University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor

The University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center, founded in 1986, provides world-class care to mesothelioma patients. In 1988 it was designated as a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute and is a member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network. The University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center is dedicated to teamwork between researchers and clinicians to find the best methods of treating all forms of cancer, including mesothelioma. The center's research is aimed at cancer prevention as well as treatment.

Research and treatment are conducted under the same roof in the nine-story Cancer Center Building, which opened in 1997. The center's staff includes 400 medical researchers who annually receive more than $79 million in funding from the National Cancer Institute. The center has achieved numerous research breakthroughs in the treatment of many forms of cancer, including bladder cancer, breast cancer and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Currently, nanotechnology, which can develop drugs personalized for a particular cancer case, is being studied. The center is continuously conducting numerous clinical trials, some of which may benefit mesothelioma patients.

Laboratory studies of a new drug called tetrathiomolybdate, or TM are being performed on mice. This drug may prove helpful in the fight against mesothelioma and other cancers. TM prevents the development of new blood vessels in tumor cells; researchers believe it does this by lowering the amount of copper in the blood. With no blood supply the tumor cells die.

Mesothelioma and other cancers are treated with a multi-disciplinary approach. The center utilizes a tumor-based team approach to determine the best care for cancer patients. Every week, specialists from many disciplines meet in the Multidisciplinary Lung Cancer Clinic and the Multidisciplinary Thoracic Oncology Conference to discuss current thoracic cancer cases, including mesothelioma cases. The options recommended are then clearly explained to the mesothelioma patient and their family.

The University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center offers many support services for mesothelioma patients and their families. Social Work Services provides both emotional and financial counseling. The Patient Education Resource Center offers useful information so patients can be fully informed about their options. Some patients find the art therapy program helpful. The complementary therapy program provides acupuncture, massage, nutrition assistance and other therapies that can provide pain relief and comfort to patients and may give them an extra edge in their battle with cancer. Dedicated professionals and volunteers staff all of these programs. The guest assistance program can provide information for those in financial need, including help with parking and meals during treatment. For more information, please call (800) 888-9825.

University of Michigan Mesothelioma Specialists

Gregory P. Kalemkerian, M.D. - Dr. Kalemkerian is a Professor of Internal Medicine and the Co-Director of Thoracic Oncology. He earned his medical degree from Northwestern University in 1985, fulfilled his residency there, and completed a fellowship in medical oncology at John Hopkins University in 1992. Dr. Kalemkerian is board-certified in internal medicine and medical oncology. He has been a member of the University of Michigan's faculty since 1999.

Dr. Kalemkerian treats mesothelioma, thymoma and lung cancer. He has been involved in research on experimental therapeutics.

An appointment with Dr. Kalemkerian may be obtained through the University of Michigan Cancer Center-Lung Cancer Multidisciplinary Service by calling (734) 647-8902 or through the Hematology/Oncology Service by calling (734) 647-8901.

Academic address:
Med Inn Building
1500 East Medical Center Drive
Room C350
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-0848
(734) 936-5281
Fax: (734 ) 647-8792

Claire W. Michael, M.D. - Dr. Michael is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Pathology and the Director of Cytopathology. She is one the University of Michigan Cancer Center's experienced pathologists who participate in the diagnosis of mesothelioma. Dr. Michael earned her medical degree from Ain Shams University in 1983. She fulfilled her residency at William Beaumont Hospital and a fellowship in cytopathology at Detroit Medical Center. She joined the faculty at the University of Michigan in 1995. Dr. Michael is board-certified in anatomic and clinical pathology, as well as cytopathology. She is involved in research on mesothelioma, lung pathology, pap smears and breast pathology.

An appointment with Dr. Michael can be made through the Lung Cancer-Multidisciplinary Service by calling (734) 647-8902.

General Contact Information

Academic Address:
Medical Science I
1301 Catherine
Room M2233
Ann Arbor, MI 48109
(734) 936-6776
Fax: (734) 763-4095

UM Comprehensive Cancer Center
1500 East Medical Center Drive
Ann Arbor, MI 48109
General information: (800) 865-1125
Patient Education Resource Center: (734) 647-8626
http://www.cancer.med.umich.edu/

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