Simon Cancer Center at Indiana University
535 Barnhill Dr Indianapolis, IN 46202
Year Built: 1992
Number of Physicians: 1
Mesothelioma Treatment Indiana
Table Of Contents
Mesothelioma patients in Indiana have access to expert cancer care. Additionally, the Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center in Indianapolis conducts top-notch cancer research, including clinical trials.
Written by Karen Selby, RN | Edited by Amy Edel | Last Update: August 11, 2025
"Most helpful, steered us in the right direction for treatmen...." see more
Elaine C. - Mesothelioma Patient
"Because of their guidance, I was able to navigate getting my...." see more
Deanna B. - Daughter of a Mesothelioma Patient
"Hearing the news about my mother's diagnosis was heartbreaki...." see more
Danielle W. - Daughter of a Mesothelioma Patient
"My son Carlos was diagnosed with this terrible and unknown d...." see more
Martha M. - Mother of a Mesothelioma Patient
"Extremely communicative and helped my dad get an appointment...." see more
Sunni H. - Loved One of a Mesothelioma Patient
"Danielle DiPietro was an invaluable resource for me. Her sug...." see more
Deborah C. - Spouse of a Mesothelioma Patient
"I was very grateful and appreciative of Dr. Smart from The M...." see more
Kimberlin C. - Spouse of a Mesothelioma Patient
"In January of 2016, my husband was diagnosed with peritoneal...." see more
Gloria R. - Spouse of a Mesothelioma Patient
Getting Mesothelioma Treatment in Indiana
Indiana is home to a National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center. The Indiana University Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center in Indianapolis is well-known across the country for its innovative cancer research, seeking new and more effective ways to treat mesothelioma.
Advanced mesothelioma treatment is essential in Indiana where from 2018 to 2022, 300 new cases of this aggressive cancer were reported. The age-adjusted rate of mesothelioma was 0.80 per 100,000 people, according to the latest data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Asbestos is the primary cause of mesothelioma. Hoosiers were exposed to asbestos at the height of its use in construction and manufacturing in the 20th Century. The long latency period of the disease means people may start to develop symptoms now. Legacy asbestos in old buildings still poses a risk. For example, a 2023 warehouse fire in Richmond, Indiana, exposed nearby communities as asbestos fibers from burning asbestos materials were carried in a huge plume of smoke.
Patient Advocates offer support and guidance to people in Indiana facing a mesothelioma diagnosis and their families. We connect people with top mesothelioma doctors at renowned cancer centers, scheduling appointments, assisting with insurance and providing resources for financial support. Our team includes medical doctors, a registered nurse and VA-accredited claims agents. We also offer support groups for patients and caregivers and webinars with mesothelioma experts.
Top Mesothelioma Centers in Indiana
The top cancer treatment center for mesothelioma in Indiana is the Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center. Located in Indianapolis, it’s part of Indiana University School of Medicine. There are other cancer centers in the state, but this is the only National Cancer Institute-designated center in Indiana.
What to Look for in a Cancer Center in Indiana
- American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer accreditation
- NCI designation
- Provides supportive care as well as advanced surgical and oncology services
The Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center has been an NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center for more than 20 years. This means that it offers a full range of services for cancer patients beyond just diagnosis and treatment. It’s also a member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network.
Indiana Doctors Who Treat Mesothelioma
There are a number of well-respected mesothelioma cancer specialists in Indiana. Your doctor will develop a customized treatment plan for you and manage your care. It’s essential to find someone with the right expertise for the specific type of mesothelioma you have and who best understands the nuances of your unique case.
Choosing an Indiana Specialist
- Comfort with multidisciplinary care (works closely with surgeons, radiation oncologists and palliative care)
- Experience and expertise in treating your mesothelioma type
- Knowledge of new and emerging treatment options
- Patient-centered care or empathetic care approach
Choose a doctor you trust and feel comfortable with. Mesothelioma care is a long journey, even during remission. It’s important to have someone you can talk to openly. Knowledge and experience matter but so does personality. You and your doctor should work together as a team to make the best decisions for your care.
Indianapolis, Indiana
Chadrick Denlinger
Pleural Specialist | Cardiothoracic Surgery
Expertise: Minimally Invasive Surgery Chest Wall Tumors Lung Cancer Esophageal Cancer Lung Transplantation
Languages: English
Indianapolis, Indiana
Nasser H. Hanna
Pleural Specialist | Thoracic Oncology
Expertise: Pleural and Lung Cancer Research
Languages: English
Indianapolis, Indiana
Francis D. Sheski
Pleural Specialist | Pulmonary Critical Care
Expertise: Interventional Pulmonology Clinical Trials
Languages: English
Clinical Trials and Cancer Research in Indiana
Indiana University and the Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center have a long history of conducting cutting-edge cancer research. Dr. Larry Einhorn pioneered research that resulted in a cure for testicular cancer.
The Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center also invests heavily in groundbreaking clinical trials. Participating in clinical trials gives you access to the latest treatments for mesothelioma. Participating in research can help you and other patients as researchers study results and learn better ways to fight this cancer. Patient Advocates can also assist you with finding available clinical trials.
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: Mesothelioma
- Intervention: Targeted therapy
- Locations: Indianapolis, Indiana
- Recruiting: March 2021 – Present
Stories From Survivors
Rosalie C.
Pleural Mesothelioma Survivor
Rosalie C. and her husband Larry lived on a farm outside Fort Wayne, Indiana, when she was diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma in 2011. Just days after her diagnosis, Larry drove her to Boston to receive critical treatment from the late Dr. David Sugarbaker, a pioneer of mesothelioma treatment. Rosalie found strength through her faith and the constant support of her husband. She shared with us, “You never know when the bubble is going to burst, but you just can’t live being a pessimist. I’ve been so fortunate in so many ways.”
Rosalie survived six years after her diagnosis. Thanks to the expert care she received, she was able to celebrate her 50th wedding anniversary, spend quality time with her children and grandchildren and enjoy her vacation home in Florida before she passed away in 2017.
Charles Wood
Pleural Mesothelioma Survivor
After his mesothelioma diagnosis in 2019, Charles Wood and his wife moved to Indiana to be closer to her family. Charles told us his first wife lost her battle with breast cancer. He explained, “That’s why I had some idea of what to expect with this cancer. I knew what chemotherapy and radiation were all about. I knew how important it was to get the right doctors, nurses and the expertise you need.”
He underwent treatment at Moffitt Cancer Center and has been in remission since. Charles and his wife still have many plans, and they refuse to let mesothelioma keep them from living fully. He shared, “We’re not sitting around. Life is too short for that. You only live once.”
Find Active Mesothelioma Clinical Trials Today
Explore active mesothelioma clinical trials that could change your future.
Get StartedCancer Support Services in Indiana
Cancer support services aim to guide patients, caregivers and families on their mesothelioma journeys. Support can include financial assistance as well as emotional and spiritual care. Indiana offers both national and local resources to serve people with mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma treatment can be both physically and emotionally demanding, impacting survivors and their caregivers. The high cost of cancer care can add extra financial stress to families. Mesothelioma trust funds and other compensation options may provide relief. Indiana lawyers are available to help survivors file claims and navigate the legal process.
American Cancer Society
The American Cancer Society’s resource centers offer free wigs, hats, treatment information and other support services for cancer patients. They also help patients connect with emotional support groups, find financial aid and secure lodging during treatment.
Cancer Support Community Indiana and Cancer Support Community South Central Indiana
These organizations serve cancer patients and families in Indianapolis, Bloomington and surrounding areas. They offer emotional and wellness support, educational programs, social connections, cancer information and referrals for additional services.
Mesothelioma Survivor, Caregiver & Family Support Group
This Facebook group connects mesothelioma patients and caregivers in Indiana and beyond. Newly diagnosed patients, survivors and family members share their experiences and provide peer support.
