What Are Mesothelioma Treatment Centers?

Why Specialized Centers Matter

Mesothelioma is a rare cancer, with approximately 3,000 new cases diagnosed in the United States each year. Because of this rarity, most community hospitals and general oncology practices see very few mesothelioma patients, limiting their experience with this complex disease. Specialized mesothelioma treatment centers have the volume, expertise, and resources to provide the highest level of care.

Research consistently demonstrates that patients treated at high-volume specialized centers have better outcomes. A study published in the Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery found that mesothelioma surgical mortality was significantly lower at centers performing more than 10 procedures per year compared to lower-volume institutions. Beyond surgical outcomes, specialized centers offer multimodal treatment protocols, access to clinical trials, and multidisciplinary tumor boards where surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, pathologists, and other specialists collaborate on each patient’s care plan.

What to Look for in a Treatment Center

When evaluating a mesothelioma treatment center, patients should consider the center’s case volume and experience with mesothelioma specifically, whether it holds NCI (National Cancer Institute) designation, the availability of thoracic surgeons specializing in mesothelioma procedures such as EPP and P/D, access to clinical trials including immunotherapy and other investigational treatments, and comprehensive supportive services including palliative care, social work, and nutritional support.

A center’s published outcomes data — including surgical mortality rates, complication rates, and median survival figures — provides objective measures of quality. Second opinions from specialized centers are always appropriate, even if the initial diagnosis was made elsewhere.

Leading Mesothelioma Centers in the U.S.

Several institutions are recognized for their mesothelioma programs. These include Brigham and Women’s Hospital (Boston), Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (New York), MD Anderson Cancer Center (Houston), Moffitt Cancer Center (Tampa), University of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia), and Baylor College of Medicine (Houston), among others. For peritoneal mesothelioma, centers with expertise in CRS/HIPEC include the National Cancer Institute, Wake Forest Baptist, and the University of Pittsburgh.

For veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma, VA medical centers with oncology programs may provide care, and the VA healthcare system can coordinate referrals to specialized civilian centers when needed.

Traveling for Treatment

Many patients must travel to reach a specialized mesothelioma center. While this presents challenges, the potential improvement in outcomes makes it a worthwhile consideration. Some centers offer travel assistance programs, and organizations such as the American Cancer Society provide lodging near treatment facilities through programs like Hope Lodge.

Telemedicine consultations and virtual second opinions have made it easier to connect with specialists before committing to travel. Many centers offer initial virtual evaluations to review medical records and imaging before recommending an in-person visit.

Financing Treatment at a Specialized Center

Treatment at a specialized center, combined with travel and lodging expenses, can be costly. Patients with asbestos-related mesothelioma may be entitled to significant compensation through legal claims that can cover these expenses. The attorneys at Danziger & De Llano have helped mesothelioma patients across the country access specialized care. Call 1-800-400-1805 for a free, confidential consultation about your legal options.