Being diagnosed with mesothelioma is overwhelming. One of the most important decisions you will make is choosing where to receive treatment. Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer, and outcomes are significantly better at specialized centers with dedicated mesothelioma programs, experienced surgeons, and access to the latest clinical trials.

This guide identifies the leading mesothelioma treatment centers in the United States for 2026, based on objective criteria including National Cancer Institute (NCI) designation, mesothelioma case volume, published research, available clinical trials, and multidisciplinary care capabilities.

Important note: This is not a paid ranking or endorsement. These centers are recognized based on publicly available credentials, published clinical outcomes, and institutional specialization in mesothelioma care. Every patient's situation is unique, and the best center for you depends on your specific diagnosis, location, and personal circumstances.

How We Identified These Centers

Each center included in this guide meets the following criteria:

  • NCI-Designated Cancer Center — recognized by the National Cancer Institute for scientific leadership and cancer care infrastructure
  • Dedicated mesothelioma or thoracic oncology program — a specialized team focused on mesothelioma treatment, not just general oncology
  • Multidisciplinary tumor board — treatment plans developed collaboratively by thoracic surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, pathologists, and pulmonologists
  • Active clinical trials — offering access to emerging therapies including immunotherapy combinations, targeted therapies, and novel surgical approaches
  • Published mesothelioma research — contributing to the peer-reviewed medical literature on mesothelioma treatment and outcomes

Recognized Mesothelioma Treatment Centers for 2026

1. MD Anderson Cancer Center — Houston, TX

NCI Designation: Comprehensive Cancer Center

MD Anderson is consistently ranked among the top cancer hospitals in the nation and treats one of the highest volumes of mesothelioma patients in the United States. The center's Mesothelioma Program brings together specialists from thoracic surgery, medical oncology, radiation oncology, pathology, and supportive care into a single coordinated team.

Program Highlights:

  • Dedicated Mesothelioma Treatment Program with high annual case volume
  • Pioneering research in multimodal therapy combining surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation
  • Extensive immunotherapy and clinical trial portfolio, including novel checkpoint inhibitor combinations
  • Advanced surgical capabilities including pleurectomy/decortication (P/D) and extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP)
  • HIPEC (Heated Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy) program for peritoneal mesothelioma

Notable Physicians:

  • Dr. David Rice — internationally recognized thoracic surgeon specializing in mesothelioma surgery
  • Dr. Anne Tsao — medical oncologist leading mesothelioma clinical trials
  • Dr. Boris Sepesi — thoracic surgical oncologist

Specialties: Surgery (P/D, EPP), immunotherapy, clinical trials, radiation therapy, peritoneal mesothelioma treatment

Patient Support: Dedicated patient navigators, lodging assistance (Jesse H. Jones Rotary House), financial counseling, survivorship programs

2. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center — New York, NY

NCI Designation: Comprehensive Cancer Center

Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK) is a world leader in mesothelioma treatment and research. The center has one of the longest-running mesothelioma programs in the country and has trained many of the thoracic surgeons now practicing at other leading institutions.

Program Highlights:

  • One of the largest mesothelioma surgical programs in the world
  • Pioneered lung-sparing pleurectomy/decortication as a preferred surgical approach
  • Robust immunotherapy program, including CAR T-cell therapy research for mesothelioma
  • Advanced pathology services for accurate mesothelioma subtyping and staging
  • Strong emphasis on quality-of-life research and patient-reported outcomes

Notable Physicians:

  • Dr. Prasad Adusumilli — thoracic surgeon leading CAR T-cell therapy research for mesothelioma
  • Dr. Marjorie Zauderer — medical oncologist specializing in mesothelioma clinical trials
  • Dr. Valerie Rusch — pioneering thoracic surgeon (emeritus) who defined modern mesothelioma staging systems

Specialties: Surgery (P/D, lung-sparing approaches), immunotherapy, CAR T-cell therapy, clinical trials, precision oncology

Patient Support: Housing assistance, financial counseling, integrative medicine services, psychological support

3. Brigham and Women's Hospital / Dana-Farber Cancer Institute — Boston, MA

NCI Designation: Comprehensive Cancer Center (Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center)

The Brigham and Women's Hospital International Mesothelioma Program, in partnership with Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, is one of the most comprehensive mesothelioma programs in the world. This center has been at the forefront of mesothelioma surgical innovation for decades.

Program Highlights:

  • International Mesothelioma Program — one of the oldest and most respected in the nation
  • Pioneered research comparing EPP versus P/D outcomes, helping establish evidence-based surgical guidelines
  • Extensive biobank of mesothelioma tissue samples supporting ongoing research
  • Strong focus on neoadjuvant (pre-surgery) treatment protocols
  • Collaborative research network with institutions worldwide

Notable Physicians:

  • Dr. Raphael Bueno — chief of thoracic surgery and internationally recognized mesothelioma researcher
  • Dr. David Sugarbaker — (legacy) helped establish the mesothelioma program as a world leader
  • Dr. Pasi Jänne — medical oncologist conducting targeted therapy research

Specialties: Surgery (P/D, EPP), multimodal therapy, translational research, clinical trials, genomics-guided treatment

Patient Support: International patient center, lodging resources, social work services, patient advocacy partnerships

4. Moffitt Cancer Center — Tampa, FL

NCI Designation: Comprehensive Cancer Center

Moffitt Cancer Center operates a dedicated Mesothelioma Research and Treatment Program and is the only NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center based in Florida. The center is known for its aggressive, multidisciplinary approach to mesothelioma treatment.

Program Highlights:

  • Dedicated Mesothelioma Research and Treatment Center
  • Strong surgical program with expertise in both P/D and EPP
  • Leading research in photodynamic therapy (PDT) for mesothelioma
  • Active immunotherapy trials including combination checkpoint inhibitors
  • Growing peritoneal mesothelioma program with HIPEC capabilities

Notable Physicians:

  • Dr. Jacques Fontaine — thoracic surgeon specializing in mesothelioma and complex lung surgery
  • Dr. Scott Antonia — immunotherapy researcher
  • Dr. Lary Robinson — thoracic surgical oncologist

Specialties: Surgery, photodynamic therapy, immunotherapy, clinical trials, peritoneal mesothelioma

Patient Support: Lodging assistance, Moffitt Patient Hotel, financial counseling, support groups, Spanish-language services

5. University of Pennsylvania Abramson Cancer Center — Philadelphia, PA

NCI Designation: Comprehensive Cancer Center

Penn's Abramson Cancer Center has a dedicated Mesothelioma and Pleural Disease Program that combines surgical expertise with cutting-edge immunotherapy research. The center has been a leader in developing novel treatment approaches for mesothelioma.

Program Highlights:

  • Dedicated Mesothelioma and Pleural Disease Program
  • Pioneering gene therapy and immunotherapy research for mesothelioma
  • First center to use intrapleural delivery of immunotherapy agents directly to the tumor site
  • Expertise in SMART (Surgery for Mesothelioma After Radiation Therapy) protocol
  • Strong collaboration between surgical, medical, and radiation oncology teams

Notable Physicians:

  • Dr. Sunil Singhal — thoracic surgeon and researcher developing intraoperative tumor imaging technology
  • Dr. Evan Alley — medical oncologist specializing in mesothelioma immunotherapy
  • Dr. Charles Simone — radiation oncologist with mesothelioma expertise

Specialties: Surgery, gene therapy, immunotherapy, intrapleural therapy, radiation therapy, clinical trials

Patient Support: Abramson Cancer Center patient navigators, lodging partnerships, financial assistance programs

6. Mayo Clinic — Rochester, MN

NCI Designation: Comprehensive Cancer Center

Mayo Clinic's collaborative practice model is ideally suited to mesothelioma treatment, where outcomes depend on seamless coordination between multiple specialists. The center's thoracic surgery and medical oncology departments work closely together on mesothelioma cases.

Program Highlights:

  • Integrated practice model where all specialists collaborate on treatment plans within a single institution
  • Expertise in complex thoracic surgery including cytoreductive surgery for peritoneal mesothelioma
  • Active clinical trial programs spanning immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and novel drug combinations
  • Advanced diagnostic pathology services critical for accurate mesothelioma diagnosis
  • Strong emphasis on shared decision-making with patients and families

Notable Physicians:

  • Dr. Dennis Wigle — thoracic surgeon specializing in mesothelioma
  • Dr. Aaron Mansfield — medical oncologist leading mesothelioma research
  • Dr. Julian Molina — medical oncologist with thoracic malignancy expertise

Specialties: Surgery, immunotherapy, clinical trials, diagnostic pathology, peritoneal mesothelioma, supportive care

Patient Support: Comprehensive patient education, lodging at nearby hotels with Mayo partnerships, social work services, international patient services

7. UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center — Los Angeles, CA

NCI Designation: Comprehensive Cancer Center

UCLA's thoracic oncology program provides West Coast patients access to specialized mesothelioma care without traveling to the East Coast. The center has an active mesothelioma clinical trial program and experienced surgical team.

Program Highlights:

  • Thoracic Oncology Program with mesothelioma specialization
  • Access to cutting-edge clinical trials through the UCLA clinical trial network
  • Expertise in minimally invasive thoracic surgery alongside traditional open approaches
  • Strong radiation oncology program with advanced planning technology
  • Collaboration with UCLA's broader research enterprise for translational studies

Notable Physicians:

  • Dr. Jay Lee — thoracic surgeon with mesothelioma expertise
  • Dr. Edward Garon — medical oncologist leading thoracic oncology research
  • Dr. Robert Cameron — thoracic surgeon (emeritus) who championed lung-sparing P/D on the West Coast

Specialties: Surgery (P/D), clinical trials, immunotherapy, radiation therapy, minimally invasive surgical techniques

Patient Support: Patient navigators, Tiverton House lodging, financial counseling, support groups

8. National Cancer Institute Center for Cancer Research — Bethesda, MD

NCI Designation: NCI Intramural Research Program

The NCI's own Center for Cancer Research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Clinical Center is unique among mesothelioma treatment centers. As a federally funded research hospital, the NIH Clinical Center provides cutting-edge experimental treatments — often at no cost to patients enrolled in clinical trials.

Program Highlights:

  • Thoracic and GI Malignancies Branch with dedicated mesothelioma research
  • Access to early-phase clinical trials not available elsewhere
  • Treatment costs often covered for patients enrolled in NIH studies
  • Direct connection to NCI-funded mesothelioma research
  • Advanced genomic profiling to match patients with targeted therapies

Notable Physicians:

  • Dr. Raffit Hassan — internationally recognized mesothelioma researcher pioneering mesothelin-targeted therapies
  • Dr. Anish Thomas — medical oncologist leading mesothelioma immunotherapy trials

Specialties: Clinical trials (early phase), targeted therapy, immunotherapy, mesothelin-targeted treatments, genomic profiling

Patient Support: No-cost treatment for trial participants, NIH Patient Financial Services, lodging at The Children's Inn and nearby options, social work support

9. University of Chicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center — Chicago, IL

NCI Designation: Comprehensive Cancer Center

The University of Chicago has a long history in mesothelioma treatment and research, with a thoracic oncology program that offers surgical expertise alongside active clinical trial participation. The center is a regional leader in mesothelioma care for the Midwest.

Program Highlights:

  • Established thoracic oncology program with mesothelioma specialization
  • Active clinical trial portfolio including immunotherapy and combination regimens
  • Expertise in both surgical and non-surgical treatment approaches
  • Multidisciplinary tumor board review for all mesothelioma cases
  • Strong palliative care integration to support quality of life throughout treatment

Notable Physicians:

  • Dr. Jessica Donington — thoracic surgeon specializing in mesothelioma
  • Dr. Hedy Kindler — medical oncologist and one of the nation's leading mesothelioma researchers who has led multiple landmark clinical trials
  • Dr. Wickii Vigneswaran — cardiothoracic surgeon

Specialties: Surgery, immunotherapy, clinical trials, palliative care, translational research

Patient Support: Patient navigators, lodging referral programs, financial counseling, social work services

10. Baylor College of Medicine / Baylor St. Luke's Medical Center — Houston, TX

NCI Designation: NCI-Designated Cancer Center (Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center)

Baylor's mesothelioma program provides Houston-area patients an additional option for specialized care. The center's thoracic surgery and oncology teams work closely with researchers at the Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Program Highlights:

  • Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center with thoracic oncology program
  • Proximity to the Texas Medical Center — the largest medical complex in the world — for multidisciplinary referrals
  • Growing clinical trial participation for mesothelioma and thoracic cancers
  • Strong residency and fellowship programs ensuring a pipeline of specialized thoracic surgeons
  • Collaboration with Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center for veteran mesothelioma patients

Notable Physicians:

  • Dr. Shanda Blackmon — thoracic surgeon
  • Dr. Bryan Burt — thoracic surgeon with mesothelioma research interests

Specialties: Surgery, clinical trials, immunotherapy, veteran mesothelioma care (VA collaboration)

Patient Support: Financial counseling, lodging assistance, collaboration with VA for veteran patients, social work services

Additional Recognized Centers

Several other institutions maintain significant mesothelioma programs and deserve mention:

  • Mount Sinai Hospital (New York, NY) — home to the Irving J. Selikoff Center for Occupational and Environmental Medicine, which has studied asbestos-related disease for decades
  • University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (Pittsburgh, PA) — active thoracic surgery program with mesothelioma experience and clinical trials
  • Duke University Medical Center (Durham, NC) — NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center with thoracic oncology expertise
  • Stanford Cancer Institute (Stanford, CA) — offers advanced surgical approaches and clinical trial access on the West Coast
  • H. Lee Moffitt VA Cancer Center of Excellence — integrated VA and Moffitt partnership for veteran mesothelioma care

How to Choose the Right Mesothelioma Treatment Center

Selecting a treatment center is a deeply personal decision. The following criteria can help you evaluate your options:

1. Mesothelioma-Specific Experience

Not all cancer centers treat mesothelioma regularly. Because mesothelioma is rare — approximately 3,000 new cases per year in the United States — many general oncologists may see only a handful of cases in their entire career. Look for centers with:

  • A dedicated mesothelioma program or thoracic oncology team
  • Surgeons who perform mesothelioma surgery regularly (higher surgical volume is associated with better outcomes)
  • A multidisciplinary tumor board that reviews mesothelioma cases specifically

2. Treatment Approach Alignment

Different centers emphasize different treatment philosophies:

  • Surgical centers may favor aggressive multimodal approaches (surgery + chemotherapy + radiation)
  • Research-focused centers may offer access to experimental therapies through clinical trials
  • Community-oriented centers may emphasize quality of life and shared decision-making

The right approach depends on your stage, histology (epithelioid, sarcomatoid, or biphasic), overall health, and personal treatment goals.

3. Clinical Trial Access

Clinical trials provide access to treatments that are not yet widely available. For mesothelioma patients — especially those with advanced disease or who have progressed on standard treatments — clinical trials may represent the best available option. Consider whether a center:

  • Has active mesothelioma-specific clinical trials (check ClinicalTrials.gov)
  • Offers Phase I trials (earliest access to new drugs) in addition to Phase II and III trials
  • Has a research coordinator who can help determine trial eligibility

4. Insurance and Financial Considerations

Before committing to a center, verify:

  • Whether the center is in-network with your insurance plan
  • Whether your insurance covers out-of-state treatment at specialized centers
  • What out-of-pocket costs you can expect for the recommended treatment plan
  • Whether the center offers financial assistance programs or charity care

5. Location and Travel

While traveling for the best possible care is often worthwhile, practical considerations matter:

  • How far is the center from your home?
  • Will you need to relocate temporarily for treatment?
  • Does the center offer lodging assistance for patients and caregivers?
  • Are follow-up appointments manageable from your location?

Insurance and Financial Considerations

Insurance Coverage for Specialized Centers

Most major insurance plans — including Medicare and Medicaid — cover treatment at NCI-designated cancer centers. However, coverage details vary:

  • In-network vs. out-of-network: Treatment at an out-of-network center may result in higher out-of-pocket costs. Some plans offer exceptions for rare cancers like mesothelioma.
  • Prior authorization: Many insurance plans require prior authorization before starting treatment at a specialized center. Your treatment team or patient navigator can usually handle this process.
  • Second opinion coverage: Most insurance plans cover the cost of seeking a second opinion at a specialized center, even if you ultimately receive treatment elsewhere.

Financial Assistance Programs

Many mesothelioma treatment centers offer financial assistance:

  • Charity care programs for uninsured or underinsured patients
  • Payment plans for out-of-pocket expenses
  • Pharmaceutical assistance programs for expensive medications (immunotherapy drugs can cost $10,000–$15,000+ per month)
  • Social work services to help identify local, state, and federal assistance programs

Asbestos Trust Funds and Legal Compensation

Mesothelioma patients may be eligible for financial compensation that can help cover treatment costs:

  • Asbestos trust funds hold more than $30 billion for asbestos exposure victims. Most mesothelioma patients qualify for claims with multiple trust funds.
  • Legal settlements and verdicts from companies responsible for asbestos exposure can provide significant compensation.
  • VA benefits are available for veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma, including disability compensation, healthcare, and aid and attendance.

This compensation is separate from insurance and does not affect your insurance coverage or benefits.

Travel and Lodging Support Programs

Traveling for mesothelioma treatment is common, and many resources exist to help:

Hospital-Based Programs

Most leading cancer centers operate or partner with nearby lodging facilities:

  • MD Anderson: Jesse H. Jones Rotary House International hotel connected to the hospital
  • Memorial Sloan Kettering: Partnerships with nearby lodging facilities and the Ronald McDonald House for families
  • Mayo Clinic: Patient lodging partnerships with Rochester-area hotels
  • Moffitt: Moffitt Patient Hotel adjacent to the cancer center

National Assistance Programs

  • American Cancer Society Hope Lodge — free lodging near treatment centers in multiple cities
  • Corporate Angel Network — free flights on corporate jets for cancer patients traveling to treatment
  • Joe's House — national online lodging directory for cancer patients
  • Angel Flight — volunteer pilot network providing free flights for medical treatment
  • Patient Advocate Foundation — financial assistance for travel and lodging costs

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to travel to a specialized center, or can I be treated locally?

While local treatment may be appropriate for some aspects of care (chemotherapy infusions, follow-up imaging), the initial evaluation and surgical treatment of mesothelioma should ideally be performed at a center with dedicated mesothelioma experience. Research consistently shows that mesothelioma patients treated at high-volume centers by experienced specialists have better outcomes. Many patients receive their initial evaluation and surgery at a specialized center, then complete chemotherapy or follow-up care closer to home.

How do I get a referral to a mesothelioma treatment center?

You can contact any of these centers directly — most accept self-referrals. Call the center's patient intake line, explain that you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, and request an appointment with the mesothelioma or thoracic oncology team. You can also ask your local oncologist to send a referral, which may help expedite scheduling. Many centers can review your medical records and imaging before your first visit to maximize the efficiency of your appointment.

Will my insurance cover treatment at an out-of-state specialized center?

In many cases, yes. Most major insurance plans — including Medicare — cover treatment at NCI-designated cancer centers regardless of location. For rare cancers like mesothelioma, insurers often approve out-of-network coverage when specialized care is not available locally. Contact your insurance provider and the center's financial services department to confirm coverage before your first visit.

What should I bring to my first appointment at a mesothelioma treatment center?

Bring all available medical records, including pathology reports (slides if possible), CT scans and other imaging on CD, surgical reports, blood work results, and a list of current medications. Also bring your insurance information, a list of questions, and — if possible — a family member or friend to take notes. Many centers offer a new patient checklist when you schedule your appointment.

How quickly should I seek treatment after a mesothelioma diagnosis?

While it is important to act promptly, taking a few weeks to research your options and get a second opinion at a specialized center is reasonable and recommended by most oncologists. Mesothelioma develops over decades, and a few weeks spent finding the right treatment team will not significantly change your prognosis. Rushing into treatment at a center without mesothelioma expertise may be a bigger risk than taking time to find the right team.

Understanding Your Legal Rights and Compensation Options

A mesothelioma diagnosis caused by asbestos exposure may entitle you and your family to financial compensation. This compensation can help cover:

  • Treatment costs not covered by insurance
  • Travel expenses for specialized treatment
  • Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Caregiving costs for family members

Asbestos trust funds hold more than $30 billion specifically for asbestos victims. Additionally, lawsuits against asbestos manufacturers, employers, and property owners have resulted in settlements and verdicts ranging from hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars.

Filing deadlines apply. Each state has a statute of limitations for mesothelioma claims — typically 1 to 6 years from the date of diagnosis. Acting early preserves your legal options and ensures you can pursue maximum compensation while focusing on your treatment.

An experienced mesothelioma attorney can evaluate your case at no cost, identify all potential sources of compensation (trust funds, lawsuits, VA benefits), and handle the legal process while you focus on treatment.