of Utah. She studied medical oncology during a fellowship at John Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center. Dr. Brahmer is board certified in Internal Medicine and Medical Oncology.

Dr. Brahmer is an active part of mesothelioma care at John Hopkins. She organizes the weekly thoracic malignancy conference held between various specialists to discuss the prognosis and treatment of chest cancer cases at the Kimmel Cancer Center. This multi-disciplinary approach is of great benefit to mesothelioma patients who must be treated by a wide variety of specialists. Brahmer is also part of the cancer pain team.

For an appointment with Dr. Brahmer call: 410-955-8964

General Contact Information

John Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center
Weinberg Building
401 North Broadway
Baltimore, MD 21231
General information: (410) 502-1033
Appointment and Referral Office: (410) 955-5222
Department of Oncology Social Work (counseling services): (410) 955-8934
Cancer Counseling Center: (410) 955-1010
Department of Pastoral Service: (410) 955-5842
Resource and Transportation Coordinator: (410) 955-6549

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