At MD Anderson Cancer Center - Orlando, the first and largest affiliate of the world-renowned University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, patients can take advantage of a wide array of benefits. Since 1991 MD Anderson - Orlando has been Central Florida's premier cancer care and treatment destination. Designated a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer institute (NCI), it maintains the highest standards of excellence in patient care, education, basic science, clinical research and cancer prevention.

MD Anderson - Orlando embraces a multidisciplinary approach to patient care, which plays a crucial role in the hospital's reputation for the diagnosis and treatment of lung and esophageal cancers, as well as mesothelioma and other conditions affecting the chest. These diseases are effectively treated by the Rod Taylor Thoracic Care Center, the region's only team specially trained in advanced thoracic cancer surgery.

The Thoracic Care Center includes Luis Herrera, M.D., a specialist in all thoracic surgeries with a particular expertise in multimodality (chemotherapy/radiation/surgery) treatments. He and the full team - including board-certified surgeons, oncologists, pathologists, radiologists, nurses, researchers and therapists – provide patients with all necessary services, from diagnosis through treatment and follow-up.

If you would like to explore more options for choosing a mesothelioma specialist, the Doctor Match Program can help.

Types of Treatment

Among this team's achievements are the first uses of minimally invasive video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) and robotic thoracic surgery. In regard to treatments, patients' abilities to tolerate treatment and their specific cancer stages may determine the specific therapy. The Thoracic Care Center performs surgeries, chemotherapy, radiation, and/or combination treatments. However, they may opt for advanced, experimental procedures. Treatment options, both conventional and experimental, include the following:

Thoracoscopy and pleurodesis, to drain fluid
Pleurectomy or pleurectomy/decortication (P/D), which remove affected lung tissue, while sparing healthy organs
Extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP), in which all affected organs are removed, including the lungs, lymph glands and parts of the diaphragm and pericardium
Minimally invasive procedures, which use smaller incisions and cause less discomfort, such as video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) and robotic surgeries
Radiation therapy, typically that of intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), which utilizes high-dose radiation to spare healthy organs
Chemotherapy, the main option for advanced cases

Research & Clinical Trials

In regard to research, whether for lung cancer or any other type, the majority is conducted at the Cancer Research Institute (CRI). This facility is working to develop a tissue bank, while continuing its focus on the genetic roots of tumors.

MD Anderson - Orlando's partnership with the Houston, Texas, campus provides patients with local evaluation and treatment options, as well as the chance to participate in clinical trials. This enables weekly teleconferences to discuss challenging patient cases. A wealth of biotechnological, basic, and translational research, in which laboratory findings are directly transferred to patients, allows patients to take advantage of the newest anti-cancer agents.

Additional Information

Based in the state-of-the-art Charles Lewis Pavilion, a comprehensive, 60-bed cancer center, this facility provides direct access to national and international cancer experts, advanced facilities and equipment and access to the latest clinical research trials. Undoubtedly, this institution has succeeded in its mission of "using every available resource to defeat cancer."

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