Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
450 Brookline Ave, Boston, MA, 02215
Year Built: 1947
Number of Physicians: 1
Mesothelioma Treatment in Massachusetts
Table Of Contents
Mesothelioma patients in Massachusetts are fortunate to have access to leading treatment at some of the best cancer centers in the world. Multiple cancer centers in Boston specialize in cutting-edge mesothelioma treatments, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and immunotherapy.
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 Treatment in Massachusetts
Massachusetts is home to some of the nation’s top cancer centers. Leading institutions such as Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the Harvard Cancer Center in Boston provide advanced mesothelioma care and are active in cutting-edge research.
From 2018 to 2022, the age-adjusted mesothelioma rate in Massachusetts was 0.80 cases per 100,000 people, with 358 new diagnoses reported during this period. Asbestos exposure, especially from industries like shipbuilding, has contributed to the state’s higher incidence rate of mesothelioma.
Our Patient Advocates have more than 15 years of experience assisting mesothelioma survivors and their families find mesothelioma treatment. We help connect people in Massachusetts to specialists, coordinate appointments and navigate insurance issues. We also offer resources such as online support groups, VA-accredited claims agents and educational webinars with mesothelioma experts.
Top Mesothelioma Centers in Massachusetts
The leading mesothelioma center in Massachusetts is the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Located in Boston, it is part of the Harvard Medical School system and one of the earliest National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers in the country. While Massachusetts has several cancer centers, Dana-Farber stands out as the state’s only NCI-designated center focused on comprehensive cancer care.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Cancer Center
- Has National Cancer Institute Comprehensive Cancer Center designation
- Holds accreditation from the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer
- Offers palliative and supportive care services
Massachusetts General Hospital
55 Fruit St, Boston, MA 02114
Year Built: 1811
Number of Physicians: 3
Brigham and Women’s Hospital
75 Francis St, Boston, MA 02115
Year Built: 1832
Number of Beds: 793 beds
Number of Physicians: 4
Massachusetts Doctors Who Treat Mesothelioma
Massachusetts has many skilled mesothelioma specialists who develop personalized treatment plans and manage patient care. Finding a doctor with the right expertise for your specific type of mesothelioma and a deep understanding of your individual case is essential.
Choosing a Massachusetts Specialist
- Comfortable working within a multidisciplinary team, including surgeons, radiation oncologists and palliative care providers
- Experienced in treating your particular mesothelioma type
- Knowledgeable about the latest and emerging treatment options
- Focused on patient-centered and compassionate care
Choose a doctor you trust and feel comfortable with. Mesothelioma care is a long process, even during remission. It’s important to have a specialist who listens and communicates openly. Clinical skill matters but so does personality. You and your doctor will work together as a team to make the best decisions for your care.
Boston, Massachusetts
Elizabeth Baldini
Pleural Specialist | Thoracic Radiology
Expertise: Thoracic Malignancies Clinical Research
Languages: English
Boston, Massachusetts
Laurence H. Brinckerhoff
Pleural Specialist | Thoracic Surgery
Expertise: Minimally Invasive Surgery Clinical Trials
Languages: English
Boston, Massachusetts
Raphael Bueno
Pleural Specialist | Thoracic Surgery
Expertise: Pleurectomy and Decortication Extrapleural Pneumonectomy
Languages: English
Boston, Massachusetts
Henning A. Gaissert
Pleural Specialist | Thoracic Surgery
Expertise: Multimodal Therapy Thoracic Malignancies
Languages: English, German, French
Boston, Massachusetts
Martin D. Goodman
Peritoneal Specialist | Surgical Oncology
Expertise: Cytoreductive Surgery HIPEC
Languages: English
Boston, Massachusetts
Pasi A. Janne
Pleural Specialist | Thoracic Oncology
Expertise: Immunotherapy Heated Chemotherapy
Languages: English
Boston, Massachusetts
Hassan A. Khalil
Pleural Specialist | Thoracic Oncology
Expertise: Thoracic Surgery Robotic Surgery
Languages: English
Boston, Massachusetts
Scott J. Swanson
Pleural Specialist | Thoracic Surgery
Expertise: Minimally Invasive Surgery Video-Assisted Surgery
Languages: English
Clinical Trials and Cancer Research in Massachusetts
Massachusetts cancer centers actively conduct research to improve mesothelioma care, offering patients access to clinical trials testing new therapies. Several clinical trials in Massachusetts are actively recruiting participants.
One ongoing trial is evaluating the safety and effectiveness of combining surgery with Opdivo (nivolumab), an immunotherapy drug, before and after surgery in people with pleural mesothelioma. Another study is testing a targeted treatment that inhibits key proteins involved in the growth of mesothelioma cells.
These and other clinical trials provide opportunities to access advanced treatments while contributing to medical knowledge. If you’re interested in clinical trials, our Patient Advocates can help you explore options and understand the enrollment process.
Clinical Trial
Chemotherapy With or Without Immunotherapy for Peritoneal Mesothelioma
This study is testing the addition of atezolizumab and bevacizumab immunotherapy to standard surgery or chemotherapy.
- Condition: Peritoneal Mesothelioma
- Intervention: Immunotherapy
- Locations: Boston, Massachusetts
- Recruiting: August 2021 – Present
Clinical Trial
Testing the Addition of Targeted Radiation Therapy to Surgery and the Usual Chemotherapy Treatment for Stage I-IIIA Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma
This study adds radiation therapy to the usual regimen of surgery and chemotherapy for early-stage pleural mesothelioma.
- Condition: Pleural Mesothelioma
- Intervention: Radiation Therapy
- Locations: Boston, Massachusetts
- Recruiting: November 2019 – Present
Cancer Support Services in Massachusetts
Cancer support services aim to address the diverse needs of patients, caregivers and families facing mesothelioma. These services include financial aid as well as emotional and spiritual assistance. Massachusetts mesothelioma residents can access national and local resources to help manage their diagnosis.
American Cancer Society
The American Cancer Society’s resource centers offer free wigs, hats, treatment information and additional support for cancer patients. Their services also include help with finding emotional support groups, financial assistance and lodging options during treatment.
Mesothelioma Survivor, Caregiver & Family Support
This Facebook group connects mesothelioma patients and caregivers in Massachusetts and nationwide. It allows newly diagnosed individuals, survivors and their families to share experiences and provide peer support.
Cancer Support Community Massachusetts
This organization supports those with cancer through a helpline, educational resources and MyLifeLine, an online community for people living with cancer. They focus on helping individuals and loved ones cope with the challenges cancer brings.
Massachusetts General Hospital
Through the Maxwell V. Blum Cancer Resource Program, Massachusetts General Hospital offers educational materials for cancer patients and caregivers. The hospital also provides access to integrative therapies such as acupuncture, art therapy and yoga through the Katherine A. Gallagher Integrative Therapies Program, supporting overall well-being during cancer treatment.
Joe Andruzzi Foundation
Serving Massachusetts and greater New England, the Joe Andruzzi Foundation offers various support services for people with cancer. These include help with transportation, financial aid, food security and other programs that improve the quality of life for those living with cancer.
