Getting Treatment in Georgia

Georgia has several cancer centers located in Atlanta and Augusta that serve the entire state. This includes the Winship Cancer Institute at Emory University. This is Georgia’s only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center. Since 2009, the Winship Cancer Institute has been a leader in cancer research in the U.S. 

From 2018 to 2022, the most recent data available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the age-adjusted rate of mesothelioma was 0.50 per 100,000 people. There were 279 new cases reported in Georgia in this timeframe. The primary cause of mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. This exposure can come from working at military bases, power plants and paper mills. 

Our Patient Advocates work with mesothelioma survivors and their families connecting them to specialists in Georgia. We schedule appointments, navigate insurance and share resources. Our resources include online support groups, VA-accredited claims agents and webinars with leading experts in mesothelioma treatment.

Top Mesothelioma Cancer Centers in Georgia

The leading mesothelioma treatment center in Georgia is the Winship Cancer Institute at Emory University. Located in Atlanta, it is a National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center known for advanced research and expert care. While Georgia has several cancer centers, Winship stands out as the state’s primary NCI-designated center specializing in mesothelioma treatment.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Cancer Center

  • American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer accreditation
  • National Cancer Institute designation
  • Palliative and supportive care services

In Atlanta, the Winship Cancer Institute at Emory University, the Georgia Cancer Center for Excellence at Grady and the Northside Hospital Cancer Institute provide expert mesothelioma care. The Cancer Treatment Centers of America is now called City of Hope and continues to offer care in Atlanta. 

Augusta is home to the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, the state’s only public medical school. The Georgia Cancer Center at Augusta University is home to cutting-edge cancer research and treatment, including world-leading clinical trials.

Georgia Doctors Who Treat Mesothelioma

In addition to choosing the right cancer treatment center, choosing the right doctor is an important part of your mesothelioma journey. This means you should find a doctor who is a good fit for you and your individual needs.

What to Look for in a Mesothelioma Doctor in Georgia

  • Experience treating your specific type of mesothelioma
  • Extensive knowledge of the latest treatment options
  • Patient-first approach with clear, compassionate communication
  • Strong collaboration with a multidisciplinary care team

Cancer treatment is a long process, and cancer care continues even in remission. You and your doctor will need to build a good working relationship based on trust and respect. When finding a good fit, personality can matter as much as clinical skill and medical knowledge. You’ll work with your doctor as a team throughout your cancer care. Be sure to find a teammate you can work with on the long journey ahead.

Dr. Seth Force, thoracic surgeon

Atlanta, Georgia

Seth Force

Pleural Specialist | Thoracic Surgery

Expertise: Lung Transplantation Minimally Invasive Surgery

Languages: English

Daniel L. Miller, thoracic surgeon

Augusta, Georgia

Daniel Miller

Pleural Specialist | Thoracic Surgery

Expertise: Minimally Invasive Surgery Pleural Lavage

Languages: English

Dr. Dong M. Shin, pleural mesothelioma expert

Atlanta, Georgia

Dong M. Shin

Pleural Specialist | Hematology and Medical Oncology

Expertise: Research Novel Therapeutics

Languages: English, Korean

Dr. Joshua H. Winer, surgical oncologist

Atlanta, Georgia

Joshua H. Winer

Peritoneal Specialist | Surgical Oncology

Expertise: Peritoneal Mesothelioma HIPEC Gastric Cancer Pancreatic Cancer Colorectal Cancer

Languages: English, Hebrew

Clinical Trials and Cancer Research in Georgia

Some cancer centers in Georgia make research a priority. Clinical trials for mesothelioma are an important part of research because they recruit patients to test the latest treatments. Enrolling in a clinical trial can give you access to new treatments before they are widely available. 

Three clinical trials in Georgia are now open for people with mesothelioma. One trial tests a new immunotherapy drug combined with chemotherapy to treat advanced pleural mesothelioma. Another study is an experimental targeted therapy that aims to block cancer growth. The third trial looks at a new type of immune therapy designed to boost the body’s ability to fight cancer. These trials offer new treatment options at leading cancer centers in Georgia.

Participating in a cancer clinical trial can offer access to new treatments and contribute to better care for others with mesothelioma. If you’re interested in a clinical trial, our Patient Advocates can answer your questions and help you explore available options.

Clinical Trial
Durvalumab with Chemotherapy as First-Line Treatment in Advanced Pleural Mesothelioma (DREAM3R)

Patients in this study receive first-line treatment with standard chemotherapy of pemetrexed and cisplatin. Two-thirds of participants will also receive durvalumab immunotherapy.

  • Condition: Pleural Mesothelioma
  • Intervention: Chemotherapy and Immunotherapy
  • Locations: Atlanta, Georgia
  • Recruiting: April 2020 – Present
Clinical Trial
A Study of CPI-0209 in Patients With Advanced Solid Tumors and Lymphomas

This study is testing a novel drug, CPI-0209, a small molecule inhibitor of EZH2 in mesothelioma.

  • Condition: Mesothelioma
  • Intervention: Molecular Inhibition
  • Locations: Atlanta, Georgia
  • Recruiting: October 2019 – Present
Clinical Trial
Phase 1 Study of INBRX-109 in Subjects With Locally Advanced or Metastatic Solid Tumors, Including Sarcomas

This study is testing a novel antibody, INBRX-109, targeting human death receptor 5 in mesothelioma.

  • Condition: Pleural Mesothelioma
  • Intervention: Immunotherapy
  • Locations: Atlanta, Georgia
  • Recruiting: October 2018 – Present

Stories from Survivors

Sissy Hoffman
Pleural Mesothelioma Survivor

Sissy Hoffman received a diagnosis of pleural mesothelioma in 1996, with doctors giving her just 6 months to live. Defying the odds, she lived for 29 years after her diagnosis before passing in January 2025. Throughout her life, she lived in New York, California and Georgia, where she taught and directed schools. In retirement, she dedicated her time to volunteering and mentoring others.

Tim Crisler
Pleural Mesothelioma Survivor

Tim Crisler was diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma in 2002 and initially chose to forgo surgery and chemotherapy. After encouragement from his daughter, he underwent an extrapleural pneumonectomy at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Tim became one of the longest-living male pleural mesothelioma survivors in the U.S. He passed away in December 2023.

Ruth Phillips
Peritoneal Mesothelioma Survivor

Ruth Phillips was diagnosed with malignant pleural mesothelioma in 1999 and struggled to find effective treatment. Standard therapies, like chemotherapy and surgery, had limited success and doctors with experience in her rare type of mesothelioma were hard to find. She eventually turned to alternative treatments to manage her illness. Along with herbal medicines and supplements, she credits immuno-augmentative therapy received in the Bahamas as key to slowing the spread of her mesothelioma.

Cancer Support Services in Georgia

Cancer support services offer vital help to cancer patients, caregivers and families coping with a mesothelioma diagnosis. Both national and local resources provide a range of aid, from financial help to emotional and spiritual support.

American Cancer Society
The American Cancer Society’s resource centers offer free wigs, hats, treatment information and other support for cancer patients. They also assist with finding emotional support groups, financial help and lodging during treatment.

Mesothelioma Survivor, Caregiver & Family Support
This Facebook group connects mesothelioma patients and caregivers in Georgia and across the country. Newly diagnosed and long-term survivors alike, as well as caregivers can share their experiences and find peer support.

Winship Cancer Institute
The Winship Cancer Institute offers several support groups for people with different cancers and their caregivers. Many groups hold virtual meetings online, making support easier for more people to access.

Cancer State Aid
The Georgia Department of Public Health runs a program to improve cancer diagnosis and treatment access for uninsured, underinsured and low-income residents. This program also helps provide prescription medicines and medical supplies through partnerships with nonprofit organizations.

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