Getting Treatment in Arizona

The incidence of mesothelioma in Arizona is 0.7 cases per 100,000 people. The Grand Canyon State is home to two National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers. This includes the University of Arizona Cancer Center, which has been an NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center since 1990, as well as the Phoenix campus of the Mayo Clinic Cancer Center.

Mesothelioma incidence in the state reflects the state’s history with asbestos. Asbestos exposure is the primary cause of mesothelioma. Arizona has been home to asbestos mining since the late 1800s. For more than a century, more than 100 natural asbestos deposit sites were mined. As a result, Arizona is ranked 17th in the country for asbestos-related deaths. 

Our Patient Advocates assist survivors and their families find care with top mesothelioma doctors in Arizona and scheduling appointments. They also help people navigate insurance and provide resources for financial support for travel expenses, treatment costs and other care-related expenditures. They connect families with support groups, webinars and other resources and aid veterans with mesothelioma in filing VA benefits claims.

Top Mesothelioma Centers in Arizona

Choosing the best treatment center is a deeply personal experience after a life-changing mesothelioma diagnosis.  With multiple cancer centers to choose from in Arizona, deciding on which one to go to for care can feel overwhelming.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Cancer Center

  • American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer accreditation
  • National Cancer Institute designation
  • Provider of supportive care in addition to surgical and oncology services

There are several renowned cancer centers to choose from in Arizona. All of these centers provide high quality clinical care and cutting-edge cancer treatments.

Arizona Cancer Center, mesothelioma treatment center
Arizona Cancer Center

3838 North Campbell Ave, Tucson, AZ 85719

Year Built: 1976
Number of Beds: 400 beds
Number of Physicians: 1

Mayo Clinic Arizona
Mayo Clinic Arizona

13400 East Shea Blvd, Scottsdale, AZ 85259

Year Built: 1987
Number of Beds: 244 Beds
Number of Physicians: 2

Arizona Doctors Who Treat Mesothelioma

Many people with mesothelioma choose their cancer treatment center based on where their preferred mesothelioma doctor is based. Expertise in the specific type of mesothelioma you have is critical when choosing your doctor. Overall approach to treatment, patient support and communication are all important when finding a doctor who is the right fit for your care as well.

What to Consider When Choosing an Arizona Mesothelioma Doctor

  • Ability to explain complex medical information clearly
  • Bedside manner that puts you at ease
  • Communication approach that makes you comfortable
  • Extensive experience in your specific type of mesothelioma
  • Knowledge about latest protocols and advanced techniques
  • Respect for your wishes and needs

Treatment for mesothelioma is a long process. Your care will continue even in remission. A doctor who can build trust and a good working relationship with you will make a significant difference in your mesothelioma journey.

It takes more than clinical skills and medical knowledge to be a good fit. You and your doctor will be working together as a team throughout your mesothelioma care. Talk to your Patient Advocate about doctors in Arizona, your hopes for care and the kind of doctor you’d be most comfortable with and they can help match you with a specialist.

Dr. Jonathan D’Cunha, cardiothoracic surgeon

Phoenix, Arizona

Jonathan D’Cunha

Pleural Specialist | Cardiothoracic Surgery

Expertise: Heart Transplants Lung Surgery Minimally Invasive Surgery Pleural Mesothelioma

Languages: English

Dr. Linda Garland, Arizona Cancer Center

Tucson, Arizona

Linda Garland

Medical Oncology

Expertise: Clinical Trials Experimental Therapeutics

Languages: English

Dr. Nabil Wasif, peritoneal mesothelioma specialist

Scottsdale, Arizona

Nabil Wasif

Peritoneal Specialist | Surgical Oncology

Expertise: Research HIPEC

Languages: English, Hindi, Urdu

Clinical Trials and Cancer Research in Arizona

Some cancer centers in Arizona conduct clinical trials to test new mesothelioma treatments and refine existing approaches. Taking part in clinical trials can give you early access to the most promising emerging therapies available today.

Currently two clinical trials in Arizona are recruiting people with mesothelioma. One is testing immunotherapy before surgery in people with sarcomatoid mesothelioma. The other is testing immunotherapy with or without chemo for peritoneal mesothelioma.

If you’re interested in joining a mesothelioma clinical trial, we can help you find a trial that matches your needs and discuss your options.

Clinical Trial
Chemotherapy With or Without Immunotherapy for Peritoneal Mesothelioma

This study is testing whether the immunotherapy drug atezolizumab improves outcomes when added to chemotherapy.

  • Condition: Peritoneal Mesothelioma
  • Intervention: Chemotherapy with or without immunotherapy
  • Locations: Scottsdale/Phoenix, Arizona
  • Recruiting: August 2021– Present
Clinical Trial
Testing the Value of Adding Surgery after the Usual Treatment (Immunotherapy) for Patients with Stage I-IIIA Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma

This study is testing whether surgery improves outcomes in sarcomatoid mesothelioma when added to immunotherapy.

  • Condition: Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma
  • Intervention: Surgery
  • Locations: Kingman, Arizona
  • Recruiting: December 2022 – Present
Clinical Trial
A Study of HFB200301 as a Single Agent and in Combination With Tislelizumab in Adult Patients With Advanced Solid Tumors

This study is testing a new immunotherapy drug for mesothelioma and other solid tumors.

  • Condition: Malignant Mesothelioma
  • Intervention: Immunotherapy
  • Locations: Scottsdale, Arizona
  • Recruiting: February 2022 – Present
Clinical Trial
Study of IDE397 in Participants With Solid Tumors Harboring MTAP Deletion

This study is testing a new targeted therapy drug alone and with chemotherapy in patients with mesothelioma and other tumors that have specific genetic markers.

  • Condition: Malignant Mesothelioma
  • Intervention: Targeted therapy
  • Locations: Scottsdale, Arizona
  • Recruiting: March 2021 – Present

Cancer Support Services in Arizona

Many organizations in Arizona, both local and national, offer services to support cancer patients, caregivers and families coping with mesothelioma. Support services include financial help, emotional support and spiritual care to cover a wide range of needs.

The American Cancer Society has resource centers that offer free wigs, hats, treatment information and more for cancer patients. They also help people find support networks, get financial assistance and locate lodging during treatment.

The Mesothelioma Survivor, Caregiver & Family Support group on Facebook brings together patients and caregivers in Arizona and across the country. Here, people who are newly diagnosed, survivors and others can share their experiences and support each other.

Cancer Support Community Arizona offers emotional and social support with support groups, social activities, art classes, nutrition counseling, educational seminars and mind/body therapies. Virtual programs are also available online to make support more accessible.

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