Mesothelioma Treatment in North Carolina
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 Kristopher Bunting, M.D. • Edited By Walter Pacheco
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How to Cite Asbestos.com’s Article
APA
Bunting, K. (2023, December 4). Mesothelioma Treatment in North Carolina. Asbestos.com. Retrieved December 5, 2023, from https://www.asbestos.com/treatment/states/north-carolina/
MLA
Bunting, Kristopher. "Mesothelioma Treatment in North Carolina." Asbestos.com, 4 Dec 2023, https://www.asbestos.com/treatment/states/north-carolina/.
Chicago
Bunting, Kristopher. "Mesothelioma Treatment in North Carolina." Asbestos.com. Last modified December 4, 2023. https://www.asbestos.com/treatment/states/north-carolina/.
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 Mesothelioma Center at Asbestos.com has been the most trusted source for mesothelioma information in the nation. For more than 15 years, The Mesothelioma Center has provided assistance in the form of patient advocates, VA claims assistance, a Doctor Match program, support groups and webinars for survivors and families. Asbestos.com provides resources for people in North Carolina with mesothelioma to help them find the best possible cancer care throughout the state.
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 to choose from in North Carolina, how do you choose the one that is right for you?
- Is it accredited by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer?
- Is it a National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center?
- Does it provide palliative care in addition to surgical and oncology services?
There are three NCI-designated comprehensive cancer centers in North Carolina. Each of these institutions 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, the Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center, and the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center are all deeply invested in treating and caring for people with mesothelioma in North Carolina.
- Year Built: 1971
- Number of Beds: 6,000+ new cancer patients annually
- Number of Physicians: 7
- Number of Beds: 167
- Number of Physicians: 3
North Carolina Doctors Who Treat Mesothelioma
After choosing the right cancer treatment center, you then need to find the right doctor. Choosing a cancer doctor that is right for you is an important part of your mesothelioma journey. You must find someone who is a good fit.
- Are they confident and knowledgeable?
- Do they have experience with your specific type of mesothelioma?
- Do they make you feel respected and comfortable?
Your mesothelioma journey will be long and difficult. Throughout treatment and in remission, you and your doctor must build a good working relationship founded on respect and trust. 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 that is a good fit for you for the long journey ahead.
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.
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
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
At age 72, Susan Dickman had surgery for peritoneal mesothelioma followed by hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy, also known as HIPEC. Her first doctor wouldn’t perform the surgery due to her age, but she didn’t give up. She found Dr. Edward Levine at Wake Forest, who was willing to perform the surgery. That was 10 years ago. She credits her survival to faith, prayer and the support of friends and family. Since her recovery, she has supported her husband through his battle with lymphoma. She says that her goal is to live to 90; she wants to be an inspiration to others facing mesothelioma.
Before her death in 2018, Beth Mixon was a 17-year survivor of peritoneal mesothelioma. She went 14 years without new tumor growth before needing another surgery and HIPEC therapy. As a nurse, she was willing to try treatments beyond standard surgery and chemotherapy. She embraced integrative medicine to find a personalized approach to her care using nutrition and supplements to augment her therapy. She believed that God kept her alive for a purpose, to promote integrative therapy for mesothelioma and to be an inspiration to others living with mesothelioma.
Cancer Support Services in North Carolina
Cancer support services work to meet the needs of cancer patients, caregivers and families dealing with mesothelioma. This can include financial support as well as emotional and spiritual support. National and local resources are available to help North Carolinians with mesothelioma.
The American Cancer Society’s cancer resource centers provide free wigs, hats, treatment information and other support for cancer patients. Its services also include help finding emotional support networks, financial assistance and lodging during treatment.
Mesothelioma Survivor, Caregiver & Family Support
The Mesothelioma Survivor, Caregiver & Family Support group on Facebook helps connect mesothelioma patients and caregivers in North Carolina and around the country with other people dealing with mesothelioma. Newly diagnosed patients, survivors and others can share their experiences and offer peer support.
North Carolina Comprehensive Cancer Control Program
The North Carolina Comprehensive Cancer Control Program is a public health initiative aimed at providing care and resources to prevent and treat cancer as well as help individuals and families living with cancer. Its website provides information on local, state and national resources for people with cancer in North Carolina.
Stand Up To Cancer is a foundation that offers information about a wide range of support services for cancer patients and caregivers in addition to funding cancer research and awareness. It can help find resources to support patients before, during and after cancer treatment as well as support for caregivers. This includes helping people access treatment and medication and learn about enrolling in clinical trials.
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