Getting Mesothelioma Treatment in Virginia

Virginia is home to two cancer centers recognized by the National Cancer Institute for excellence, including one NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center. These are the University of Virginia Comprehensive Cancer Center in Charlottesville and the Massey Cancer Center at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond. 

Virginia has a long history of asbestos and vermiculite mining. The state is also home to 27 military bases, multiple shipyards, several nuclear power plants and other industries with a history of asbestos use. Virginia ranks 12th in the U.S. for asbestos-related deaths, with 1,535 recorded mesothelioma deaths. A total of 76 mesothelioma cases were reported in 2019 alone. The age-adjusted incidence of mesothelioma in Virginia is 0.7 cases per 100,000 people.

The Mesothelioma Center at Asbestos.com has more than 15 years of experience working with survivors and their families and has become the nation’s most trusted source of information about mesothelioma. The Mesothelioma Center provides assistance in the form of Patient Advocates, help with VA claims, a doctor match program, support groups and webinars. The center offers resources for people with mesothelioma in Virginia and surrounding areas to help them find the best care within the state.

Top Mesothelioma Cancer Centers in Virginia

Being diagnosed with mesothelioma is a life-changing experience. When you choose a mesothelioma treatment center in Virginia, it is important to find one that can provide you with the best possible care. How do you choose the right cancer center to meet your needs?

Factors you should consider when you are choosing a cancer treatment center include:

  • Are they accredited by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer?
  • Are they a National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center?
  • Do they provide palliative care in addition to surgical and oncology services?

Virginia has many hospitals that provide cancer treatment, but only two are rated high-performing by U.S. News & World Report’s Best Hospitals. The University of Virginia has the only NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center in the state. It offers a team of mesothelioma experts who provide top-notch, cutting-edge care, including a pathologist specializing in mesothelioma diagnosis. 

The Massey Cancer Center at VCU has been an NCI-designated cancer center since 1975. Its specialists from multiple fields work together to provide comprehensive care for mesothelioma patients in Virginia.

Virginia Doctors Who Treat Mesothelioma

The first step in finding the best mesothelioma care is choosing a cancer treatment center; the second is choosing the right doctor. You need to find a doctor you can trust to care for you throughout your mesothelioma journey. Finding a mesothelioma specialist who is a good fit for you is also important.

Things you should consider when choosing a mesothelioma doctor in Virginia include:

  • Do they have experience with your type of mesothelioma?
  • Do they make you feel comfortable and respected?
  • Is the doctor knowledgeable and confident?

Cancer care continues beyond treatment and into remission. You and your doctor will be working together throughout your mesothelioma journey. You must build a good working relationship based on mutual trust and respect. Both medical skill and personality matter. You will be working as a team, so choose a teammate who is a good fit for you and your needs.

Dr. Sandeep Khandhar, mesothelioma surgeon

Fairfax, Virginia

Sandeep Khandhar

Pleural Specialist | Thoracic surgery

Expertise: Minimally Invasive Surgery Vascular Surgery

Languages: English, Gujarati

Dr. Alex Spira, pleural mesothelioma specialist

Fairfax, Virginia

Alex Spira

Pleural Specialist | Medical Oncology

Expertise: Research Immunotherapy

Languages: English

Clinical Trials and Cancer Research in Virginia

The two major cancer centers in Virginia also conduct research. Doctors at UVACCC have developed a new noninvasive cancer treatment. Dr. Jaime Mata has created a method that uses ultrasound instead of radiation to destroy tumors, and he is developing a way to use this to treat pleural mesothelioma. 

Clinical trials are conducted at cancer centers nationwide, including in Virginia. One study taking place at multiple cancer centers is testing new types of gene therapy. Cutting-edge treatments like this will someday become the standard of care. Participating in clinical trials can give you access to the latest mesothelioma treatments. If you want to join a clinical trial, let The Mesothelioma Center help you find a trial in your area.

Clinical Trial
A Study of HFB200301 as a Single Agent and in Combination With Tislelizumab in Adult Patients With Advanced Solid Tumors

This study is testing a new immunotherapy drug for mesothelioma and other solid tumors.

  • Condition: Malignant Mesothelioma
  • Intervention: Immunotherapy
  • Locations: Fairfax, Virginia
  • Recruiting: February 2022 – Present
Clinical Trial
Durvalumab With Chemotherapy as First-Line Treatment in Advanced Pleural Mesothelioma

This study is testing whether adding a new immunotherapy drug to chemotherapy improves outcomes for pleural mesothelioma.

  • Condition: Epithelioid Pleural Mesothelioma
  • Intervention: Immunotherapy
  • Locations: Charlottesville, Virginia
  • Recruiting: April 2020 – Present
Clinical Trial
Safety and Tolerability of TNG908 in Patients With MTAP-deleted Solid Tumors

This study is testing a new targeted therapy drug in patients with mesothelioma and other tumors with specific genetic markers.

  • Condition: Malignant Mesothelioma
  • Intervention: Targeted therapy
  • Locations: Fairfax, Virginia
  • Recruiting: March 2022 – Present
Clinical Trial
KZR-261 in Subjects With Advanced Solid Malignancies

This study is testing a new targeted therapy drug in patients with mesothelioma and other solid tumors.

  • Condition: Malignant Mesothelioma
  • Intervention: Targeted therapy
  • Locations: Fairfax, Virginia
  • Recruiting: September 2021– Present

Stories From Survivors and Their Families

Carrie Deane

When Carrie Deane’s brother was diagnosed with stage 4 peritoneal mesothelioma in Richmond, Virginia, she turned to The Mesothelioma Center for guidance. Carrie needed expert help to file a VA disability claim linked to asbestos exposure. She credits The Mesothelioma Center with essential support in her most difficult moments. “If you had not been there to guide me each step of the way, I would have felt helpless and perhaps given up,” Carrie shared. Not only did The Mesothelioma Center help her complete the claim, but they also became a trusted partner. “I felt a sense of comfort in your words and your understanding of what we were going through. Your desire to help made me believe you truly had my brother’s best interest at heart,” she said.

Cancer Support Services in Virginia

Cancer support services are designed to address the needs of people living with mesothelioma and those who care for them. These services include financial help and emotional and spiritual assistance. Virginians can benefit from national and local resources.

American Cancer Society

Local resource centers across Virginia offer free wigs, hats, information on treatment and additional support to cancer patients. Patients also receive assistance with emotional support networks, financial help and lodging during treatment.

Family Resources for Mesothelioma

The Mesothelioma Center helps patients and their families connect with survivors, medical experts and other support services. They can guide you to support groups, educational webinars and coping resources for handling a diagnosis, grief and depression.

Mesothelioma Survivor, Caregiver & Family Support

This online group brings together mesothelioma patients, caregivers and survivors in Virginia and nationwide, letting members share stories and offer peer support.

Virginia Department of Health

The state’s Department of Health website features information for people facing mesothelioma and other cancers. It helps residents find medical coverage and care, and links them to organizations providing support services.

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