Biography
Dr. Raffit Hassan is a senior investigator at the National Cancer Institute (NIH) and one of the world's foremost researchers in mesothelin-targeted immunotherapy for mesothelioma. His laboratory developed several mesothelin-targeting agents — including immunotoxins and antibody-drug conjugates — that have advanced into clinical trials. Dr. Hassan has been principal investigator on numerous mesothelioma clinical trials at the NCI and his work has been instrumental in establishing mesothelin as a viable therapeutic target.
Education & Training
- Medical Degree — Dow Medical College (Pakistan) (Medicine)
- Residency — George Washington University Medical Center (Internal Medicine)
- Fellowship — National Cancer Institute (NIH) (Medical Oncology)
Specialties & Procedures
Clinical Specialties
- Medical Oncology
- Immunotherapy Research
- Mesothelioma
As a medical oncologist, Dr. Raffit Hassan focuses on non-surgical treatment modalities including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and clinical trials.
Board Certifications
- American Board of Internal Medicine — Medical Oncology
- American Board of Internal Medicine — Internal Medicine
Research Focus
Mesothelin-targeted immunotherapies, anti-mesothelin antibody-drug conjugates, immunotoxins for mesothelioma, and novel immunotherapy approaches for solid tumors.
Notable Publications
- Phase II clinical trial of anetumab ravtansine in patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma. Lancet Oncology, 2019.
- Mesothelin-targeted immunotherapy for mesothelioma: progress and challenges. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 2016.
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 mesothelin-targeted therapy?
Mesothelin is a protein expressed at high levels on mesothelioma cells. Dr. Hassan has developed therapies that target this protein to deliver cancer-killing agents specifically to mesothelioma cells while sparing normal tissue.
Can patients enroll in Dr. Hassan's clinical trials?
Yes. Dr. Hassan runs clinical trials at the NIH Clinical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. Eligible mesothelioma patients can be referred for trial screening through the NCI.