What Is a Mesothelioma Treatment Center?
It takes cutting-edge technology, innovative research and a multidisciplinary team of doctors who have dedicated their careers to treating this rare cancer to be considered a specialty mesothelioma treatment center.
Cancer centers that specialize in mesothelioma are among the best health facilities in the world.
Several mesothelioma cancer centers made U.S. News & World Report’s 2018-19 Best Hospitals for Cancer list. These include programs at the MD Anderson Cancer Center, Brigham and Women’s Cancer Center and H. Lee Moffit Cancer Center.
Picking the right cancer treatment center might be the most important medical decision you can make. Don’t take it lightly.
Many patients decide to travel to another state or across the country to receive the best treatment. There are resources available to help. Do your homework to find the best fit for you.
Find Top Cancer Centers Near You
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New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center
630 W 168th St. New York, NY 10032
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Samuel Oschin Cancer Center at Cedars-Sinai
8700 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90048
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University of Alabama at Birmingham Comprehensive Cancer Center
1824 6th Ave S. Birmingham, AL 35233
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The UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center
1600 Divisadero Street, San Francisco, CA 94115
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Christiana Care Helen F. Graham Cancer Center
4701 Ogletown-Stanton Road, Newark, DE, 19713
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Washington (D.C.) Cancer Institute at Washington Hospital Center
110 Irving Street, NW Washington, DC 20010
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University of Chicago Comprehensive Cancer Center
5841 S Maryland Avenue, Chicago, IL 60637
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Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Cancer Center
535 Barnhill Drive Indianapolis, IN 46202
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National Cancer Institute Center for Cancer Research
9000 Rockville Pike Bethesda, MD 20892
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Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins Bayview
4940 Eastern Ave. Baltimore, MD 21224
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University of Maryland Greenebaum Cancer Center
22 S. Greene Street, Baltimore, MD 21201
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University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center
500 East Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
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Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey
195 Little Albany St., New Brunswick, NJ 08903
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Presbyterian Hospital Columbia University Medical Center
622 W 168th St, New York, NY 10032, USA
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Hollings Cancer Center at the University of South Carolina
86 Jonathan Lucas St. Charleston, SC 29425
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Lung Institute at Baylor College of Medicine
6620 Main Street Suite 1325 Houston, TX 77030
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University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX 77030
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University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
5323 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, TX 75390
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Froedtert Hospital and Medical College of Wisconsin
9200 W Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53226
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How to Choose the Right Cancer Center
Research Top Doctors
Mesothelioma should be treated by an oncologist. However, not all cancer doctors are mesothelioma specialists. It is important to work with a doctor with experience treating asbestos-related cancers. Some of the best doctors in the country work at cancer centers with dedicated mesothelioma programs.
Read About Top Mesothelioma DoctorsDecide on a Treatment Strategy
In general, the treatment for mesothelioma is much like the treatment for other cancers. Surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy are the most common treatments. Asbestos-related cancers have no cure, but experts in the field can help patients outlive their prognosis.
Doctors often point patients to emerging therapies and clinical trials for the latest treatments such as immunotherapy. Mesothelioma cancer centers tend to offer more mesothelioma clinical trials than other facilities.
Review Treatment Options for MesotheliomaConsider Treatment Costs and Other Expenses
Treating mesothelioma is expensive. Even with the best insurance plans, families can go through a financial crisis to make sure a loved one gets the recommended treatments. The cost of traveling to a specialized cancer center is a major concern for many families. Free enrollment in clinical trials, travel grants and other financial resources can help.
Learn About Mesothelioma Costs and Resources
Emily Ward Pleural mesothelioma survivor treated at Brigham and Women's Hospital in 2012“Every patient should be offered a second opinion at a specialty center, because that’s where the research is being done.”
Top Treatment Centers for Pleural Mesothelioma
Pleural mesothelioma is the most common type of this asbestos-related cancer. Some of the best cancer centers in the world feature thoracic surgeons and other oncologists who specialize in the treatment of this malignancy. These centers also sponsor the latest mesothelioma clinical trials.
Brigham and Women's Hospital
75 Francis Street, Boston, MA 02115
- Home to the world-renowned International Mesothelioma Program.
- Leader in the latest clinical trials for mesothelioma.
- Partners with Harvard Medical School to promote research and medical advancements.
Lung Institute at Baylor College of Medicine
6620 Main Street Suite 1325 Houston, TX 77030
- Inaugural director was Dr. David Sugarbaker, a mesothelioma treatment pioneer.
- Now led by Dr. Robert Taylor Ripley, who was handpicked by Sugarbaker before his death.
- Leader in genetic research and development of medical technologies.
UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center
10833 Le Conte Ave Los Angeles, CA 90024
- Home to mesothelioma expert Dr. Robert Cameron, who pioneered the lung-sparing pleurectomy and decortication surgery.
- The UCLA Lung Cancer Program is one of seven to receive the National Cancer Institute’s prestigious SPORE grant.
- Mesothelioma program collaborates with the West Los Angeles VA Medical Center and the Pacific Mesothelioma Center at the Pacific Heart, Lung & Blood Institute.
University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX 77030
- Voted No. 1 cancer center in the nation four consecutive times from 2015 to 2018 by U.S. News & World Report.
- Home to several mesothelioma experts, including Drs. Anne Tsao and David Rice.
- An NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center that hosts more clinical trials than most hospitals.
H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center
12902 Magnolia Drive, Tampa, FL 33612
- Opened the Mesothelioma Research and Treatment Center in 2012.
- Home to the latest technology in cancer care, including heated chemotherapy.
- Offers multidisciplinary care and unique mesothelioma clinical trials.
Loyola University Medical Center
2160 S. 1st Ave., Maywood, IL 60153
- Internationally recognized thoracic surgeon Dr. Wickii Vigneswaran joined Loyola in 2016.
- With the arrival of Vigneswaran, Loyola emerged as one of the finest mesothelioma treatment facilities in the world.
- Includes multidisciplinary team of experts, including medical oncologist Dr. Muaiad Kittaneh and radiologist Dr. John Hibbeln.
Mount Sinai Hospital
1 Gustave L. Levy Place New York, NY 10029
- Part of the World Trade Center Health Program Clinical Centers of Excellence.
- Thoracic surgeons Dr. Raja Flores and Dr. Andrea Wolf trained under mesothelioma treatment pioneer Dr. David Sugarbaker.
- Flores has earned a stellar reputation for working with first responders from the 9/11 attacks.
Top Treatment Centers for Peritoneal Mesothelioma
The top cancer centers for peritoneal mesothelioma offer the life-extending hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy combined with surgery. Not all cancer centers have the equipment to perform this procedure. Half of patients who qualify for this treatment live longer than five years.
Washington (D.C.) Cancer Institute at Washington Hospital Center
110 Irving Street, NW Washington, DC 20010
- Home to the world’s leading expert on peritoneal mesothelioma Dr. Paul Sugarbaker.
- Sugarbaker pioneered the HIPEC procedure here.
- The Peritoneal Surface Malignancies Program has treated mesothelioma patients since 1993.
University of Chicago Comprehensive Cancer Center
5841 S Maryland Avenue, Chicago, IL 60637
- The most effective chemotherapy regimen for pleural mesothelioma was discovered here in 2003.
- Its mesothelioma program has contributed to innovative research for more than 20 years.
- Home to mesothelioma expert Dr. Hedy Kindler, who directs the mesothelioma program.
Ridley-Tree Cancer Center
540 W Pueblo St, Santa Barbara, CA 93105, USA
- Named after Lady Leslie Ridley-Tree, one of California’s most generous philanthropists.
- Peritoneal mesothelioma specialist Dr. W. Charles Conway joined the cancer center in 2017.
- The hospital also treats cancers of the uterus, thyroid, colon, lung, breast, bladder and skin.
UPMC Hillman Cancer Center
5115 Centre Ave Pittsburgh, PA 15232
- One of the nation’s top centers for clinical trial research.
- Home to peritoneal mesothelioma surgeon and researcher Dr. James Pingpank.
- Consistently named one of the best cancer centers in the country by U.S. News & World Report.
UC San Diego Moores Cancer Center
3855 Health Sciences Dr., La Jolla, CA 92093
- Recipient of numerous awards, high safety ratings and ranked among the best cancer centers in the nation.
- Home to peritoneal mesothelioma surgeon Dr. Joel Baumgartner.
- Moores’ HIPEC Center is the largest of its kind on the West Coast.
Need Assistance Traveling to a Cancer Center?
We can help you get compensation through grants, trust funds and more to help pay for mesothelioma treatments and other expenses.
See If You QualifyBest VA Hospitals for Mesothelioma
Veterans represent a disproportionate amount of mesothelioma cases compared to the general public. The VA has hospitals to choose from that specialize in mesothelioma treatment.
Once in the VA health care system, a veteran can seek treatment anywhere in the country. They only need a referral to receive specialized care.
VA Boston Healthcare System
- Most high-profile VA facility in the country for treating mesothelioma.
- Thoracic surgeon Dr. Abraham Lebenthal specializes in mesothelioma and veterans issues.
- Close proximity to the International Mesothelioma Program at Brigham and Women’s Hospital.
VA West Los Angeles Medical Center
- Mesothelioma treatment pioneer Dr. Robert Cameron is the chief of thoracic surgery.
- Close relationship with the nearby Pacific Mesothelioma Center and the UCLA Comprehensive Cancer Center.
- Part of largest, most complex system in the VA, serving 1.4 million veterans in the area.
Miami VA Healthcare System
- Home to Dr. Dao Nguyen, a research leader in targeting molecular therapy for pleural mesothelioma.
- Close partnership with the University of Miami’s Miller School of Medicine.
- Serves three South Florida counties and treats mesothelioma patients throughout the southeastern United States.
Importance of Choosing a Mesothelioma Specialty Center
Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that is difficult to treat. Most doctors rarely see it and don’t understand it fully. A mesothelioma-focused specialist does.
Cancer centers with experience treating mesothelioma offer a multidisciplinary approach to care. This means a team of doctors specializing in different areas of medicine meet regularly to discuss your personalized treatment plan.
Oncologists at these centers collaborate with other specialists such as surgeons, radiologists, pathologists and palliative care doctors. This allows them to offer the most comprehensive cancer care possible.
Mesothelioma Is Often Misdiagnosed
Too often with mesothelioma, patients are initially misdiagnosed. They begin treatment for a surface-level symptom or a problem they don’t have.
Many of the first symptoms of mesothelioma mimic and can be confused with less serious illnesses. This is why an individual’s history of asbestos exposure should be communicated early to a physician who understands it.
Mesothelioma Requires Specialized Treatment
Surgeries, chemotherapy drugs and radiation treatments can be part of a multimodal treatment approach.
The best treatments today for this cancer are specialized. It is no longer a restricted regimen. A decade ago, the life expectancy for a mesothelioma patient was six to 12 months. Specialized treatment centers are prolonging life to several years after diagnosis.
The Right Care Can Extend Your Life
Some people live for five years or more with mesothelioma. Many of the specialized centers have patients who have lived for 10 years or more with specialized proper care.
Although no cure has been found, researchers believe mesothelioma will one day be treated like a chronic illness. Ongoing research at specialty cancer centers across the country is making that goal possible.
Common Questions About Mesothelioma Treatment Centers
- What are the best hospitals for diagnosing and treating mesothelioma cancer?
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Some of the best hospitals for diagnosing and treating mesothelioma include Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, the Lung Institute at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, the Washington Cancer Institute at Washington Hospital Center in Washington D.C., and the University of Chicago Comprehensive Cancer Center in Chicago.
- How do I find a doctor who specializes in mesothelioma?
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It can be challenging to find a mesothelioma specialist locally because so few doctors specialize in this rare cancer. You can research top mesothelioma doctors in your area but you may have to travel to find a doctor who specializes in your type of mesothelioma.
U.S. Veteran Looking for Mesothelioma Treatment?
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Karen Selby, RN
Registered Nurse and Patient Advocate
Karen Selby joined Asbestos.com in 2009. She is a registered nurse with a background in oncology and thoracic surgery and was the regional director of a tissue bank before becoming a Patient Advocate at The Mesothelioma Center. Karen has assisted surgeons with thoracic surgeries such as lung resections, lung transplants, pneumonectomies, pleurectomies and wedge resections. She is also a member of the Academy of Oncology Nurse & Patient Navigators.
5 Cited Article Sources
The sources on all content featured in The Mesothelioma Center at Asbestos.com include medical and scientific studies, peer-reviewed studies and other research documents from reputable organizations.
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U.S. News & World Report. (2019). Best Hospitals for Cancer.
Retrieved from: https://health.usnews.com/best-hospitals/rankings/cancer -
Cancer.net. (2017, July). Mesothelioma: Statistics.
Retrieved from: https://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/mesothelioma/statistics -
Narang, A.K. and Nicholas, L.H. (2017, June 1). Out-of-Pocket Spending and Financial Burden Among Medicare Beneficiaries With Cancer.
Retrieved from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27893028 -
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (n.d.). Asbestos and Mesothelioma.
Retrieved from: https://www.boston.va.gov/services/surgical/Asbestos_and_Mesothelioma.asp - UChicago Medicine. (n.d.). Mesothelioma. Retrieved from: https://www.uchicagomedicine.org/conditions-services/cancer/mesothelioma
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Last Modified January 10, 2020
