Getting Treatment in North Carolina

North Carolina is home to some of the best cancer treatment centers in the country, including three National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers. These include the Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center, the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center and the Duke Cancer Institute — one of the top cancer centers in the United States.

North Carolina has military bases and a large number of mines that have led to occupational asbestos exposure. Talc mines, asbestos mines and naturally occurring asbestos deposits are significant sources of asbestos exposure in the state. North Carolina ranks 15th in the U.S. for asbestos-related deaths, including a total of 1,203 recorded mesothelioma deaths. The age-adjusted incidence of mesothelioma in North Carolina is 0.6 cases per 100,000 people.

The Patient Advocates at The Mesothelioma Center work with mesothelioma survivors and their families, connecting them to specialists across North Carolina. 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 Centers in North Carolina

A mesothelioma diagnosis is a life-changing experience. Choosing the treatment center that is best for you and your needs is deeply personal. With so many cancer treatment centers in North Carolina, how do you choose the one that is right for you?

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Cancer Center

  • Does it provide palliative care in addition to surgical and oncology services?
  • Is it accredited by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer?
  • Is it a National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center?

Each of the 3 National Cancer Institute-designated cancer centers partners with health systems and cancer centers throughout the state to provide top-notch cancer care using the latest innovations in mesothelioma treatment. The Duke Cancer Institute and the Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center are invested in treating and caring for people with mesothelioma in North Carolina.

Duke Cancer Institute, mesothelioma cancer center
Duke Cancer Center

20 Duke Medicine Cir Durham, NC 27710

Year Built: 1971
Number of Physicians: 6

North Carolina Doctors Who Treat Mesothelioma

You should find the right doctor after choosing the right cancer treatment center. Choosing a mesothelioma doctor who is right for you is an important part of your mesothelioma cancer journey. You must find someone who is a good fit.

When choosing a mesothelioma doctor in North Carolina, ask yourself:

  • Are they confident and knowledgeable?
  • Do they have experience with your specific type of mesothelioma?
  • Do they make you feel respected and comfortable?

You and your doctor should build a good working relationship founded on respect and trust throughout treatment. Personality can be as important as medical knowledge and clinical skill. You and your doctor need to work together as a team throughout your care; find a teammate who is a good fit for you for the long journey ahead.

Dr. Scott Antonia, Chairman, Thoracic Oncology Department

Durham, North Carolina

Scott Antonia

Pleural Specialist | Medical Oncology

Expertise: Immunotherapy Research

Languages:  Hematologic Oncology

Dan G. Blazer III, peritoneal mesothelioma doctor

Durham, North Carolina

Dan G. Blazer III

Peritoneal Specialist | Surgical Oncology

Expertise: Cytoreductive Surgery HIPEC

Languages: English

Dr. David H. Harpole Jr., pleural mesothelioma specialist

Durham, North Carolina

David H. Harpole Jr.

Pleural Specialist | Thoracic Surgery

Expertise: Pathology Research

Languages: English

Dr. Edward Levine, peritoneal mesothelioma doctor

Winston Salem, North Carolina

Edward Levine

Peritoneal Specialist | Surgical Oncology

Expertise: Sentinel Lymph Node Mapping HIPEC

Languages: English

Dr. Jeffrey Clarke, medical oncologist

Durham, North Carolina

Jeffrey Melson Clarke

Pleural Specialist | Medical Oncology

Expertise: Thoracic Malignancies Immunotherapy

Languages: English

Dr. Thomas E. Stinchcombe, medical oncologist

Durham, North Carolina

Thomas E. Stinchcombe

Pleural Specialist | Medical Oncology

Expertise: Thoracic Malignancies Clinical Trials

Languages: English

Dr. Betty Tong, Cardiothoracic Surgeon

Durham, North Carolina

Betty Tong

Pleural Specialist | Thoracic Surgery

Expertise: Minimally Invasive Thoracic Surgery Clinical Research

Languages: English

Konstantinos Votanopoulos, surgical oncologist

Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Konstantinos Votanopoulos

Peritoneal Specialist | Surgical Oncology

Expertise: Organoid Research Cytoreductive Surgery HIPEC

Languages: English, Greek

Clinical Trials and Cancer Research in North Carolina

The three major comprehensive cancer centers in North Carolina focus on research as well as treatment. Clinical trials are an important part of cancer research. Enrolling in a clinical trial can give you access to the latest cutting-edge treatments for mesothelioma. 

The Duke Cancer Institute is at the forefront of cancer research. In a recently published study, researchers at the Duke University Medical Center studied the effect of radiation on pleural mesothelioma survival. They found that receiving radiation after surgery for pleural mesothelioma does not increase survival or lower recurrence. Rather, radiation was associated with a risk of toxicity events. Studies such as this will change how doctors approach mesothelioma in the future.

Clinical Trial
Study of CTX-471 as a Monotherapy or in Combination With Pembrolizumab in Patients Post PD-1/PD-L1 Inhibitors in Metastatic or Locally Advanced Malignancies

This study tests CTX-471 with pembrolizumab in patients with advanced mesothelioma.

  • Condition: Mesothelioma, Lung Cancer
  • Intervention: Immunotherapy
  • Locations: Durham, Maryland
  • Recruiting: March 2019 – Present
Clinical Trial
A Study Evaluating the Safety and Efficacy of ENV-101 (Taladegib) in Patients With Advanced Solid Tumors Harboring PTCH1 Loss of Function Mutations

This study is evaluating the efficacy and safety of ENV-101 in patients with loss of function (LOF) mutations in the Patched-1 (PTCH1) gene.

  • Condition: Mesothelioma
  • Intervention: Hedgehog (Hh) pathway inhibitor
  • Locations: Durham, North Carolina
  • Recruiting: January 2022 – Present

Susan Dickman
Peritoneal Mesothelioma Survivor

At 72, Susan Dickman underwent surgery for peritoneal mesothelioma, followed by hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy. Her first doctor refused to operate because of her age, but Susan didn’t lose hope. She discovered Dr. Edward Levine at Wake Forest, who agreed to do the surgery. That was a decade ago. Susan believes her survival is thanks to her faith, prayer and the unwavering support of friends and family. After her recovery, she stood by her husband as he faced lymphoma. Susan’s goal is to reach age 90, and she hopes to inspire others diagnosed with mesothelioma.

Beth Mixon
Peritoneal Mesothelioma Survivor

Before her passing in 2018, Beth Mixon lived 17 years following her peritoneal mesothelioma diagnosis. She spent 14 years without new tumor growth before needing another surgery and HIPEC treatment. As a nurse, Beth was open to trying options beyond standard surgery and chemotherapy. She chose integrative medicine, focusing on nutrition and supplements to create a care plan that fit her needs. Beth believed that God kept her alive to encourage others with mesothelioma and to advocate for integrative therapies for the disease.

Cancer Support Services in North Carolina

Cancer support services help meet the needs of people with mesothelioma, along with their caregivers and loved ones. These services may include financial help, as well as emotional and spiritual support. Both national and local groups offer resources for people living with mesothelioma in North Carolina.

American Cancer Society
The American Cancer Society’s resource centers offer free wigs, hats, treatment information and other assistance for people with cancer. They also provide access to emotional support groups, financial help and lodging during treatment.

Mesothelioma Survivor, Caregiver & Family Support
This online support group brings together mesothelioma patients and caregivers in North Carolina and nationwide. Newly diagnosed individuals, survivors, and loved ones can connect, share their experiences and offer peer support to each other.

North Carolina Comprehensive Cancer Control Program
This public health program is dedicated to preventing and treating cancer in North Carolina. It offers information about care and connects people with local, state and national support services for people living with cancer.

Stand Up To Cancer
Stand Up To Cancer provides information about different support options for cancer patients and caregivers. The foundation also funds cancer research and promotes awareness. It can help patients access treatment, medication and learn about clinical trial enrollment. In addition, it supports caregivers and guides people on their cancer journey.

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