MESOTHELIOMA CENTER REVIEW – HILLMAN CANCER CENTER, UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH

Posted on January 5, 2017 by Ellie and Lisa

It is recommended that when you or your family member is diagnosed with mesothelioma that you be evaluated at an academic, multi-disciplinary, mesothelioma center. To become familiar with what a center can offer, we feature one center a month.

UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH MEDICAL CENTER

Hillman Cancer Center

William Cooper Pavilion Suite 140

5115 Centre Ave.

Pittsburg Pa. 15232

Mission: “At UPMC Cancer Center we’re committed to giving you the knowledge, inspiration, and specialty care you need to boldly face your cancer It’s because no diagnosis should stop you from doing the things you love, or from living each day to the fullest.”

History: Regions only comprehensive cancer institute designated by the National Cancer Institute

Director- James D Luketich M.D.- Chief of the Division of Thoracic and Foregut Surgery

David L. Bartlett M.D.- Director of Multidisciplinary Disease Site Clinical Research Program for UPMC

Team– Specialists from all areas- oncologists that specialize in thoracics, medical oncologists, surgeons, pathologists, radiation oncologists, palliative care all work as a team to deliver the specialized care that is necessary for mesothelioma patients. Led by Dr. James Luketich, the thoracic surgical oncologists include Dr. Neil Christie, Dr. Ryan Levy, Dr. Matthew Schuchert. The surgical oncologists include Dr. David L. Bartlett, Dr. Matthew P. Holtzman, Dr. James F. Pingpank. For a complete list of the team see www.upmccancercenter.com

Affiliations multiple hospitals throughout Pittsburgh

Stats – At the UPMC there are a total of 74,000 patients that are treated for many different cancers. The Mesothelioma patients are treated by experts in both pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma. UPMC is a busy mesothelioma center treating patients from a wide geographical area.

Research- The program is comprised of nine full time research scientists as well as clinical investigators. The research team is focused on many clinical trials; Dr. Bartlett’s specialty is regional delivery of chemotherapy to unresectable metastatic cancers. He has also developed oncolytic viruses for metastatic cancers.

Support Services– “At UPMC Cancer Center we want to take care of your heart and mind, just as we work with you to treat your illness.” Listed resources include:

Center for Counseling and Cancer Support- a team consisting of psychologists and psychiatrists experienced in helping patients and their families deal with living with cancer.

The Sheila Reicher Fine Collection- books, pamphlets, and CDs to help patients and families deal with the many emotions of living with cancer.

Contact- Hillman Cancer Center – 5115 Centre Avenue Pittsburg Pa 15232; Phone: 412-692-4724

Mesothelioma specialized care contact 412-647-2811

MESOTHELIOMA CLINICAL TRIAL REVIEW – HILLMAN CANCER CENTER, UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH

Posted on January 5, 2017 by Ellie and Lisa

We encourage participation in clinical trials for research leading to a cure for mesothelioma. It is known that nationally the statistics for participation in adult cancer trials is between 3-5% of adults who have a cancer diagnosis.

For mesothelioma patients and families who are interested in clinical trials, researching clinical trials and eligibility can be a time-consuming barrier to participation. The information about clinical trials is available at www.clinicaltrials.gov.

Our goal is to feature one mesothelioma clinical trial monthly and break it down to understandable terms, to decipher the eligibility requirements, and to possibly encourage participation in these trials.

CLINICAL TRIAL- NCT02151448

ADC1 Vaccine + Chemokine Modulatory Regimen (CKM) as Adjuvant Treatment of Peritoneal Surface Malignancies

Official Title- A Phase ½ Trial Evaluating aDC1 Vaccines Combined With Tumor-Selective Chemokine Modulation as Adjuvant Therapy After Surgical Resection of Peritoneal Surface Malignancies

Listing on www.clinicaltrials.gov

Sponsor: Pawel Kalinski M.D. in collaboration with National Cancer Institute

Location: Hillman Cancer Center Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Principal Investigator: David L Bartlett M.D. University of Pittsburgh

Contact: David L. Bartlett MD 412 692 2852 bartlettdl@apmc.edu or Natlaie Streeter BA MSN RN 412 235 1276 streetern@upmc.edu

Number of Participants: 168 participants- Start Date July 2014 Estimated completion December 2017

Purpose: “This trial is to determine the safest dose of a triple combination (chemokine modulatory regimen or CKM) of celecoxib, interferon alpha (IFN), and rinatolimod that can be given with a DC vaccine as treatment of peritoneal surface malignancies ater standard of care surgery.

Eligibility Criteria:

18 years of age candidate for surgical reconstruction. Patient has confirmed malignancy of the peritoneum. Patients may have had extensive prior treatments. An ECOG performance status of 0.1 or 2
Patient must be able to swallow pills.
Patient must have normal organ function as defined below
Platelets greater than 75000, hemoglobin greater than 9/0 hematocrit greater than 27

Exclusion Criteria:

use of steroids must be removed at least 3 weeks’ prior administration of vaccination
History of transplant or autoimmune disease
Patients who are pregnant or nursing
Patients with myocardial infarction or ischemia within 3 months prior to
Allergic reactions to or hypersensitivity to Celcoxib or NSAIDs

How the Research Study is Designed to Work:

The trial will evaluate the safety and effectiveness of triple combinations of celecoxib, interferon and rintatolimod that can be given with a DC vaccine as treatment of peritoneal surface malignancies after standard of care surgery.

The patient must be a surgical candidate with peritoneal mesothelioma. Once this is determined patient will undergo resection at University of Pittsburgh with Dr. Bartlett. While in the operating room, the surgeon will remove a piece of tumor and send it off to the lab. After recovering from surgery patient will have leukaphereses, a lab procedure in which the white blood cells are separated from the blood, it will then be transported to the lab where the tumor is. These two components will be made to form a vaccine. Once recovered from surgery, the treatment of the vaccine will be delivered to the patient. One will be given intradermally (one of the routes of administration used for vaccinations, layer of skin under the epidermis) and one will be given into the lymph nodes. Four weeks after surgery patient will receive intravenous Intraferon which will be given every day, Rintatolimod will be given on Wednesday and Friday of that same week. Celecoxib will be given every day as well during that week. The patient must stay in the Pittsburgh area for these weekly treatments. The goal is to get this regime every 4 weeks. The quality of tumor extracted from the operating room will define how large of a vaccine can be made. If there is residual vaccine it will be up to the patient and team whether administration is continued.

Please contact us if you have any questions.

Mesothelioma Specialist Spotlight: Dr. David L. Bartlett

Posted on January 5, 2017 by Ellie and Lisa

This month we are featuring an expert in peritoneal mesothelioma from the University of Pittsburgh.

Dr. David L. Bartlett, is the Vice Chairman for the Surgical Oncology and Gastrointestinal Services, Director of the David C. Koch Regional Perfusion Cancer Therapy Center at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. In addition to being the Director of the Multidisciplinary Disease Site Clinical and Research Programs for the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, Dr. Bartlett is also the Bernard Fisher Professor of Surgery University of Pittsburg School of Medicine.

Dr. Bartlett received his undergraduate degree at Rice University in Houston. He received his medical degree from the University of Texas. He completed a residency in general surgery at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, in Philadelphia, and a fellowship in surgical oncology at Sloan- Kettering Cancer Center in New York. He is board- certified in general surgery. An expert in cancers of the abdominal cavity, he has helped to pioneer the delivery of chemotherapy directly to the peritoneal cavity. His research includes new treatments for abdominal carcinomas. He is the principal investigator in the Clinical Trial aDC1 Vaccine +Chemokine Modulatory Regimen (CKM) as Adjuvant Treatment of Peritoneal Surface Malignancies.

Dr. Bartlett has been at the forefront of research for peritoneal mesothelioma. Mesothelioma presents in two different areas of the body for most people. Mesothelioma is a cancer of the lining of the tissue surrounding the lung and abdominal cavity. Pleural mesothelioma is when the disease appears along the lining of the lung, peritoneal mesothelioma is when the disease is around the lining of the abdomen. In the U.S., there are approximately 500 – 600 patients diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma per year.

As an expert in peritoneal mesothelioma, he has combined new therapies to help with patients who have often been told there are no options. He was one of the pioneers of the development of regional chemotherapy administered to the peritoneal cavity. This procedure called HIPEC is Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemoperfusion. Dr. Bartlett also is focused on gene therapy and the possibilities of combing therapies for a longer survival and improved quality of life for his patients.

He leads a multidisciplinary team whose goals are to improve the lives and survival of patients with abdominal malignancies.

Dr. Bartlett is a member of many prestigious organizations including the American Medical Association, American Society of Gene Therapy and the American Association for Cancer Research. He has published extensively.

The entire mesothelioma community is grateful to have a doctor of Dr. Bartlett’s stature advocating for mesothelioma patients.

Please contact us if you have any questions.

Hope for Mesothelioma Patients: Looking forward to 2017

Posted on December 31, 2016 by Ellie and Lisa

As we approach the end of 2016 and the beginning of 2017, the mesothelioma community has reason to be optimistic as progress is being made towards a cure. Some of the progress made in the battle against mesothelioma in 2016 continues into 2017. As we highlight a few of the accomplishments, we are reminded that none of these could be accomplished without the mesothelioma community working together to advocate for, support and educate the victims of this asbestos related disease. Participation in clinical trials is vital to advance treatment for patients with mesothelioma now and for all future victims of mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma experts have known that every mesothelioma tumor is as different as every person’s fingerprint. Women, particularly aged less than 50, have also been noted to have longer survival with mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is a complex disease with many genetic mutations. In February of 2016, Dr. Raphael Bueno, published ground breaking research about the gene- sequencing of over 200 mesothelioma tumors. In collaboration with scientists from Genetech, they identified over 2,500 alterations and identified 10 significantly mutated genes in the mesothelioma tumors.

With this research scientists, can now design studies to examine the effects of different medications on more specific pathways – a personalized approach.

Another research study has identified mutations in the TP53 gene implicated in many types of cancer but up to this point not for mesothelioma. The researchers discovered that it was found in 2x as many women with mesothelioma then men. The estimated 5-year survival rate for women diagnosed with mesothelioma is around 22%, for men 9%. One more building block for tailored care for mesothelioma.

These are just a few examples of the progress that continues to be made and advanced for treatment options for mesothelioma patients.

There is no single magic pill that will cure mesothelioma. Progress is being made and must continue with more involvement in clinical trials at the mesothelioma centers of excellence.

Looking forward to more progress and involvement in 2017!

We wish a Happy, Healthy, and Safe New Year!

– Ellie and Lisa

Mesothelioma Center Review – Mt. Sinai Medical Center

Posted on November 8, 2016 by Ellie and Lisa

It is recommended that when you or your family member is diagnosed with mesothelioma that you be evaluated at an academic, multi-disciplinary, mesothelioma center. In order to become familiar with what a center can offer, we feature one center a month.

MOUNT SINAI MEDICAL CENTER

1470 Madison Avenue

New York, NY 10029

212-241-9466

www.mountsinai.org

Mission: The mission of the Mount Sinai Health System is to provide compassionate patient care with seamless coordination and to advance medicine through education and research to many diverse communities.

The Mesothelioma Center is part of the Tisch Cancer Institute at Mount Sinai Hospital.

History: The hospital has long history and opened 1855 and was named Jew’s Hospital. The hospital was originally serving a predominantly Jewish population. In 1866 the hospital changed its name to Mount Sinai Hospital as if grew to serve a more diverse population. Dr. Selikoff was a leading expert on occupational diseases at Mount Sinai. Dr. Selikoff became world renowned for being an expert about diseases caused by asbestos. After his death the division was renamed the “Irving J Selikoff Center for Occupational and Environmental Medicine”.

Team: The Mount Sinai Mesothelioma Division of the Thoracic Surgery Department is lead by many world renowned physicians.

Raja Flores is the Chief of the division of Thoracic Surgery and Professor of Cardiothoracic Surgery.
Claudia Henshke, PhD, MD- Director Lung Screening Program, Professor of Radiology, head of International Early Lung Cancer Action Program which is an international group of lung cancer experts.
Paolo Boffetta M.D. Director, Institute for Translational Epidemiology and Associate Director for Population Sciences at the Tisch Cancer Institute of the Icahn School of Medicine. Research is focused on cancer epidemiology and prevention
Jorge Gomez, MD- Medical Director of Thoracic Oncology Program- medical oncologist whose research interests include incorporation of new theraputic agents into the standard treatment of lung cancer through clinical trials
Charles Powell MD- Chief Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine- research centers on understanding the genetic and susceptibility factors for lung cancer and mesothelioma. He is the Chair of the Thoracic Oncology Section of the American Thoracic Society
Kenneth Rosenzweig M.D.- Chairman Department of Radiation Oncology- developed innovative methods for the delivery of precise doses of radiation to lung tumors , World renowned researcher has written extensively on radiation therapy.

The Mount Sinai team includes pathologists, radiologists, pulmonologists and thoracic surgeons.

Affiliations: Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and seven member hospitals of the Mount Sinai Hospital System

Research: Mount Sinai has a history of extensive groundbreaking research. Some of their focus has been on molecular pathways in mesothelioma, molecular testing, lung screening, immune-fighting cells in the lung, biological indicators of aggressive early-stage lung cancer. In addition, Dr. Flores is involved with the Libby Epidemiology Research Program.

Support Services: Mount Sinai has many services for the patients and families. Some of the services are Hispanic initiatives, translational services, social work services, spiritual services and patient representatives.

Contact: 212-241-9466 for an appointment with Thoracic Division

___________________

Dr. Raja Flores

Chairman Department of Thoracic Surgery

___________________

Mesothelioma Specialist Spotlight: Dr. Raja Flores

Posted on November 8, 2016 by Ellie and Lisa

Dr. Raja Flores is the Chairman of the Department of Thoracic Surgery at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York. He is also the Steven and Ann Ames professor in Thoracic surgery at the Mount Sinai Medical Center. Dr. Flores specializes in the treatment and research for mesothelioma. He has published extensively on mesothelioma and other thoracic conditions. Dr. Flores is the Principal Investigator of the Libby Epidemiology Research Program, a 4.8 million R01 grant funded by the Agency of Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. The major goal of this research project is to focus on questions regarding the consequences of one’s health in regard to asbestos exposure.

Dr. Flores earned his undergraduate degree in biochemistry from New York University. He attended the Albert Einstein College of Medicine receiving his medical degree in 1992. Dr. Flores then spent the next 5 years completing his general surgery internship and residency at Columbia –Presbyterian Medical Center. He completed his Thoracic Oncology Clinical Research Fellowship at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston along with his Cardiothoracic Surgery Residency. He also has earned a masters degree in biostatics from Columbia University.

Dr. Flores is a native New Yorker, raised in the meat packing district by his mother. He saw drugs and violence growing up but he continues to follow the path of education which led him to become a world renown surgeon, who also speaks Spanish and Arabic. Dr. Flores can relate to the patients who have mesothelioma mostly being blue collar workers. His previous job experiences included working as a doorman, working in a deli and loading packages on UPS trucks. He has seen the challenge of mesothelioma and how it devastates patients and families lives regardless of their socioeconomic status.

One of Dr. Flores interests in his extensive published research has been comparing extra-pleural-pneumonectomy, removing the lung in addition to the lining, and pleurectomy/decortication, which is removing only the lining and preserving the lung.

Dr. Flores has been a tireless advocate for the mesothelioma community for the past 20 years. One of the most frequent comments from his patients is that he listens. Dr. Flores is a very personable, experienced clinician, who also is a world-renowned expert in mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma & Asbestos Research: Libby Montana

Posted on November 7, 2016 by Ellie and Lisa

Libby Epidemiology Research Program

The Libby Epidemiology Research Program is sponsored by the U.S. Center for Disease Control. The Principal Investigator is Raja Flores M.D., who took over after the death of Dr. Stephen Levine. The study was funded by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) it was a five-million-dollar research grant that was awarded to the Icahan School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York. The purpose of this award was to understand the long term health effects of exposure to amphibole asbestos in Libby Montana and the surrounding communities. Working collaboratively with a local Libby health group- Center for Asbestos Related Diseases- CARD- founded and run by Dr. Brad Black, together with researchers from Idaho State University and Montana State University at Missoula, to help understand the uniqueness of Libby Amphibole disease

The study was a comprehensive five year look at three major areas of health of the residents of Libby. Those residents suffered environmental exposure not as a direct result of participation in W.R. Grace and Company mining operation, just by living and playing in their community. The three parts of the study were designed to see if the effect on the immune system, lung development and lung scarring, and whether these health complications overlap with exposure.

The program was broken down into three separate studies. The Pre-Adult Latency study examined the health consequences of exposure on young people whose lungs were still developing and maturing. This study will examine those exposed 15 years after the initial exposure.

The Cat Scan –CT – Progression Study- this study follows the progression of lung scarring as seen on CT scans. In addition to Dr. Flores from Mount Sinai, the study has two other experts in radiology from Mount Sinai. Dr. Claudia Henschke and Dr. David Yenkelevitz. Through the expertise of these specialists and Mount Sinai’s experience with other people exposed to a different form of asbestos, using thorough progressive CT scans over time, they are trying to determine if scarring on the lungs from Libby Amphibole pleurall scarring progresses more rapidly. This can have important implications for all asbestos related diseases- if it is proven that disease progression is different with different types of asbestos, treatments and treatment plans can be devised to intervene earlier than is currently done.

The third part of this study focuses on what effect the possible exposure has on developing auto immune diseases. In August of 2016 the results of this part of the trial were announced. The results indicated as much as a 10 x increase in the risk of lupus, scleroderma, and rheumatoid arthritis in people that had been exposed to amphibole asbestos.

All three parts are closed to additional patients and the data is being compiled with the results to be used to help further specialized treatments for asbestos related diseases. The report is expected by year end on the lung development in children portion of the study. The pleural lining study is on hold at this point.

Working in collaboration with local agencies, new data findings with regards to exposure to certain asbestos fibers in Libby have furthered the understanding of exposure to asbestos and its long term effects.

Mesothelioma Clinical Trial Review – A Phase 1 Study of Concurrent Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy for Patients with Inoperable Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma

Posted on October 10, 2016 by Ellie and Lisa

For mesothelioma patients and families that are interested in clinical trials, researching clinical trials and eligibility can be a time consuming barrier to participation. The information about clinical trials is available on www.clinicaltrials.gov.

Listing: ClinicalTrial.gov – NCT02639767

Official Title: Concurrent Pemetrexted/ Cisplatin With Pleural Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy for Patients With Unrespectable Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma

Sponsor: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

Location: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

Principle Investigator: Marjorie Zauderer MD Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

Contact: Marjorie Zauderer M.D. 646 888 4656
Andreas Rimner M.D. 212 639 6025

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the safety of combining chemotherapy at different doses with a specific type of radiation therapy delivered to the entire lining of the lung to find out what effects, if any, it has on people. This radiation technique is called pleural intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). IMRT specifically targets the lining of the lung (pleura) where the cancer is and reduces the risk of damaging the lung itself. When given after chemotherapy, pleural IMRT has demonstrated promising results with respect to keeping mesothelioma under control longer. However, the investigators want to determine if giving pleural IMRT at the same time is safe. If safe, further studies will be done to see if chemotherapy and pleural IMRT given at the same time keeps the tumor under control for a longer period of time than chemotherapy followed by pleural IMRT.

Screening: Screening Tests- Pre- treatment MRI before chemo and radiation therapy and will be used for target delineation. Three-month post treatment MRI will be acquired to assess the response from the treatment

Eligibility: Must be pathologically confirmed diagnosis of malignant pleural mesothelioma at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

No plans for surgery
Stage T1-4, NO-3, M0
No prior radiation therapy to the chest, breast or supraclavicular fossa that would limit radiation delivery to the full prescription dose
Prior chemotherapy < 1 • Age >18
Karnofsky performance status >80%
Pulmonary function tests as follows: DLCO>50% predicted
Adequate hematologic, hepatic, and renal function as indicated by the following laboratory values
Absolute neutrophil count > 1,500/mcl
Platelets > 100,000/mcl
Calculated creatine clearance (CrCl) > 45ml/min
Serum total bilirubin < 1.5 x upper limit of normal
ASt (SGOT) and ALT (SGPT) < 3.0 x upper limits normal

Exclusion:

Pregnant or lactating women, or men or women not using effective contraception
Patients with an active infection that requires systemic antibiotics, antiviral, or antifungal treatments
Patients with a concurrent active malignancy (with the exception of skin cancer)
Patients with serious unstable medical illness
Patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Patients with NYHA heart failure class >2
Patients with only one kidney that is ipsilateral to the mesothelioma
Implanted pacemaker and/or defibrillator ipsilateral to the mesothelioma if it cannot be removed
Patients meeting the following exclusion criteria will be excluded from the MRI portion only
Metallic implant, e.g. pacemaker, defibrillator
Unmanageable claustrophobia
High risk nephrogenic systemic fibrosis

How the Research Study is Designed to Work- IMRT is a very targeted treatment It is thought that using the two treatments together will improve survival

Sources:

www.ClinicalTrials.gov

With any clinical trial all participation is voluntary. Before enrollment a detailed consent form will be reviewed with the participant and signed. The participant can withdraw from a clinical trial at any point in time. Think about participating if able, the only way to progress to a cure for mesothelioma is through clinical trials.

Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions.

What is IMRT? Intensity modulated radiation therapy is an advanced form of radiation therapy. Before IMRT patients were radiated in specific areas such as the chest, the radiation was directed at tumors but unfortunately would include healthy tissue. The way it works is that by using computer controlled linear accelerators precise doses of radiation are able to be delivered to a tumor. It targets a specific area within the tumor, by controlling the intensity of the radiation beam to the volume of the tumor. It concentrates the beam in the region within the tumor while minimizing the dose to the surrounding area. This is done by using a CT. Scan or MRI image of the tumor, by doing some computer calculations and 3-D imaging to figure out what dose will conform to the tumor depth and shape. The treatment is usually multiple beams coming from different directions, the dose is customized while minimizing the dose to the adjacent normal tissue.

Pemetrexed/ Cisplatin is the only FDA approved first line chemotherapy for mesothelioma. By combining these therapies within the same time frame the researches are planning to study if working together they improve response and keep the mesothelioma under control for a longer period than if administered seperalty.
This study is being conducted at Memorial Sloan Kettering only. Patients have to be deemed not a candidate for surgery.

Mesothelioma Specialist Spotlight: Dr. Valerie Rusch, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer

Posted on October 10, 2016 by Ellie and Lisa

Valerie Rusch is one of the first women to become board certified as a thoracic surgeon. Dr. Rusch currently has many positions which include vice chair of clinical research within the department of surgery at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer. She is also chair for the Miner Family Chair in Intrathoracic Cancers. Dr. Rusch also is professor of surgery at Weill Cornell Medical College. As a thoracic surgeon she specializes in the treatment of mesothelioma as well as other cancers of the lung, airway, esophagus, and mediastinum. Dr. Rusch obtained her medical degree at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. Her residency was done at the University of Washington Affiliated Hospitals. Her fellowship was done at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.

Dr. Rusch has had many accomplishments throughout her career. She serves as the chair of the American Board of Thoracic Surgery, a regent member of the Board of Directors of the American College of Surgeons. She also is the chair of the Lung and Esophagus Task Force of the American Joint Commission on Cancer. Dr. Rusch also sits as chair of the mesothelioma subcommittee of IASLC (International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer) Staging Committee. She has also written many chapters on mesothelioma and lung cancers.

Dr. Rusch has been a prominent leader in the clinical trial field for treatment of mesothelioma. In 2007 she received the Thoracic Surgery Foundation for Research and Education Socrates Award. Dr. Rusch has also been a recipient of The Nina Starr Braunwald Award. This award is for the lifetime contributions to the advancement of women in surgery. Dr. Valerie Rusch has also held 25 visiting professorships and has had over 300 speaking engagements at medical conferences. Her accomplishments are numerous and well deserved. A few other accomplishments would be chair of the American Board of Thoracic surgery, chair of the Lung and Esophagus Task Force of the American Joint Commission on Cancer and is currently the chair of the Mesothelioma subcommittee of the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer Staging Committee.

Mesothelioma Center Review – Memorial Sloan Kettering

Posted on October 10, 2016 by Ellie and Lisa

MEMORIAL SLOAN KETTERING Cancer Center

1275 York Avenue

(Between 67^th and 68^th streets)

New York, NY 10065

212-639-5875

Mission: “Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center composed of Memorial Hospital for Cancer and Allied Diseases and the Sloan Kettering Institute, is dedicated to excellence in the prevention, treatment, and cure of cancer through patient care, research and education.”

History: Founded in 1884 it was first known as new York Cancer Hospital located at 106 Street and Central Park West. New York Cancer Hospital was the first institution in the U.S. devoted exclusively to the treatment of cancer.

In 1948 the building adjacent to Memorial Hospital was the Sloan Kettering Institute-SKI-was established by former General Motors executives Alfred P Sloan and Charles F Kettering- now one of the leading biomedical research institutes.

In 1980 Memorial Hospital and Sloan Kettering Institute came together as one institute. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center is dedicated to exceptional cancer care, innovative research, forward thinking education.

Support Services: Memorial Sloan Kettering is rich with services that include integrative therapy, and educational therapy. Counseling is available to help deal with your diagnosis. MSKCC also has a recreation center, and offer many other options such as art and music therapy and a writing program. Canine therapy is available to patients and Look Good Feel Better is also for patients. This option is to help with your physical appearance to help give you an emotional lift.

Affiliations: 24 satelite campuses of Memorial Sloan Kettering. For more definitive help and guidance call 1 800 525 2225

Research: Currently there are 12 clinical trials listed on the MSKCC web site. Overall there are 900 clinical trials being conducted at the Center. They are designed to improve treatment strategies for both adult and pediatric patients.

Team: The team of mesothelioma experts include many professionals including Surgeons (Dr. Valerie Rusch and Dr. Prasad S Adusumilli MD), Medical Oncololgists (Dr. Azadeh Namakydoust and Dr. Marjorie G.Zauder) and Radiation Specialists (Dr. Andreas Rimner and Dr. Abraham J. Wu). Dr. Garrett Nash is the peritoneal surgical oncologist. Linda Blackler and Linda Mathew are the social workers.

Contact new patient appointment: 1-800-525-2225

Posts by: Ellie and Lisa

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MESOTHELIOMA CENTER REVIEW – HILLMAN CANCER CENTER, UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH

MESOTHELIOMA CLINICAL TRIAL REVIEW – HILLMAN CANCER CENTER, UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH

Mesothelioma Specialist Spotlight: Dr. David L. Bartlett

Hope for Mesothelioma Patients: Looking forward to 2017

Mesothelioma Center Review – Mt. Sinai Medical Center

Mesothelioma Specialist Spotlight: Dr. Raja Flores

Mesothelioma & Asbestos Research: Libby Montana

Mesothelioma Clinical Trial Review – A Phase 1 Study of Concurrent Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy for Patients with Inoperable Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma Specialist Spotlight: Dr. Valerie Rusch, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer

Mesothelioma Center Review – Memorial Sloan Kettering

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Get Free Assistance with Treatment Questions from Experienced Mesothelioma Nurses

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