Duke Cancer Center
20 Duke Medicine Cir Durham, NC 27710
Mesothelioma Treatment in North Carolina
Table Of Contents
Mesothelioma patients in North Carolina can access some of the top cancer treatment centers in the nation, including centers that specialize in mesothelioma research, diagnosis and treatment. Mesothelioma cancer centers across North Carolina provide surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and immunotherapy treatment.
Written by Karen Selby, RN | Edited by Walter Pacheco | Last Update:
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.
Expert Take
Snehal Smart: Why is it Important to See a Mesothelioma Specialist?
Cancer is a complex disease to treat. And that’s why it’s so important to have different type of experts, different type of physicians who all focus on lung cancer or who all focus on mesothelioma or esophageal cancer, and they all come together to work in unison.
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.
Wake Forest Baptist Health Comprehensive Cancer Center
Medical Center Blvd, Winston-Salem, NC 27157
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.
Scott Antonia
Pleural Specialist | Medical Oncology
Medical oncologist Dr. Scott Antonia is director of the newly formed Center for Cancer Immunotherapy at the Duke Cancer Institute in Durham, North Carolina.
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Dan G. Blazer III
Peritoneal Specialist | Surgical Oncology
Dr. Dan G. Blazer III is a surgical oncologist with expertise in treating peritoneal mesothelioma at the Duke Cancer Center in Durham, North Carolina.
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David H. Harpole Jr.
Pleural Specialist | Thoracic Surgery
Dr. David Harpole Jr. is a leading thoracic surgeon at Duke Cancer Center. His clinical interests include mesothelioma, lung cancer, thoracic oncology and general thoracic surgery.
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Edward Levine
Peritoneal Specialist | Surgical Oncology
Expertise:
Sentinel Lymph Node Mapping
HIPEC
Expertise:
Sentinel Lymph Node Mapping
HIPEC
Dr. Edward A. Levine is the chief of surgical oncology services at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center and a nationally recognized specialist in the use of HIPEC in combination with cytoreductive surgery for peritoneal surface malignancies.
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Jeffrey Melson Clarke
Pleural Specialist | Medical Oncology
Expertise:
Thoracic Malignancies
Immunotherapy
Expertise:
Thoracic Malignancies
Immunotherapy
Dr. Jeffrey Clarke is a medical oncologist at the Duke Cancer Center in Durham, North Carolina, specializing in malignancies of the chest, including lung cancer and pleural mesothelioma.
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Thomas E. Stinchcombe
Pleural Specialist | Medical Oncology
Expertise:
Thoracic Malignancies
Clinical Trials
Expertise:
Thoracic Malignancies
Clinical Trials
Medical oncologist Dr. Thomas E. Stinchcombe focuses on clinical care as well as developing new and better therapies for thoracic diseases at the Duke Cancer Center in Durham, North Carolina.
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Betty Tong
Pleural Specialist | Thoracic Surgery
Expertise:
Minimally Invasive Thoracic Surgery
Clinical Research
Expertise:
Minimally Invasive Thoracic Surgery
Clinical Research
Dr. Betty Tong is a thoracic surgeon based at the Duke Raleigh Hospital. She is an active member of the Society of Thoracic Surgeons and Women in Thoracic Surgery.
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Konstantinos Votanopoulos
Peritoneal Specialist | Surgical Oncology
Expertise:
Organoid Research
Cytoreductive Surgery
HIPEC
Expertise:
Organoid Research
Cytoreductive Surgery
HIPEC
Dr. Konstantinos Votanopoulos is a surgical oncologist treating patients at the Wake Forest Baptist Health Comprehensive Cancer Center in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
Read BioClinical 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.
