Mesothelioma Treatment in California
Mesothelioma patients in California can access treatments and therapies such as chemotherapy, surgery and radiation therapy. Cancer centers in the state of California are leading a number of active clinical trials and are home to top mesothelioma specialists Dr. Robert Cameron and Dr. W. Charles Conway.
Asbestos.com is the nation’s most trusted mesothelioma resource
The Mesothelioma Center at Asbestos.com has provided patients and their loved ones the most updated and reliable information on mesothelioma and asbestos exposure since 2006.
Our team of Patient Advocates includes a medical doctor, a registered nurse, health services administrators, veterans, VA-accredited Claims Agents, an oncology patient navigator and hospice care expert. Their combined expertise means we help any mesothelioma patient or loved one through every step of their cancer journey.
More than 30 contributors, including mesothelioma doctors, survivors, health care professionals and other experts, have peer-reviewed our website and written unique research-driven articles to ensure you get the highest-quality medical and health information.
About The Mesothelioma Center at Asbestos.com
- Assisting mesothelioma patients and their loved ones since 2006.
- Helps more than 50% of mesothelioma patients diagnosed annually in the U.S.
- A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.
- 5-star reviewed mesothelioma and support organization.
Testimonials
My family has only the highest compliment for the assistance and support that we received from The Mesothelioma Center. This is a staff of compassionate and knowledgeable individuals who respect what your family is experiencing and who go the extra mile to make an unfortunate diagnosis less stressful. Information and assistance were provided by The Mesothelioma Center at no cost to our family.LashawnMesothelioma patient’s daughter
How to Cite Asbestos.com’s Article
APA
Selby, K. (2023, September 25). Mesothelioma Treatment in California. Asbestos.com. Retrieved October 5, 2023, from https://www.asbestos.com/treatment/states/california/
MLA
Selby, Karen. "Mesothelioma Treatment in California." Asbestos.com, 25 Sep 2023, https://www.asbestos.com/treatment/states/california/.
Chicago
Selby, Karen. "Mesothelioma Treatment in California." Asbestos.com. Last modified September 25, 2023. https://www.asbestos.com/treatment/states/california/.
Top California Mesothelioma Cancer Centers
- Year Built: 1960s
- Number of Beds: 20,000 patient visits each year
- Number of Physicians: 3
- Year Built: 2017
- Number of Physicians: 1
- Year Built: 1902
- Number of Physicians: 3
- Year Built: 1977
- Number of Physicians: 0
- Year Built: 1979
- Number of Physicians: 2
- Year Built: 2004
- Number of Beds: Over 90,000 patient visits annually
- Number of Physicians: 3
- Year Built: 1948
- Number of Beds: Over 763,000 outpatients treated
- Number of Physicians: 3
Where to Get Mesothelioma Treatment in California
UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center in Los Angeles has new mesothelioma clinical trials. It offers some of the best multidisciplinary care in the state.
Ridley-Tree Cancer Center in Santa Barbara provides treatment for peritoneal and pleural mesothelioma. Ridley-Tree celebrated its fifth anniversary in 2022. In that time, the cancer center enrolled nearly 400 patients across 57 clinical trials.
Military veterans in California can get excellent care covered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. West Los Angeles VA Medical Center offers mesothelioma treatment.
California Doctors Who Treat Mesothelioma
Southern California residents have close access to Dr. Robert Cameron, one of the nation’s most respected thoracic surgeons.
Dr. W. Charles Conway in Santa Barbara is an expert in treating peritoneal mesothelioma. He performs cytoreductive surgery with heated chemotherapy. It is the most effective treatment option for peritoneal mesothelioma.
Top California Mesothelioma Doctors
Mesothelioma and the State of California
California ranks No. 1 in the U.S. for mesothelioma and asbestosis deaths. The state leads the nation in asbestos-related mortality because of its industrial history. California also is home to some of the largest asbestos deposits in the world.
Industrial sites exposed many workers to asbestos. Mines, power generation plants and shipyards exposed workers. This exposure led to many cases of asbestos-related disease in California.
California is home to a number of hospitals, cancer centers and doctors specializing in mesothelioma.
Dr. Robert Cameron developed a lung-sparing surgery for pleural mesothelioma patients. It revolutionized patient care and improved long-term mesothelioma survival.
Dr. W. Charles Conway treats peritoneal mesothelioma at Ridley Tree Cancer Center in Santa Barbara. Several VA medical centers offer specialized treatment for mesothelioma.
California residents may need financial assistance to afford treatment at these excellent centers. You can learn more about your legal options for compensation by speaking with a California mesothelioma lawyer.
Research and Clinical Trials in California
A lot of cancer research is conducted in California. This includes mesothelioma clinical trials and laboratory research. For example, the Pacific Mesothelioma Center, which is under the medical direction of Cameron, conducts ongoing research to develop new therapies.
- A phase II trial is underway in Los Gatos, California, to assess the treatment response of peritoneal mesothelioma patients treated with heated chemotherapy during cytoreductive surgery.
- Five locations throughout Southern California are conducting a phase I and phase II study to test the safety and efficacy of Keytruda (Pembrolizumab) with or without anetumab ravtansine (BAY 94-9343) in pleural mesothelioma patients who test positive for the biomarker mesothelin.
- Many locations throughout California are participating in a phase II clinical trial of the immunotherapy drugs Yervoy (ipilimumab) and Opdivo (nivolumab) in patients with peritoneal mesothelioma.

Cancer Support Services in California
- Hoag Family Cancer Institute
The Hoag Family Cancer Institute in Newport Beach offers a long list of support services for patients in every stage of treatment. Available programs include financial navigation, exercise, spiritual care, oncology massage and rehabilitation services.
- Stanford Health Care Cancer Supportive Care Program
Stanford Health Care sponsors workshops and resources for patients. It has locations in Palo Alto, South Bay and Redwood City. Patients can attend classes to learn more about cancer treatment.
- Cancer Support Community
Cancer Support Community offers a network of free services at locations throughout California. The organization dedicates itself to helping patients cope with cancer treatment. It hosts several monthly events that connect patients with resources.
Mesothelioma Survivors from California
When Jim Huff was diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma in 2016, he decided to try cannabis oil and experienced no new cancer growth for 15 months. When the cancer finally started growing, his oncologist at the University of California, San Francisco Medical Center recommended Keytruda. Seven months later, scans revealed no new tumor growth. “Keytruda, for me, seems to be a wonder drug,” Huff said. “It seems to be doing everything it’s supposed to, and I’ll just continue to ride this wave as long as it’s there.”
Andy Ashcraft was diagnosed with stage 4 pleural mesothelioma in 2010. He joined a clinical trial in San Diego. It tested chemotherapy in combination with a new immunotherapy drug called Amatuximab (MORab-099). Ashcraft did especially well on the drug for several years, until it stopped working. At that point, Ashcraft began taking cannabis oil through California’s medical marijuana program. He survived seven years with mesothelioma, and he attributed his survival to the treatment he received in his home state.