Top Mesothelioma Centers in Indiana

The best cancer centers for mesothelioma in Indiana include the Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center as well as Purdue Institute for Cancer Research. Both are National Cancer Institute Cancer Centers, which is the highest rating for treatment innovation, patient care, clinical trials and specialists. 

Patients in Illinois have access to advanced mesothelioma treatments, including cutting-edge technology. For example, the Indiana University Health Precision Genomics Program at the Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center analyzes the patient’s DNA to develop customized, targeted treatment plans, often in combination with clinical trials or gold-standard medications.

Locations of Indiana’s Top Cancer Centers

The only NCI-Designated mesothelioma cancer centers in Indiana are located in Indianapolis and West Lafayette. This means mesothelioma patients seeking the highest standard of care generally visit the Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center or the Purdue Institute for Cancer Research.

State support programs can help families who don’t live near these centers with travel or accommodations for treatment. Patients can also access general oncology, radiology, palliative care and patient support services in Columbus, Lafayette, Bloomington, Anderson and Muncie.

All Centers (1)

Top Doctors in Indiana

The best mesothelioma doctors in Indiana include experts in pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma, as well as cancer specialists who provide state-of-the-art care like robotic surgery and targeted immunotherapy. Dr. Chadrick Denlinger is a thoracic surgeon at the Simon Cancer Center and one of the leading pleural mesothelioma doctors in Indiana for minimally invasive surgery.

Dr. Nasser Hanna is another top pleural specialist in the state, with more than 20 years of experience in thoracic oncology and chemotherapy treatments. He treats veterans at the Roudebush VA Medical Center.

Dr. Chadrick Denlinger

Chadrick Denlinger

Pleural Specialist | Cardiothoracic Surgery

Expertise:
Minimally Invasive Surgery Chest Wall Tumors Lung Cancer Esophageal Cancer Lung Transplantation
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Expertise:
Minimally Invasive Surgery Chest Wall Tumors Lung Cancer Esophageal Cancer Lung Transplantation
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Dr. Chad Denlinger is a cardiothoracic surgeon treating patients with lung cancer and pleural mesothelioma at the Indiana University Simon Cancer Center.

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Dr. Nasser H. Hanna

Nasser H. Hanna

Pleural Specialist | Thoracic Oncology

Expertise:
Pleural and Lung Cancer Research
Roudebush VA Medical Center • Indianapolis, Indiana
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Expertise:
Pleural and Lung Cancer Research
Roudebush VA Medical Center
Indianapolis, Indiana
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Dr. Nasser H. Hanna’s work focuses on medications and other therapies that affect cellular functions associated with tumor growth.

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Dr. Francis D. Sheski

Francis D. Sheski

Pleural Specialist | Pulmonary Critical Care

Expertise:
Interventional Pulmonology Clinical Trials
IU Health University Hospital • Indianapolis, Indiana
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Expertise:
Interventional Pulmonology Clinical Trials
IU Health University Hospital
Indianapolis, Indiana
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Dr. Francis D. Sheski is a pulmonary critical care specialist who has expertise in treating asbestos-related pulmonary conditions such as pleural mesothelioma and asbestosis. He is board-certified in family medicine, internal medicine, critical care and pulmonary medicine.

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Clinical Trials in Indiana

The Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center in Indianapolis has performed cutting-edge mesothelioma cancer research for decades. Mesothelioma patients can enroll in clinical trials for targeted antibody therapies and medications like methotrexate and ruxolitinib.

Participating in clinical trials can provide access to new treatment options that are not widely available. To learn about open trials, talk to your cancer care team or our Patient Advocates.

NCT02012699

Integrated Cancer Repository for Cancer Research

The iCaRe2 is a multi-institutional resource created and maintained by the Fred \& Pamela Buffett Cancer Center to collect and manage standardized, multi-dimensional, longitudinal data and biospecimens on consented adult cancer patients, high-risk individuals, and normal controls. The distinct characteristic of the iCaRe2 is its geographical coverage, with a significant percentage of small and rural hospitals and cancer centers. The iCaRe2 advances comprehensive studies of risk factors of cancer development and progression and enables the design of novel strategies for prevention, screening, early detection and personalized treatment of cancer. Centers with expertise in cancer epidemiology, genetics, biology, early detection, and patient care can collaborate by using the iCaRe2 as a platform for cohort and population studies.

Locations

  • Colorado (1)

    • Advent Health — Greenwood Village
  • Connecticut (1)

    • Hartford HealthCare Cancer Institute at Manchester Medical Hospital — Manchester
  • Florida (5)

    • Florida Hospital Memorial Medical Center — Daytona Beach
    • Florida Hospital DeLand — DeLand
    • Florida Hospital FISH — Orange City
    • Florida Hospital Flagler — Palm Coast
    • Tallahassee Memorial Hospital — Tallahassee
  • Illinois (2)

    • Rush-Copley Cancer Care Center — Aurora
    • Rush-Copley Healthcare Center — Yorkville
  • Indiana (1)

    • Parkview Research Center — Fort Wayne
  • Iowa (2)

    • Methodist Jennie Edmundson Hospital — Council Bluffs
    • Covenant Medical Center, Inc — Waterloo
  • Kansas (1)

    • Saint Luke's Cancer Instititute – South — Overland Park
  • Maryland (2)

    • Northwest Hospital — Randallstown
    • William E. Kahlert Regional Cancer Center — Westminster
  • Massachusetts (1)

    • Holyoke Medical Center — Holyoke
  • Minnesota (5)

    • Riverwood Healthcare Center — Aitkin
    • Essentia Health-St. Joseph's Medical Center — Brainerd
    • Essentia Health – Duluth Clinic — Duluth
    • St. Luke's Hospital of Duluth — Duluth
    • Lake Region Healthcare — Fergus Falls
  • Missouri (6)

    • Saint Luke's Cancer Institute, East — Kansas City
    • Saint Luke's Cancer Institute — Kansas City
    • Saint Luke's Cancer Institute, Kansas City North — Kansas City
    • Saint Luke's Cancer Institute, Liberty — Liberty
    • North Kansas City Hospital — North Kansas City
    • Heartland Regional Medical Center dba Mosaic Life Care — Saint Joseph
  • Montana (1)

    • Bozeman Health Deaconess Hospital — Bozeman
  • Nebraska (6)

    • Mary Lanning Healthcare, Morrison Cancer Center — Hastings
    • Faith Regional Health Services, Carson Cancer Center — Norfolk
    • Great Plains Regional Medical Center — North Platte
    • Methodist Estabrook Cancer Center — Omaha
    • Nebraska Methodist Health System — Omaha
    • University of Nebraska Medical Center — Omaha
  • New York (2)

    • C.R. Wood Cancer Center, Glens Falls Hospital — Glens Falls
    • Faxton St. Luke's Healthcare, Mohawk Valley — Utica
  • North Carolina (1)

    • Cape Fear Valley Health System — Fayetteville
  • North Dakota (2)

    • Essentia Health — Fargo
    • Trinity Hospital Cancer Care Center — Minot
  • Ohio (2)

    • Aultman Alliance Community Hospital — Alliance
    • Aultman Hospital — Canton
  • Wisconsin (1)

    • Bellin Memorial Hospital — Green Bay

NCT06444815

A Study of VET3-TGI in Patients With Solid Tumors

VET3-TGI is an oncolytic immunotherapy designed to treat advanced cancers. VET3-TGI has not been given to human patients yet, and the current study is designed to find a safe and effective dose of VET3-TGI when administered by direct injection into tumor(s) (called an intratumoral injection) or when given intravenously (into the vein) both alone and in combination with atezolizumab in patients with solid tumors (STEALTH-001).

Locations

  • California (2)

    • USC/Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center — Los Angeles
    • UC Irvine Health — Orange
  • Florida (1)

    • University of Miami — Miami
  • Indiana (1)

    • Community Health Network — Indianapolis
  • Pennsylvania (1)

    • UPMC- Hillman Cancer Center — Pittsburgh
  • Texas (2)

    • Mary Crowley Cancer Research — Dallas
    • University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center — Houston

Financial Support for Treatment in Indiana

Patients undergoing mesothelioma treatment in Indiana have access to many financial assistance programs. Some are regional or county-specific organizations, such as Tricia’s Hope in West-Central Indiana and RiverBend Cancer Services in Northern Indiana. 

By covering medical expenses directly or offering emergency grants for life’s necessities during treatment, Indiana’s cancer nonprofits can reduce stress. This allows patients to focus on the treatment and the recovery process.

Help for Mesothelioma Patients in Financial Need

  • Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana: Based in Fort Wayne, this nonprofit offers comprehensive financial assistance and practical support to families in the region who struggle with cancer treatment costs. The organization can cover co-pays, transportation to appointments, prescriptions, hospital beds, wheelchairs and more. To apply, patients must live in Adams, Allen, DeKalb, Wabash, Wells or surrounding counties.
  • Healthy Indiana Plan: Indiana residents who don’t qualify for Medicaid assistance can apply for the state’s low-cost healthcare coverage program. Low-income families may have co-pays as low as $75 for inpatient services, such as hospital stays.
  • Indiana University Health Financial Assistance Policy: Patients receiving mesothelioma treatment in Indiana at the Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center in Indianapolis may qualify for discounted care, deferred payments or complete financial aid for medical bills. The university’s financial counselors help patients apply for any available state and federal insurance programs for low-income individuals.
  • RiverBend Cancer Services: One of the oldest cancer support organizations in Indiana, RiverBend Cancer Services provides financial aid and free support resources to cancer patients in South Bend and nearby Northern Indiana cities. The nonprofit can pay for medical supplies, prescriptions, nutritional supplements and other treatment-related essentials. It also lends durable medical equipment for mobility and bathing to patients.
  • Tricia’s Hope: Mesothelioma patients or caregivers who live in Central Indiana can apply for a Tricia’s Hope grant to help with non-medical financial needs such as groceries, home cleaning services or repairs, rent or mortgage payments, utilities and fuel costs. The nonprofit mainly supports families in Benton, Howard, Marion, Montgomery, Putnam and nearby counties.
  • TOUCH, Inc.: This Evansville nonprofit aims to provide financial assistance to cancer patients undergoing treatment. TOUCH stands for transportation, out-of-pocket expenses, utilities, childcare and housing. Patients may request help with these costs. Only residents of Vanderburgh and Warrick Counties may apply.

Our Patient Advocates have helped many people in Indiana with mesothelioma find financial support programs. We also have a dedicated Veterans Department to assist with the process of applying for VA benefits and compensation

Cancer Resources in Indiana

Mesothelioma patients, caregivers, spouses and family members can take advantage of free cancer support programs in Indiana. Organizations like the American Cancer Society, Little Red Door and others may offer meal delivery services, professional counseling and rehabilitation. These programs provide support to patients at any stage of a mesothelioma diagnosis.

Indiana Cancer Support Programs

  • American Cancer Society: Through local partnerships, the ACS resource center in Indianapolis supports mesothelioma patients across Indiana. For example, families who need to travel to the Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center for treatment can apply for temporary housing assistance to alleviate the emotional and economic burden of caregivers. Other programs offer transportation assistance and in-person or virtual support groups.
  • Cancer Association of Shelby County: Based in Shelbyville, this cancer support organization helps local mesothelioma patients in practical ways, such as providing in-home support, groceries, and medical supplies and equipment. The Cancer Association of Shelby County can also cover certain treatment expenses, including medication and co-pay costs.
  • Cancer Support Community Indiana: This Indianapolis-based nonprofit provides extensive educational resources and referrals to help local cancer patients understand treatment options and find support, including senior care programs in Marion County. CSC Indiana also hosts social events and support groups, including strength training classes and one-on-one counseling sessions for individuals or families facing cancer.
  • Grant County Cancer Services: Families in Marion, Jonesboro and other parts of Grant County can find practical assistance at Grant County Cancer Services, from educational resources and equipment to volunteer drivers and emergency financial aid.
  • Lawrence County Cancer Patient Services: This Bedford nonprofit allocates significant resources to provide medical equipment, accessories and supplies to local cancer patients. Examples include walkers, shower chairs, power seat lifts, vehicle wheelchair carriers, weighted blankets and wigs. Volunteers can also help with lawn care and housekeeping.
  • Little Red Door: For more than 75 years, the Little Red Door Cancer Agency has provided practical support programs to cancer patients in Indianapolis. Locations in Indianapolis and Muncie offer a wide range of free services, from oncology massage and fitness programs to transportation assistance and cooking classes. Mesothelioma patients in active treatment can also receive nutritional supplements, wigs, boutique services, medical supplies and mobility equipment.

You can also access cancer support resources by dialing 211 from anywhere in the state. Indiana 211 is part of the Family and Social Services Administration. This agency helps families connect with local programs for mental health, housing assistance, food, transportation and financial aid.

What Survivors Say About Their Mesothelioma Treatment in Indiana

Many mesothelioma patients who underwent treatment in Indiana have shared their experiences with our Patient Advocates. Their stories highlight the level of care that the state’s leading cancer centers offer patients, from clinical trials at the Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center in Indianapolis to immunotherapy at the Purdue University Institute for Cancer Research.

Survivor Experience

“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 C. , Pleural Mesothelioma Survivor
Verified Asbestos.com Survivor

Survivor Experience

“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.”

– Charles W. , Pleural Mesothelioma Survivor
Verified Asbestos.com Survivor