MESOTHELIOMA CENTER REVIEW – UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON

Posted on February 17, 2017 by Ellie and Lisa

We recommend that when you or your family member is diagnosed with mesothelioma that you be evaluated at an academic, multidisciplinary, mesothelioma center. In order to help you become familiar with what a center can offer, we feature one center per month.

University of Washington Medical Center

1959 NE Pacific Street

Seattle Washington 98195

Phone: 206-598-3300

Mission – “To improve the health of the public.”

University of Washington has been recognized as one of the top five cancer centers in the United States. University of Washington Medical Center, in collaboration with the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance and Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, is the only National Comprehensive Cancer Network in the Pacific Northwest.

History – The University of Washington Medical Center was founded on May 4, 1959. The University of Washington lung cancer team is composed of leading healthcare professionals with extensive clinical expertise. The team offers a multidisciplinary approach to your individual cancer. Based on the type and location of your cancer, the genetics, life circumstances, and other unique factors, the treatment plan is developed.

Depending on your diagnosis, you will receive care at University of Washington Medical Center, Northwest Hospital & Medical Center or the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance. The Seattle Cancer Care Alliance is a cooperative alliance of UW Medicine, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and Seattle Children’s Hospital.

Diagnosis of lung cancer and mesothelioma are seen at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, 825 Eastlake Ave. E PO Box 19023 Seattle, WA 98109-1023- Patient intake office 206 288 7222

Director – Seattle Cancer Care Alliance

Dr. Michael S. Mulligan MD- Director of Advanced Lung Disease Surgery Program He performs a range of lung cancer resections..

Team – Keith D. Eaton PHD Medical Oncologist Dr. Bernardo H.L. Goulart, MD MS Medical Oncologist Renato G. Martins, MD MPH medical director for thoracic/head and neck oncology.

Dr. Marcus Neubauer MD medical oncology , Dr. Patel is a radiation oncologist who specializes in the treatment of thoracic cancer including lung, thymic and tracheal tumorsDr. Christin Rodriguez Md medical oncologist

Dr Farhood Farjah M.D. – thoracic surgeon at University of Washington- trained at Memorial Sloan –Kettering Cancer Center in cardiothoracic surgery

Affiliations Thoracic Surgery Clinic at University of Washington Medical Center and Seattle Cancer Care Alliance at South Lake Union

Stats – University of Washington Medicine is one of the top academic research institutes in National Institute of Health funding.

UW is recognized as a national leader in biomedical research

Resources – The Seattle Cancer Care Alliance Hospitality House offers a variety of apartment style units within blocks of the SCCA outpatient clinic. Reservations: 206-204-3700 or email sccahouse@seattlecca.org

The Seattle Cancer Alliance Hospitality House offers a shuttle bus to local grocery store twice a day. The shuttle also offer rides to and from hospital

Seattle Cancer Care Alliance have computer workstations, internet connections, fax machines, copier and printer, free notary and wig fitting

They also offer a lending library which may help with ones cancer journey.

Seattle Cancer Center also offers support for children, teens and caregivers.

Contact – Schedule an appointment 1-855-557-0555

People diagnosed with Mesothelioma are seen in the general oncology clinic on 4^th floor at Seattle Cancer Care Alliance Clinic Building. Treatments for this disease may occur in this building. Surgical procedures however take place at University of Washington Medical Center where follow up appointments maybe necessary.

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 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 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

Mesothelioma Center Review – MD Anderson Cancer Center

Posted on September 7, 2016 by Ellie and Lisa

We recommend 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 help you become familiar with what a center can offer, we feature one center per month.

MD Anderson Cancer Center, Texas Medical Center

1515 Holcombe Boulevard

Houston, Texas 77030

1-877-632-6789

Mission- “It is our mission to ensure that patients have the best possible life after cancer, with advanced treatment techniques to preserve lung function.”

History- MD Anderson was created in 1941 as part of the University of Texas Health System. In 1971 when the National Cancer Act was passed MD Anderson was one of the three comprehensive cancer centers designated. Today it is one of 45 National Cancer Institutes (NCI) designated comprehensive cancer centers. For the past 11 years MD Anderson has been ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the number one cancer center.

Director- Anne S Tsao M.D.- Mesothelioma Program Director – 713-792-6363

Team- 30 Medical Oncologists, surgeons, radiation oncologists, pulmonologists, pathologists- all experts in their fields

Dr Anne S Tsao is the director of the program. She is a medical oncologist, has published extensively and is a noted mesothelioma expert.

Radiation Oncologist- Dr. Stephen M Hahn is the Division Head of Radiation Oncology. Dr. Hahn is the Department Chair, Department of Radiation Oncology and a Professor in the Department of Radiation Oncology. He is a very active member of the mesothelioma community, having served on the Scientific Advisory Committee of the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation.

Dr. David Rice is a professor and surgeon at MD Anderson. His interests are surgery, and clinical trials for mesothelioma. He has been awarded the Surgery Teaching Award, The University of Texas-Houston Medical School Department of Surgery. He also is a member of many professional groups such as the American college of Chest Physicians, American College of Surgeon Oncology Group and American Medical Association.

Research- Areas of study include:

more precise ways to diagnose mesothelioma
targeted radiation therapy that focuses on cancer cells while causing the least danger to healthy cells
novel targeted agents that help your body fight the disease

Support Services– MD Anderson offers a Patient Travel Program which can help you navigate your trip to Houston. Often there are reduced rates, non-penalty airfares as well as change fee waivers. Patient Travel services also has access to airline, lodging and ground transportation discounts and rates. For more information: 713 745 2300

As you are spending time at MD Anderson there are many options to go and relax, learn and reflect between appointments. Kim’s Place is a respite for people 15-30 years of age to go and hang out enjoy video games, music computers, and pool table. Phone number if you have any questions is 713-563-3075

There are many spiritual services available. The Freeman- Dunn Chapel host all services. MD Anderson offers many services and offering these services is important to them. Phone 713-792-7184

The Learning Center offers skilled and personalized service to all visitors. If you are looking for more information about a particular subject feel free to request materials online at. Asktlc@mdanerson.org.

There are many parks that surround MD Anderson where you can just sit and soak up the fresh air or enjoy nature.

Phone 713-745-2300 or toll free 888-848-9992

MD Anderson offers a wide variety of support to patients and their families. The institution offers online support as well as support groups, social workers, and spiritual support.

Contact information for support services is 713-792-6195

To schedule an appointment call MD Anderson – Health Information Specialist 1-877-632-6789

If you have any questions, let us know.

Mesothelioma Center Review – Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center

Posted on August 5, 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 get familiar with a center we will be featuring one center a month.

Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center –UCLA Comprehensive Mesothelioma Program

752 Westwood Plaza

Los Angeles, CA 90095

Dr. Robert Cameron

10780 Santa Monica Boulevard

Suite 100

Los Angeles, CA 90025

310-470-8980

Mission: The Mission of UCLA ‘s Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center is to develop more effective approaches to cancer prevention and diagnosis. This cancer center educates health care professionals, public, and families. They also reach out to the under privileged populations. They are a focused cancer center with state of the art research and patient facilities.

Comprehensive Mesothelioma Program concentrates on treating mesothelioma patients and families with cutting edge therapies. They are recognized as leaders in lung-sparing therapies and innovative methods to treat mesothelioma as a chronic disease.

History: During the 1960 a group of scientists and volunteers came together to develop a cancer center which they hoped would become world renowned in education and patient care. In 1976 National Cancer Institute designated UCLA as a “comprehensive” cancer center.

In 1997 UCLA’s Comprehensive Mesothelioma Program was started by Dr. Robert Cameron. It is one of the largest centers for mesothelioma in the country. The focus of the center is cutting edge therapies, and treating mesothelioma as a chronic disease.

Comprehensive Mesothelioma Program is one of the busiest programs on the West Coast of the United States.

Director Robert Cameron MD

Team- Consists of surgeons, oncologists, radiologists, radiation oncologists, nurse practioners. A few are mentioned below. For a complete listing : www.ucla.com

Dr. Mary Maish MD thoracic surgeon who is affiliated with the Thoracic Oncology Program and the Division of Thoracic Surgery.

Dr. Jay Lee thoracic surgeon and is the director of the Thoracic Oncology Program, specializing in the treatment of mesothelioma, lung and esophageal cancers.

Dr. Percy Lee- Radiation oncologist- Clinical Director of Stereotactic Body Radiation

Nurse Practioners- Brian Barnes and Wendy Nelson

Affiliations: UCLA’s Compressive Mesothelioma Program collaborates with basic scientists at UCLA West Los Angeles, VA Medical Center, Pacific Meso Center at the Pacific Hear Lung & Blood Institute.

Research: UCLA is one of the nation’s seven institutions awarded the NCI’s Specialized Programs of Research Excellence (Spore). This is a grant which promotes collaborative, interdisciplinary translational cancer research. The JCCC is one of the nations’ largest “Comprehensive Cancer Centers”. The institution sees over 20,000 patients each year which is handled by 240 physicians, researchers and scientists.

The research in mesothelioma is cutting edge. Cryoablation and lung sparing surgery are two of the many topics that clinical trials have been focused on.

Support Services: Their support services include mind, body and spiritual care. The approach is multi-disciplinary with a team approach.

Contact: Thoracic Surgery
(310) 470-8980 (Cameron)
(310) 794-7333 (J. Lee & Yanagawa)

Medical Oncology
(310) 829-5471 (Olevsky)

Radiation Oncology
(310) 825-9775 (P. Lee)

If you have any questions, let us know.

Mesothelioma Center Review – Baylor College of Medicine

Posted on June 15, 2016 by Ellie and Lisa

The Mesothelioma Treatment Center Baylor College of Medicine

6620 Main Street
Houston, Texas

Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center

6720 Bertner Avenue,
Houston, Texas

Mission- “Quality Life Extension Leading to a Cure.” David J Sugarbaker, MD Program has a three-part approach, treatment program, research program, and support program.

The program was founded in July of 2014 by Dr. David Sugarbaker, an international expert in mesothelioma. The program was founded due to the rising incidence of mesothelioma worldwide, and the advantages of specialized care. It is a multidisciplinary team approach program consisting of a treatment program, a research program, and a support program.

Director: Dr. David Sugarbaker Professor and Chief Division of General Thoracic Surgery Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery at Baylor College of Medicine.

Team: Dr. David Sugarbaker, Dr. Bryan Burt, Dr. Shawn Groth, Dr. Ori Wald, surgeons. Oncologist Dr. Eugene Choi and Dr. Jun Zhang Radiation oncologists, Nurses, Medical Assistants, Physician Assistants,

Fellows, Residents, Nutritionist, Clinical Research Associates, Surgical Coordinators, Mesothelioma Coordinator, Social Worker, Chaplaincy, Patient Advocate.

Affiliations: Baylor University School of Medicine Houston

Stats: Founded in July 2014. To date has seen a total of 200 patients from all over the world with mesothelioma

Research: Currently on www.clinicaltrials.gov there are 2 clinical trials listed as active at the mesothelioma center. Both are enrolling patients. The first is a multi-center trial to see the efficacy and safety of anetumab ravtansine versus vinorelbine in progression free survival in patients with stage IV mesothelin overexpressing malignant pleural mesothelioma. The second is MED14736 Or MED14736 + Tremelimumab In Surgically Resectable Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma. Dr. Bryan Burt is the Director of General Thoracic Surgery Research.

Support Services: Spiritual, Care Management and Social Work, Nutrition, List of accommodation options available with discounts for patients and families.

Contact: Chelsea Odom, Patient Navigator 713-798-9159 Chelsea.Odom@bcm.edu

Schedule/Change/Alter Appointments: 713-798-6376

Mesothelioma Center Review – Moffitt Cancer Center

Posted on May 10, 2016 by Ellie and Lisa

Moffitt Cancer Center

12902 USF Magnolia Drive

Tampa Florida 33612

1-888-663-3488

Mission: The mission of the Moffitt Center is to contribute to the prevention and cure of cancer.

The Moffitt Cancer Center opened in 1986. In 2001, Moffitt became a NCI (National Cancer Institute) Comprehensive Cancer Center. The Moffitt Cancer Center is comprised of 19 operating rooms, a diagnostic radiology department with MRI, PET/CT, digital mammography and all other imaging capabilities and radiation therapy department. The hospital holds 226 beds.

Moffitt Cancer Center is the 3^rd busiest free-standing cancer center in the United States.

Moffitt has an entire team designated to treat mesothelioma. This institution also has a large number of clinical trials. Their treatments include:

Extra Pleural Pneumonectomy
Pleurectomy Decortication
Robotic assisted surgery
IMRT intensity modulated radiation therapy
Tomography
Brachytherapy
HIPEC intraoperative peritoneal heated chemotherapy

You do not need a referral to meet with one of their oncologists. The team includes medical oncologists, anesthesia, pathologists, pulmonologists, radiation oncologists and thoracic surgeons.

Moffitt Cancer Center consists of five research programs. It is made up of over 600 faculty members working together to tackle cancer. The five programs are comprised of:

Cancer Biology: This team investigates cancer and includes mathematicians and theorists. Their research is based on evolutionary-first principles.
Cancer Epidemiology: This group of scientists focuses on identifying the risk factors associated with different cancers. The goal is to prevention of cancer by early detection and interventions.
Chemical Biology and Molecular Medicine: This group focuses on therapeutic approaches that involve chemical biology and systems, and they develop therapeutic approaches to new cancer treatments.
Health outcomes and Behaviors: This is a program that contributes to the prevention, detection and control of cancer through the study of behaviors of specific cancers. There is a focus on the disease spectrum – from early diagnosis to survivorship.
Immunology Program: The team seeks to understand why some tumors evade rejection by the immune system. This program attributes much of its success to the fact that immunology clinical specialists, translational specialists and basic scientists collaborate and facilitate rapid progression of novel immunotherapies from lab to bedside.

Director – Dr. Alan F. List, MD is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Moffitt Cancer Center

Team- The mesothelioma team consists of oncologists, surgeons, interventional radiologists and radiation oncologists.

Dr. Jacques-Pierre Fontaine (see www.FloridaChestSurgery.com) is the thoracic surgeon and the Section Head of the Mesothelioma Treatment & Research Center.

Dr. Bradford A. Perez, MD is the radiation oncologist.

Dr. Tawee Tanvetyanon, MD, MPH is the medical oncologist.

Along with other support staff, these doctors are the dedicated mesothelioma specialists in their respected fields. All are widely-published and experienced with mesothelioma.

The Moffitt Center is the largest thoracic robotic surgery program in the U.S.

The Moffitt website currently lists a total of 4 mesothelioma clinical trials. One of these clinical trials is: “A Phase 2 Study of Transarterial Chemoperfusion Treatment with Cisplatin, Methotrexate and Gemcitabine in Patients with Unresectable Pleural Mesothelioma”. This clinical trial is only offered at Moffitt Cancer Center. For further information on the active trials: www.FloridaChestSurgery.com

There are numerous services throughout the Moffitt Cancer Center. There is a social worker available to all and they encourage you to call 1-813-745-8407 with any questions or issues.

A calendar of support groups is available. Coffee hours with staff and previous patients and caregivers are offered to give an opportunity to help patients and their families get through this hard time.

They also have a list of recordings of teleconferences that provide valuable information, for example, on side effects of treatment or on assistance navigating social security and disability benefits..

Moffitt has a Patient and Family Advisory Council, which is a special program for the children of parents who have cancer. They help the families cope with different changes that may occur during this difficult time.

To contact the Moffitt Cancer Center, you can call the main number at 1-888-663-3488, or you can fill out a referral form electronically- www.Moffitt.org.

To directly contact Dr. Fontaine or the Mesothelioma Team go to: www.FloridaChestSurgery.com

Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions.

Mesothelioma Specialist Spotlight – University of Maryland

Posted on April 6, 2016 by Ellie and Lisa

The University of Maryland School of Medicine Mesothelioma and Thoracic Oncology Treatment and Research Center

Mesothelioma is a very rare disease. It is estimated that it affects less than 1% of all patients with a cancer diagnosis. For many years there were no options for patients and families facing mesothelioma. When dedicated physicians and scientists started to research this rare disease, progress started to happen.

This month we will feature two internationally known and respected leaders in the field of mesothelioma treatment and research. Together they are working in one mesothelioma center that is moving forward to work for a cure.

The University of Maryland School of Medicine Mesothelioma and Thoracic Oncology Treatment and Research Center is a new center under the Directorship of Joseph Friedberg M.D. Dr. Friedberg is an international expert in malignant pleural mesothelioma. Before coming to the University of Maryland he was at the University of Pennsylvania. This biographic information came from the web site of the University of Maryland, www.umaryland.edu

Dr. Friedberg joins another international expert in mesothelioma at the University of Maryland, H. Richard Alexander, MD., who is Professor of Surgery at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. Dr. Alexander is an expert in peritoneal mesothelioma and he is the Associate Chairman for Clinical Research.

Dr. Friedberg graduated with his bachelor’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania College of Engineering and Applied Science. He received his M.D. from Harvard Medical School. He has completed residencies at Massachusetts General Hospital and the Mass Eye and Ear Infirmary. He also completed a fellowship in cardiothoracic surgery at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Dr. Friedberg returned to the University of Pennsylvania Presbyterian Medical Center. He has developed many research interests with mesothelioma, including photodynamic therapy. In addition he has been at the forefront of a new type of therapy called “photobrachytherapy” that combines immunotherapy, radioisotopes, and other photosensitizers . Dr. Friedberg was the Chief of Thoracic Surgery, co-director of the Penn Mesothelioma and Pleural Disease Program and an associate professor of thoracic surgery at the University of Pennsylvania’s Perelman School of Medicine. Dr. Friedberg’s publications are many as are his awards noting his many contributions to researching to a cure.

Dr. Alexander received his MD degree from Georgetown University. From Georgetown he entered into the Navy where he completed his residency in general surgery at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda Maryland. Following that he did a fellowship in surgical oncology at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. He has spent 16 years at National Institute of Health where he was the deputy director of the NCI’s Center for Cancer Research. During this time he developed an interest in new and effective ways to treat cancers that few were researching. Dr. Alexander is an expert in the treatment of peritoneal mesothelioma. He has published extensively, and has lectured both nationally and internationally.

By joining forces, these two distinguished physicians and their respected teams have built a world-class mesothelioma center at the University of Maryland for both pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma patients.

Please let us know if you have any questions.

Mesothelioma Center Review – University of Chicago

Posted on March 16, 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. Here is the latest edition of our monthly review of a mesothelioma cancer center:

The University of Chicago’s Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Care Center

The University of Chicago Medicine

5841 S. Maryland Avenue

Chicago, IL 50637

Click here to visit website

The University of Chicago’s Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Care Center, includes an active mesothelioma program.

According to its web site, “Our primary goal at the University of Chicago Medicine is to identify and develop treatment regimens to improve the quality of our patient’s lives and to eradicate mesothelioma as a life- threatening disease. The opportunities in our clinical research program to deliver focused, targeted therapies give us confidence that survival of mesothelioma patients will continue to improve the quality of our patient’s lives and to eradicate mesothelioma as a life-threatening disease.” Started over 25 years ago, the center was one of the first mesothelioma treatment centers.

Led by Hedy Lee Kindler M.D. Professor of Medicine, Medical Director, the program is one of the largest in the United States. Dr. Kindler is an internationally-recognized leader in the mesothelioma community. The physician team consists of surgeons Dr. Mark Ferguson and Dr. Christopher Wigfield, pathologist Dr. Aliya Husain, radiation oncologist Dr. Renuka Malik, radiologists Dr. Alexandra Funaki, Dr. Brent Greenberg, Dr. Steven Montner, Dr. Christopher Straus, Dr. Steven Zangan and Dr. Heber MacMahon, MB, BCh. The University of Chicago Medicine uses the team approach as the basis for its treatment protocols. Under the direction of Dr. Kindler, they have weekly meetings to review treatment options for their patients.

As one of the largest programs in the United States, and the largest in the mid-west, research is an important part of their program. The program has an active research component with eight Clinical Trials listed on its web site, which states: “The opportunities in our clinical research program to deliver focused, targeted therapies give us confidence that survival of mesothelioma patients will continue to improve as they have in the past.”

University of Chicago – Resources for Mesothelioma Patients

Resources to support patients while getting treatment at the University of Chicago include a “Welcome to The University of Chicago Medicine” brochure, which lists area hotels, maps, restaurants, directions, and other practical information.

To request an appointment and a Welcome to The University of Chicago Medicine brochure, call the new patient coordinator at 855-702-8222.

If you choose to attend the University of Chicago for treatment, they offer a large list of resources. There are many hotels available ranging from an affordable to very expensive. If you are a cancer patient, many hotels will offer a reduced rate. For more information on that please contact the Cancer Resource Center at 877-824-0660

Like many hospitals there are many volunteer services that may help you out while you are visiting the University of Chicago medical center. For example you possibly could get a haircut from their local barber or hairdresser.

There may be situations where your loved one is getting treatment, testing or resting and you are bored or anxious. There is local gym for the use of 10 dollars per day. This may a good idea to alleviate some stress and just take a deep breath. You may contact Ratner Athletic Center at 773-702-7684

There is a pharmacy located in the medical center as well as a Walgreens pharmacy that is open 24 hours a day. 773-667-1177 (It is always best to fill new prescriptions as soon as possible)

If you still continue to have to keep up to date on your work-life there are computers, wifi, and a notary public if one is needed.

Sometimes you and your loved one may find some downtime during visits. You may want to check out some of the local tourist attractions. Chicago official tourism site is www.explore.chicago.org

mesothelioma treatment centers

Get Free Assistance with Treatment Questions from Experienced Mesothelioma Nurses

(and receive a Mesothelioma Treatment
and Care Guide)

MESOTHELIOMA CENTER REVIEW – UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON

MESOTHELIOMA CENTER REVIEW – HILLMAN CANCER CENTER, UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH

Mesothelioma Center Review – Mt. Sinai Medical Center

Mesothelioma Center Review – Memorial Sloan Kettering

Mesothelioma Center Review – MD Anderson Cancer Center

Mesothelioma Center Review – Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center

Mesothelioma Center Review – Baylor College of Medicine

Mesothelioma Center Review – Moffitt Cancer Center

Mesothelioma Specialist Spotlight – University of Maryland

Mesothelioma Center Review – University of Chicago

Get Free Assistance with Treatment Questions from Experienced Mesothelioma Nurses

(and receive a Mesothelioma Treatment
and Care Guide)

Recent Articles

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mesothelioma treatment centers

Get Free Assistance with Treatment Questions from Experienced Mesothelioma Nurses

(and receive a Mesothelioma Treatment and Care Guide)

Get Free Assistance with Treatment Questions from Experienced Mesothelioma Nurses

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(and receive a Mesothelioma Treatment
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(and receive a Mesothelioma Treatment
and Care Guide)