Mesothelioma Treatment in Tennessee
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 and radiation treatment as well as clinical trials for people in Tennessee with mesothelioma.
Written by Dr. Kristopher Bunting • Edited By Walter Pacheco
Asbestos.com is the nation’s most trusted mesothelioma resource
The Mesothelioma Center at Asbestos.com has provided patients and their loved ones the most updated and reliable information on mesothelioma and asbestos exposure since 2006.
Our team of Patient Advocates includes a medical doctor, a registered nurse, health services administrators, veterans, VA-accredited Claims Agents, an oncology patient navigator and hospice care expert. Their combined expertise means we help any mesothelioma patient or loved one through every step of their cancer journey.
More than 30 contributors, including mesothelioma doctors, survivors, health care professionals and other experts, have peer-reviewed our website and written unique research-driven articles to ensure you get the highest-quality medical and health information.
About The Mesothelioma Center at Asbestos.com
- Assisting mesothelioma patients and their loved ones since 2006.
- Helps more than 50% of mesothelioma patients diagnosed annually in the U.S.
- A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.
- 5-star reviewed mesothelioma and support organization.
Testimonials
My family has only the highest compliment for the assistance and support that we received from The Mesothelioma Center. This is a staff of compassionate and knowledgeable individuals who respect what your family is experiencing and who go the extra mile to make an unfortunate diagnosis less stressful. Information and assistance were provided by The Mesothelioma Center at no cost to our family.LashawnMesothelioma patient’s daughter
How to Cite Asbestos.com’s Article
APA
Bunting, K. (2024, March 7). Mesothelioma Treatment in Tennessee. Asbestos.com. Retrieved May 4, 2024, from https://www.asbestos.com/treatment/states/tennessee/
MLA
Bunting, Kristopher. "Mesothelioma Treatment in Tennessee." Asbestos.com, 7 Mar 2024, https://www.asbestos.com/treatment/states/tennessee/.
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Bunting, Kristopher. "Mesothelioma Treatment in Tennessee." Asbestos.com. Last modified March 7, 2024. https://www.asbestos.com/treatment/states/tennessee/.
Getting Treatment in Tennessee
Tennessee is home to many top cancer treatment centers, including two National Cancer Institute comprehensive 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, MD, PhD, 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 in the form of patient advocates, the VA claims doctor match program, support groups, and webinars.
Tennessee is home to multiple industries that are associated with occupational asbestos exposure, including manufacturing and metal ore processing. Additionally, over the past 20 years, natural disasters, including floods and tornadoes, have caused damage to homes and buildings built using 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 a total of 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 to choose from in Tennessee, how do you decide which one is best for you?
- 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 the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis and the 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 field therapy for mesothelioma.
- Year Built: 1993
- Number of Beds: 4,500 new cancer patients each year
- Number of Physicians: 8
- Year Built: 1979
- Number of Physicians: 1
- Year Built: 1993
- Number of Physicians: 3
Tennessee Doctors Who Treat Mesothelioma
After choosing a cancer treatment center, you also have to choose 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.
- 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.
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 as an individual as well as 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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 was diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma in 2013 after going to the doctor for kidney stones. He had extensive abdominal surgery and HIPEC therapy but also needed pleurectomy/decortication surgery for pleural tumors that developed in his lungs. He had his surgeries in Pittsburgh but participated in clinical trials in Nashville to test two immunotherapy drugs. Mesothelioma slowed down this 14-year Navy Veteran and pilot, but with treatment, he was able to get back to enjoying life with his family. Getting proper treatment for his mesothelioma wasn’t easy. According to him, it’s important to “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.” Experimental treatments gave Jim a new lease on life until his passing in 2021 — 8 years after his diagnosis. He didn’t take things for granted after his diagnosis, he approached every new day with hope, “I look at today, and that day’s outlook is always great.”
Cancer Support Services in Tennessee
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. Both national and local resources are available to help residents of Tennessee with mesothelioma.
The American Cancer Society’s cancer resource centers provide free wigs, hats, treatment information and other support for cancer patients. The services available also include help finding emotional support networks, financial assistance and lodging during treatment.
Named for the legendary comedian Gilda Radner, Gilda’s Club provides social and emotional support. Their website provides access to numerous support services for cancer patients and their families.
Mesothelioma Survivor, Caregiver & Family Support
The Mesothelioma Survivor, Caregiver & Family Support group on Facebook helps connect mesothelioma patients and caregivers in Tennessee and around the country with other people dealing with mesothelioma. Newly diagnosed patients and survivors can share their experiences and offer peer support.
Vanderbilt Health Cancer Support Services
Vanderbilt Health offers a full range of services to cancer patients and their families. They can help coordinate services to address both medical and physical needs, including transportation, lodging assistance, childcare, financial counseling and psychological care.
Tennessee families facing a mesothelioma diagnosis have access to helpful resources and top-notch treatment in their home state. Seeking treatment with a specialist at a top cancer center gives the best chances of improving long-term survival.
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