Biography
Dr. Joseph Friedberg is a world-renowned thoracic surgeon and the leading pioneer of intraoperative photodynamic therapy (PDT) for mesothelioma. He trained at Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women's Hospital. Dr. Friedberg developed the technique of using light-activated drugs during surgery to destroy microscopic cancer cells remaining after tumor debulking — an approach that has shown promising survival benefits for mesothelioma patients.
Education & Training
- Medical Degree — Harvard Medical School (Medicine)
- Residency — Brigham and Women's Hospital (General Surgery)
- Fellowship — Brigham and Women's Hospital (Cardiothoracic Surgery)
Specialties & Procedures
Clinical Specialties
- Thoracic Surgery
- Surgical Oncology
- Photodynamic Therapy
Surgical Procedures
Board Certifications
- American Board of Thoracic Surgery
- American Board of Surgery
Research Focus
Intraoperative photodynamic therapy (PDT) for mesothelioma, lung-sparing surgery for pleural mesothelioma, and novel adjuvant therapies.
Notable Publications
- Photodynamic therapy for mesothelioma: Phase III trial results. Annals of Thoracic Surgery, 2022.
Treatment Center
Dr. Joseph Friedberg practices at Penn Medicine (Abramson Cancer Center) in Philadelphia, PA.
Legal Resources for Mesothelioma Patients
Patients diagnosed with mesothelioma after asbestos exposure may be eligible for compensation through asbestos trust funds and legal claims. Over $30 billion remains available in trust funds nationwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is photodynamic therapy for mesothelioma?
PDT is a technique pioneered by Dr. Friedberg that uses light-sensitive drugs activated by a special laser during surgery to kill remaining microscopic cancer cells after tumor removal. It has shown improved survival in clinical trials.
Where did Dr. Friedberg train?
Dr. Friedberg received his medical degree from Harvard Medical School and completed his surgical training at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston.