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 — 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. 

Most cases of mesothelioma can be traced to asbestos exposure. Georgia is ranked 23rd in the U.S. for asbestos-related deaths. In Georgia, this exposure can come from working at military bases, power plants and paper mills. The age-adjusted incidence of mesothelioma in Georgia in 2019 is 0.6 cases per 100,000 people.

The Mesothelioma Center works with mesothelioma survivors and families to provide assistance through Patient Advocates, VA claims assistance, its Doctor Match program, support groups and webinars. For more than 15 years, The Mesothelioma Center at Asbestos.com has been the nation’s most trusted source for information about mesothelioma in Georgia and across the country.

Top Mesothelioma Cancer Centers in Georgia

Choosing the best mesothelioma treatment center in Georgia is a deeply personal and important decision. How do you know which cancer center is best for you?

Consider the following when choosing a cancer treatment center:
  • Is it accredited by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer?
  • Is it a National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center?
  • In addition to surgical and oncology services, do they provide palliative care?

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

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 that are testing new drugs for mesothelioma treatment.

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.

Things to consider when choosing a mesothelioma doctor in Georgia:
  • Are they knowledgeable and confident?
  • Do they have experience with your type of mesothelioma?
  • Do they make you feel comfortable and respected?

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 will 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 are an important part of research because they recruit patients to test the latest treatments for mesothelioma. Enrolling in a clinical trial can give you access to new treatments before they are widely available. 

At the Georgia Cancer Center, Dr. Nagla Abdel Karim is leading the nation’s first phase 1 clinical trial of cabozantinib for treating mesothelioma. This research has the potential to become a huge step forward in mesothelioma treatment in Georgia and throughout the world. Other cancer centers and hospitals throughout Georgia have ongoing clinical trials and many of these are looking to recruit new patients.

Participating in cancer clinical trials can benefit you as an individual and also help improve the treatment of countless other mesothelioma patients. If you are interested in enrolling in a mesothelioma clinical trial, let The Mesothelioma Center at Asbestos.com help you find one that’s right for you.

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 of Savannah, Georgia, has the distinction of being one of America’s longest-living pleural mesothelioma survivors. As a patient of the renowned mesothelioma specialist Dr. David Sugarbaker, she underwent an extrapleural pneumonectomy surgery in 1996. At the time of her surgery, she was told she may live another five years — that was 27 years ago. Since then she has retired from a teaching career and dedicated herself to helping Afghan refugees.

Tim Crisler
Pleural Mesothelioma Survivor

Tim Crisler of Kennesaw, Georgia, was diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma in 2002 and is another of the country’s longest-living mesothelioma survivors. Since undergoing EPP performed by Dr. Sugarbaker, Tim has been able to watch his children — and now his grandchildren — grow up. He never would have had these opportunities if he didn’t seek the best available mesothelioma treatment. Despite several other health setbacks, he continues to be a survivor and an inspiration to others.

Ruth Phillips
Peritoneal Mesothelioma Survivor

After her malignant pleural mesothelioma diagnosis in 1999, Ruth Phillips had difficulty finding treatment for her cancer. Traditional therapies, such as chemotherapy and surgery, were having little positive effect and she could not find a doctor with much experience treating her rare form of mesothelioma. Ultimately she turned to alternative therapies to find relief. In addition to herbal medications and supplements, she credits the immuno-augmentative therapy she received in the Bahamas as one of the most important therapies that has helped control the spread of her mesothelioma.

Cancer Support Services in Georgia

Cancer support services provide much-needed help to cancer patients, caregivers and families dealing with mesothelioma. National and local resources can provide everything from financial support to emotional and spiritual support.

American Cancer Society

The American Cancer Society’s cancer resource centers provide free wigs, hats, treatment information and other support for cancer patients. The services available also include help finding emotional support networks, financial assistance and lodging during treatment.

Mesothelioma Survivor, Caregiver & Family Support

The Mesothelioma Survivor, Caregiver & Family Support group on Facebook helps connect mesothelioma patients and caregivers in Georgia and around the country with other people dealing with mesothelioma. Newly diagnosed patients, survivors and others can share their experiences and offer peer support.

Winship Cancer Institute

The Winship Cancer Institute provides many support groups for people with various types of cancer and their caregivers. Several of these groups hold online virtual meetings, making them accessible to more people.

Cancer State Aid

The Georgia Department of Public Health has a program designed to improve access to cancer diagnosis and treatment for uninsured, underinsured and low-income Georgia residents. The program also helps provide prescription medications and medical supplies through various nongovernmental groups.

Getting mesothelioma treatment in Georgia is easier than ever. Georgia is home to top-notch cancer treatment centers and leading cancer research centers, with cutting-edge clinical trials. Most cancer centers in Georgia are based in Atlanta and Augusta, but they serve the entire state through numerous local hospitals. Wherever you are in Georgia, there is a cancer center that can serve you and provide the mesothelioma treatment and support that you need.

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