Mesothelioma Treatment Centers Compared
Mesothelioma is rare enough that most oncologists see only a handful of cases in their careers. The treatment centers listed below have dedicated mesothelioma programs with specialists who treat dozens to hundreds of patients each year. All hold NCI Comprehensive Cancer Center designation, offer active clinical trials for mesothelioma, and provide multidisciplinary teams that coordinate surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy. Choosing a center with mesothelioma-specific expertise can meaningfully affect treatment outcomes and quality of life.
| Center | Location | Specialties | Key Physicians | Clinical Trials | NCI Designation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MD Anderson Cancer Center | Houston, TX | Surgery, immunotherapy, multimodal therapy, peritoneal mesothelioma | Dr. Anne Tsao, Dr. Boris Sepesi | 20+ active mesothelioma trials | Comprehensive |
| Memorial Sloan Kettering | New York, NY | Pleurectomy/decortication, immunotherapy, radiation therapy | Dr. Marjorie Zauderer, Dr. Prasad Adusumilli | 15+ active mesothelioma trials | Comprehensive |
| Brigham & Women's / Dana-Farber | Boston, MA | Surgery (EPP and P/D), multimodal therapy, mesothelioma research | Dr. Raphael Bueno (Sugarbaker legacy program) | 10+ active mesothelioma trials | Comprehensive |
| Univ. of Pennsylvania (Abramson) | Philadelphia, PA | Immunotherapy, CAR T-cell therapy research, thoracic surgery | Dr. Evan Alley, Dr. Sunil Singhal | 10+ active mesothelioma trials | Comprehensive |
| Moffitt Cancer Center | Tampa, FL | Thoracic surgery, chemotherapy, clinical trials | Dr. Jacques Fontaine, Dr. Scott Antonia | 8+ active mesothelioma trials | Comprehensive |
| UCLA Jonsson Cancer Center | Los Angeles, CA | Thoracic surgery, radiation oncology, multidisciplinary care | Dr. Jay Lee, Dr. Robert Cameron (emeritus) | 8+ active mesothelioma trials | Comprehensive |
| Univ. of Chicago Medicine | Chicago, IL | Surgery, peritoneal mesothelioma (HIPEC), multimodal therapy | Dr. Hedy Kindler, Dr. Jessica Donington | 8+ active mesothelioma trials | Comprehensive |
| Mayo Clinic | Rochester, MN | Integrated multidisciplinary care, surgery, clinical trials | Dr. Aaron Mansfield, Dr. Dennis Wigle | 10+ active mesothelioma trials | Comprehensive |
Sources: National Cancer Institute, individual center websites, Journal of Thoracic Oncology. Note: Clinical trial numbers are approximate and change as studies open and close. Physician affiliations current as of publication date.
Every case is different
This comparison covers general differences. Your specific situation — diagnosis type, stage, state of residence, and exposure history — determines which option delivers the most compensation.
Free & confidential · No obligation · Personalized to your situation
Key Differences
Geographic Accessibility
Treatment center location is a practical consideration that directly affects care. Mesothelioma treatment often requires multiple visits over weeks or months for surgery, chemotherapy infusions, and follow-up appointments. Centers are concentrated on the coasts and in major metropolitan areas. For patients in the Southeast, Moffitt (Tampa) and MD Anderson (Houston) are the closest options. For the Midwest, University of Chicago and Mayo Clinic (Rochester) provide regional access. Some centers offer telemedicine consultations for initial evaluation and second opinions, which can help patients assess whether travel is warranted before committing.
Surgical Approach Preferences
Centers vary in their preferred surgical approach for pleural mesothelioma. Brigham and Women's Hospital has historically been associated with both extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP) and pleurectomy/decortication (P/D), continuing the legacy of the pioneering mesothelioma surgery program established by Dr. David Sugarbaker. Memorial Sloan Kettering has increasingly favored lung-sparing pleurectomy/decortication. MD Anderson and Moffitt offer both approaches and tailor the recommendation to the individual patient's disease stage and overall health. The surgical approach decision is one of the most consequential in mesothelioma treatment, making it essential to consult with a surgeon who has performed hundreds of these procedures.
Clinical Trial Access
Clinical trials provide access to promising new therapies before they become widely available. The number and types of available trials vary significantly by center. MD Anderson and Memorial Sloan Kettering typically have the largest trial portfolios for mesothelioma. The University of Pennsylvania is notable for its CAR T-cell therapy research, a form of immunotherapy showing early promise for mesothelioma. Patients who are not candidates for standard surgical options may benefit most from centers with robust trial programs, as trials may offer treatments not otherwise accessible.
Multidisciplinary Team Composition
All eight centers employ a multidisciplinary approach, but the composition and coordination of their teams differ. A comprehensive mesothelioma team typically includes a thoracic surgeon, medical oncologist, radiation oncologist, pulmonologist, pathologist, radiologist, palliative care specialist, and social worker. Centers like Mayo Clinic are known for integrated care models where all specialists coordinate through a single care team. Others may require patients to schedule individual appointments with each specialist. When evaluating centers, ask specifically how the mesothelioma team coordinates care and whether you will have a dedicated care coordinator.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma Expertise
Peritoneal mesothelioma (affecting the abdominal lining) requires different treatment than pleural mesothelioma (affecting the lung lining). Not all centers have equal experience with both types. MD Anderson and the University of Chicago have established peritoneal mesothelioma programs that offer cytoreductive surgery with heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), the standard-of-care approach for peritoneal disease. Patients with peritoneal mesothelioma should specifically confirm that a center has dedicated peritoneal expertise before traveling for consultation.
Which Center Is Right for You?
The best treatment center for you depends on your specific diagnosis, your geographic location, your insurance coverage, and whether you are a candidate for surgery or clinical trials. Here are the key considerations:
- If you are a surgical candidate: Prioritize a center with a surgeon who has performed hundreds of mesothelioma operations. Surgical outcomes are strongly correlated with surgeon volume and experience. Brigham and Women's, Memorial Sloan Kettering, and MD Anderson have the longest track records.
- If you want clinical trial access: MD Anderson, Memorial Sloan Kettering, and the University of Pennsylvania typically have the most active trial portfolios. Check ClinicalTrials.gov for currently enrolling studies at each center.
- If you have peritoneal mesothelioma: Seek a center with dedicated HIPEC capabilities and peritoneal mesothelioma experience, such as MD Anderson or the University of Chicago.
- If travel is a barrier: Start with a telemedicine consultation or remote second opinion from a top center. Many centers review pathology slides and imaging remotely and can recommend whether in-person evaluation is warranted.
- Always get a second opinion: Regardless of which center you first consult, a second opinion from another mesothelioma specialist is standard practice and never offends competent physicians. Treatment recommendations can differ between centers, and understanding all options helps you make an informed decision.
- National Cancer Institute. "NCI-Designated Cancer Centers." cancer.gov
- MD Anderson Cancer Center. "Mesothelioma Treatment." mdanderson.org
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. "Mesothelioma Treatment." mskcc.org
- Brigham and Women's Hospital. "International Mesothelioma Program." brighamandwomens.org
- Journal of Thoracic Oncology. Various issues, 2023–2025.
- ClinicalTrials.gov. Mesothelioma studies. clinicaltrials.gov
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Our attorneys handle the entire process — so you can focus on what matters most. Get a free, confidential case review today.
Your information is confidential and protected by attorney-client privilege.
Call 1-800-400-1805 for immediate help.