Houston, Texas, is home to The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, which was voted No. 1 in cancer care in U.S. News & World Report's "America's Best Hospitals" eight times between 2001 and 2011. And with research grants and National Cancer Institute (NCI) grant funds totaling more than $547 million, this cancer treatment center stands out as a true powerhouse.

Founded in 1941 as a part of the University of Texas System, the stated mission of this institution is "Making Cancer History," which MD Anderson seeks to achieve through its emphasis on cancer research, treatments and prevention. One of the nation's 40 NCI-designated comprehensive cancer centers, this hospital maintains the highest standards of excellence in patient care, education, basic science, clinical research and cancer prevention.

Mesothelioma & Lung Cancer Leaders

This institution's accumulated success is apparent in its diagnosis and treatment of all stages of lung and chest cancers, as well as related conditions such as pleural and pericardial mesothelioma. This is all done through the Thoracic Cancer Center with a staff of leading cancer specialists in place, such as Anne Tsao, M.D., director of the Mesothelioma and Thoracic Chemo-Radiation Programs and an authority in the research and treatment of mesothelioma and head and neck cancers; and Stephen G. Swisher, M.D., chair of the Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery and a renowned figure in lung and esophageal cancer research and treatment.

Locate additional mesothelioma specialists in Texas and surrounding areas by using the Doctor Match Program, a service provided for free from the Mesothelioma Center.

Treatment Options

Lung cancer and mesothelioma may require multiple treatments, and these diseases often don't respond to conventional therapies. Therefore, the Thoracic Cancer Center's members regularly collaborate to discuss new and advanced technologies and techniques. These specialists have access to the latest diagnostic approaches, as well as advanced and minimally invasive surgery techniques, such as:

Drug therapies targeting specific cancer cells
Advanced bronchoscopic imaging
Endobronchial and esophageal ultrasound
High resolution CT scanning
Positron emission tomography (PET)

Research Programs & Clinical Trials

Research is crucial at this hospital, as illustrated by its 12 NCI-awarded Specialized Programs of Research Excellence (SPORE) grants. In total, physicians and scientists participate in approximately 600 research projects that cover various cancers. They also participate in a number of clinical trials to better diagnose, prevent, and treat all forms of cancer. Additionally, the center provides a database of current trials for patients to explore and apply.

Additional Information

In 2010 an estimated 105,000 patients visited the 546-bed cancer center. The institution and its different locations throughout Texas, the Southwest and internationally employs about 18,000 people, including physicians, scientists, nurses, allied health professionals and faculty members.

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