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 and radiation treatment as well as clinical trials for people in Tennessee with mesothelioma.
Written by: Dr. Kristopher Bunting | Edited By Walter Pacheco | Last Update: March 12, 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 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?
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 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.
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 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.
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 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.
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 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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