Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center
2220 Pierce Avenue, Nashville, TN 37232
Year Built: 1993
Number of Physicians: 4
Mesothelioma Treatment in Tennessee
Table Of Contents
Mesothelioma patients in Tennessee have access to nationally ranked cancer treatment centers with specialists who have experience in mesothelioma diagnosis, treatment and research. Cancer centers in Tennessee provide surgery, chemotherapy, radiation treatment and clinical trials for people in Tennessee with mesothelioma.
Written by Karen Selby, RN | Edited by Walter Pacheco | Last Update: August 15, 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 Tennessee
Tennessee has many top cancer treatment centers, including two comprehensive National Cancer Institute cancer centers. These include the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center in Nashville and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. While mesothelioma in children is rare, St. Jude’s experts include experts who have co-authored papers on mesothelioma, including Dr. Lu Wang, who serves as medical director of molecular pathology.
The Mesothelioma Center at Asbestos.com provides resources for people with mesothelioma in Tennessee to help them find the best cancer care in the state. With more than 15 years of experience working with mesothelioma survivors and their families, Asbestos.com has become the most trusted source for information about mesothelioma in the nation. The Mesothelioma Center provides assistance through patient advocates, the VA claims doctor match program, support groups and webinars.
Tennessee is home to multiple industries associated with occupational asbestos exposure, including manufacturing and metal ore processing. Additionally, over the past 20 years, natural disasters, including floods and tornadoes, have damaged homes and buildings built with asbestos. Cleanup and repair of these sites are believed to be a major asbestos exposure risk. Tennessee ranks 19th in the U.S. for asbestos-related deaths, including 918 recorded mesothelioma deaths. The age-adjusted incidence of mesothelioma in Tennessee is 0.5 cases per 100,000 people.
Top Mesothelioma Centers in Tennessee
A diagnosis of mesothelioma changes your life in deeply personal ways. Making choices about your mesothelioma care is also deeply personal. With several cancer centers in Tennessee, how do you decide which one is best for you?
Consider these factors when choosing a cancer treatment center in Tennessee:
- Does the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer accredit them?
- Are they a National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center?
- Do they provide palliative care in addition to surgical and oncology services?
The two top cancer centers in Tennessee are NCI-designated comprehensive cancer centers. These are St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis and Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center (VICC) in Nashville.
In addition to these internationally recognized cancer centers, Tennessee is home to the Sarah Cannon Research Institute in Nashville, Tennessee Oncology and the West Cancer Center and Research Institute. Both Tennessee Oncology and the West Cancer Center have many clinics throughout the state. The West Cancer Center was the first in the country to offer Tumor Treating Fields therapy for mesothelioma.
West Cancer Center & Research Institute
1588 Union Ave., Memphis, TN 38104
Year Built: 1979
Number of Physicians: 1
Tennessee Doctors Who Treat Mesothelioma
After choosing a cancer treatment center, you also have to select a cancer doctor. Choosing a doctor who is right for you is an important step in your mesothelioma journey. You need to find someone who is a good fit for you and your individual needs.
Consider these factors when choosing a mesothelioma doctor in Tennessee:
- Are they knowledgeable and confident?
- Do they have experience with your type of mesothelioma?
- Do they make you feel comfortable and respected?
Cancer care involves more than just treatment. It continues into remission. You and your doctor need to work together as a team, so be sure to find a teammate with whom you can build a strong working relationship.
Any good relationship is built upon trust and respect. You’re going to work with your doctor for the long haul. Personality matters as much as clinical skill. Find a doctor who is a good fit for you as an individual.
Memphis, Tennessee
Matthew Ballo
Pleural Specialist | Radiation Oncology
Expertise: Tumor Treating Fields Research
Languages: English
Nashville, Tennessee
Erin Alexis Gillaspie
Pleural Specialist | Thoracic Surgery
Expertise: Minimally Invasive Surgery Lung Transplantation Computed Tomographic Lung Cancer Screening
Languages: English, French, Spanish
Franklin, Tennessee
Eric S. Lambright
Pleural Specialist | Thoracic Surgery
Expertise: Chest Wall Resection Immunotherapy
Languages: English
Nashville, Tennessee
Evan Osmundson
Pleural Specialist | Radiation Oncology
Expertise: Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy Intraoperative Radiation Therapy
Nashville, Tennessee
Sally J. York
Pleural Specialist | Thoracic Oncology
Expertise: Hematologic Oncology Thoracic Cancer
Languages: English
Clinical Trials and Cancer Research in Tennessee
Tennessee has cancer centers that do more than treat mesothelioma. They’re heavily invested in mesothelioma research as well. Clinical trials are an important part of research, especially for mesothelioma. Enrolling in a clinical trial can give you access to the latest cutting-edge mesothelioma treatments.
Currently, clinical trials in Tennessee are testing the latest mesothelioma therapies that target specific gene mutations and treatments that focus on helping T-cells destroy cancer cells. The Sarah Cannon Research Institute is also involved in many clinical trials for mesothelioma patients.
Participating in cancer research can benefit you and help advance cancer care for other mesothelioma patients. Are you interested in enrolling in a mesothelioma clinical trial? Let The Mesothelioma Center help you find a clinical trial that’s right for you.
Clinical Trial
A Phase 1/2 Trial of TC-510 In Patients With Advanced Mesothelin-Expressing Cancer
This study is testing a new biologic drug for mesothelioma and other cancers that express mesothelin.
- Condition: Malignant Mesothelioma
- Intervention: Biologic
- Locations: Nashville, Tennessee
- Recruiting: July 2022 – Present
Clinical Trial
Oral TEAD Inhibitor Targeting the Hippo Pathway in Subjects With Advanced Solid Tumors
This study is testing a new drug for treating mesothelioma and other solid tumors that have specific gene mutations or do not have other treatment options.
- Condition: Malignant Mesothelioma
- Intervention: Targeted therapy
- Locations: Nashville, Tennessee
- Recruiting: February 2022 – Present
Clinical Trial
A Study of PRT3645 in Participants With Select Advanced or Metastatic Solid Tumors
This study is testing a new drug for treating mesothelioma and other solid tumors.
- Condition: Malignant Mesothelioma
- Intervention: Targeted therapy
- Locations: Nashville, Tennessee
- Recruiting: September 2022 – Present
Clinical Trial
A Safety and Efficacy Study Evaluating CTX131 in Adult Subjects With Relapsed or Refractory Solid Tumors
This study is testing CAR T-cell therapy for pleural mesothelioma and other cancers that don’t respond to other treatments.
- Condition: Pleural Mesothelioma
- Intervention: Immunotherapy
- Locations: Nashville, Tennessee
- Recruiting: April 2023 – Present
Clinical Trial
Phase 1/2 Study of MRTX1719 in Solid Tumors With MTAP Deletion
This study is testing a new targeted therapy drug for mesothelioma and other cancers that can’t be treated with surgery and have specific genetic mutations.
- Condition: Malignant Mesothelioma
- Intervention: Targeted therapy
- Locations: Nashville, Tennessee
- Recruiting: February 2022 – Present
Clinical Trial
KZR-261 in Subjects With Advanced Solid Malignancies
This study is testing a new targeted therapy drug for mesothelioma and other advanced solid tumors.
- Condition: Malignant Mesothelioma
- Intervention: Targeted therapy
- Locations: Nashville, Tennessee
- Recruiting: September 2021 – Present
Clinical Trial
Selective TrkA Inhibitor VMD-928 to Treat TrkA Overexpression Driven Solid Tumors or Lymphoma
This study is testing a new targeted therapy drug for mesothelioma and advanced cancers that have not responded to other therapies.
- Condition: Malignant Mesothelioma
- Intervention: Targeted therapy
- Locations: Chattanooga, Tennessee
- Recruiting: June 2018 – Present
Stories from Survivors
Jim Madaris
Peritoneal Mesothelioma Survivor
Jim Madaris was diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma in 2013 after visiting the doctor for kidney stones. He underwent extensive abdominal surgery and HIPEC therapy. Later, he needed pleurectomy/decortication surgery to remove tumors that appeared in the lining of his lungs. His surgeries took place in Pittsburgh, while he joined clinical trials in Nashville, testing two immunotherapy drugs. Although mesothelioma affected this 14-year Navy veteran and pilot, treatment enabled him to return to a fulfilling family life.
Obtaining proper treatment wasn’t easy. As Jim advised, “Be your own advocate. The cancer doesn’t respond well to standard treatment, so you have to find someone who goes beyond standard and is interested in experimental drugs. Someone not afraid to try something new.” These experimental treatments gave Jim more time and better quality of life until he passed in 2021, eight years after his diagnosis. Jim never took life for granted after learning of his illness. He said, “I look at today, and that day’s outlook is always great.”
Cancer Support Services in Tennessee
Cancer support services help meet the medical, emotional and spiritual needs of cancer patients, caregivers and families dealing with mesothelioma. Both national and local resources are available to residents of Tennessee.
The American Cancer Society’s local cancer resource centers offer free wigs, hats, treatment information and other support for cancer patients. They also assist with emotional support networks, financial aid and lodging during treatment.
Named after comedian Gilda Radner, Gilda’s Club provides social and emotional support to cancer patients and their families. Their website connects visitors to a range of cancer support services.
Mesothelioma Survivor, Caregiver & Family Support
This Facebook group connects mesothelioma patients and caregivers in Tennessee and nationwide. Newly diagnosed patients and survivors share experiences and provide peer support.
Vanderbilt Health Cancer Support Services
Vanderbilt Health offers comprehensive services for cancer patients and their families, including help with transportation, lodging, childcare, financial counseling and psychological care.
Families in Tennessee facing mesothelioma have access to valuable resources and high-quality treatment without leaving their state. Receiving care from a specialist at a leading cancer center gives patients the best chance to improve long-term survival.
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