Dr. Robert Cameron
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Executive Summary
Dr. Robert B. Cameron at UCLA has been instrumental in promoting lung-sparing surgical approaches for pleural mesothelioma, fundamentally changing how surgeons treat this disease. As director of thoracic surgery at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center and founder of the UCLA Comprehensive Mesothelioma Program, Cameron has spent more than two decades refining pleurectomy with decortication (P/D) as an alternative to the more radical extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP).[1] His advocacy for preserving the lung proved prescient: the 2011 MARS trial confirmed that EPP offered no survival benefit and potentially harmed patients. Following this publication, many centers transitioned from EPP to extended P/D, with survival outcomes improving from 15.6 months to 19.6 months.[2] Dr. Cameron also serves as chief of thoracic surgery at the West Los Angeles VA Medical Center, providing specialized mesothelioma care to veterans who were exposed to asbestos during military service.[3]
The lung-sparing philosophy Dr. Cameron championed represents a fundamental shift in mesothelioma surgical thinking. While extrapleural pneumonectomy removes the entire affected lung along with the pleura, pleurectomy with decortication removes only the diseased pleural lining while preserving lung function. This approach results in faster recovery, fewer complications, and better quality of life for patients—benefits that Cameron argued outweighed any theoretical advantage of more radical surgery.[4]
Dr. Cameron's dual role at UCLA and the West LA VA Medical Center reflects the disproportionate impact of mesothelioma on military veterans, who account for approximately 30% of all cases due to widespread asbestos use in naval shipyards, aircraft, and military installations. The UCLA Comprehensive Mesothelioma Program offers these patients access to clinical trials testing novel combinations of immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and surgical approaches that may not be available at other institutions.[5]
At a Glance
- Lung-sparing pioneer — Championed pleurectomy with decortication (P/D) when most surgeons still favored removing the entire lung
- MARS trial vindication — The 2011 landmark trial confirmed his long-held position that lung removal offered no survival advantage
- 4-month survival gain — Centers switching from EPP to P/D saw median survival rise from 15.6 to 19.6 months
- UCLA program founder — Built one of the West Coast's leading mesothelioma treatment and research centers from the ground up
- Veterans' surgeon — Serves as chief of thoracic surgery at the West LA VA, treating the population with the highest mesothelioma rates
- Multidisciplinary approach — Combines surgery with immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and clinical trials at UCLA
- Two decades of specialization — Among the most experienced mesothelioma surgeons practicing in the United States
- Quality of life focus — Demonstrated that preserving the lung leads to faster recovery, fewer complications, and better breathing
Key Facts
| Metric | Finding |
|---|---|
| Primary Institution | UCLA Ronald Reagan Medical Center |
| Signature Procedure | Pleurectomy with decortication (P/D) and extended P/D |
| Surgical Experience | More than two decades specializing in mesothelioma |
| Program Founded | UCLA Comprehensive Mesothelioma Program |
| VA Role | Chief of Thoracic Surgery, West Los Angeles VA Medical Center |
| Key Validation | 2011 MARS trial confirmed lung-sparing approach was superior to EPP |
| Survival Improvement | Centers transitioning to P/D saw median survival rise from 15.6 to 19.6 months |
| Surgical Philosophy | Lung preservation with comparable cancer control and better quality of life |
| Veteran Patient Population | Approximately 30% of mesothelioma cases occur in military veterans |
| Clinical Trial Access | UCLA program offers novel immunotherapy and targeted therapy combinations |
Who Is Dr. Robert Cameron and Why Is He Called the Champion of Lung-Sparing Surgery?
Dr. Robert B. Cameron is a thoracic surgeon who challenged the prevailing surgical dogma for mesothelioma treatment. At a time when extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP)—removing the entire lung along with surrounding tissues—was considered the standard approach, Cameron argued that a less radical surgery could achieve comparable cancer control while preserving the patient's lung and quality of life.[6]
His position was initially controversial. Many surgeons believed that more aggressive surgery was necessary to remove all possible disease. Cameron's contention that preserving the lung could achieve similar outcomes while reducing operative risk and maintaining quality of life was met with skepticism by some colleagues.[7]
| "Dr. Cameron's willingness to question conventional wisdom has benefited thousands of mesothelioma patients. When the MARS trial confirmed what he had been saying for years—that removing the lung wasn't necessary—it validated his patient-centered approach. Many of our clients have better quality of life because of his pioneering work." |
| — Paul Danziger, Founding Partner, Danziger & De Llano |
What Is Pleurectomy with Decortication (P/D)?
Pleurectomy with decortication is a lung-sparing surgical procedure that removes diseased pleural tissue while preserving the underlying lung.[8]
Standard P/D
The basic procedure involves:
- Removal of the parietal pleura (outer lining of the chest cavity)
- Removal of the visceral pleura (lining around the lung)
- Preservation of the lung itself
- Removal of visible tumor from pleural surfaces
Extended P/D
Dr. Cameron helped develop the extended version, which adds:
- Resection of the diaphragm (similar to EPP)
- Resection of the pericardium when involved
- More complete removal of all diseased tissue
- Reconstruction of removed structures
| Procedure | Lung Preserved? | Operative Risk | Recovery Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| P/D (Lung-Sparing) | Yes | Lower | Faster |
| EPP (Lung Removal) | No | Higher | Longer |
| ✅ Quality of Life Advantage: Patients who keep their lung can breathe more easily, have fewer complications, and recover faster. This quality of life benefit is a major advantage of the lung-sparing approach Dr. Cameron championed. |
How Did the MARS Trial Validate Dr. Cameron's Approach?
The Mesothelioma and Radical Surgery (MARS) trial, published in 2011, provided landmark evidence supporting lung-sparing surgery. This randomized controlled trial compared EPP with no EPP in patients receiving chemotherapy.[9]
Key MARS Trial Findings:
- EPP offered no survival benefit compared to non-EPP approaches
- EPP potentially harmed patients through higher operative mortality
- The trial was stopped early due to futility—EPP was not proving superior
- Results supported the lung-sparing approach Dr. Cameron had advocated
| ℹ️ Paradigm Shift: Following the MARS trial publication, many mesothelioma treatment centers abandoned routine EPP in favor of extended P/D. Centers making this transition saw survival outcomes improve from 15.6 months to 19.6 months—a 4-month improvement simply by using a less aggressive surgery. |
The MARS trial vindicated Cameron's long-held position and fundamentally changed the surgical approach to mesothelioma worldwide.[10]
| "The MARS trial was a turning point for mesothelioma treatment. For years, surgeons assumed more aggressive surgery meant better outcomes. Dr. Cameron understood that preserving function while controlling cancer was the right balance. The data proved him right." |
| — Rod De Llano, Founding Partner, Danziger & De Llano |
What Is the UCLA Comprehensive Mesothelioma Program?
Dr. Cameron founded the UCLA Comprehensive Mesothelioma Program, creating one of the West Coast's leading centers for mesothelioma treatment and research.[11]
Program Features:
- Multidisciplinary Team: Thoracic surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, pulmonologists, and pathologists collaborate on each case
- Advanced Surgical Techniques: Expertise in both P/D and, when appropriate, EPP
- Clinical Trials: Access to novel therapeutic combinations not available elsewhere
- Research Programs: Investigation of new treatments and approaches
- Patient Support: Comprehensive services for patients and families
The program combines advanced surgical approaches with clinical trials testing novel therapeutic combinations, making cutting-edge treatments available to patients who might otherwise lack access.[12]
How Does Dr. Cameron Serve Veterans with Mesothelioma?
Dr. Cameron's work extends beyond UCLA to encompass comprehensive mesothelioma care for veterans as chief of thoracic surgery at the West Los Angeles VA Medical Center.[13]
This role is particularly significant because veterans have disproportionately high rates of mesothelioma due to:
- Naval Service: Asbestos was extensively used in ship construction and insulation
- Shipyard Work: Navy shipyards were among the highest-exposure environments
- Military Construction: Barracks and military buildings contained asbestos materials
- Vehicle Maintenance: Military vehicles used asbestos in brakes and clutches
| ⚠️ Veterans' Higher Risk: Veterans are significantly more likely to develop mesothelioma than civilians due to military asbestos exposure. Dr. Cameron's work at the West LA VA ensures these patients have access to specialized surgical expertise. |
Through the VA system, Dr. Cameron provides the same high-quality, lung-sparing surgical care to veterans that patients receive at UCLA.[14]
What Is Dr. Cameron's Legacy?
Dr. Robert Cameron's contributions have fundamentally changed mesothelioma surgery:[15]
Immediate Impact:
- Established lung-sparing surgery as a viable alternative to EPP
- Demonstrated that less aggressive surgery could achieve comparable outcomes
- Improved quality of life for mesothelioma patients
- Provided specialized care for veterans at the West LA VA
Lasting Influence:
- The MARS trial validated his long-held position
- Most centers now prefer P/D over EPP for appropriate candidates
- Patient-centered surgical philosophy has become mainstream
- Training programs emphasize lung preservation when possible
His willingness to challenge surgical orthodoxy when patient outcomes suggested a better approach exemplifies how evidence-based medicine should evolve.[16]
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of surgery does Dr. Cameron specialize in?
Dr. Cameron specializes in pleurectomy with decortication (P/D), a lung-sparing surgical procedure for pleural mesothelioma. Unlike extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP), which removes the entire lung, P/D removes only the diseased pleural lining while preserving lung function. Dr. Cameron also performs extended P/D, which includes resection of the diaphragm and pericardium when involved.
Why is lung-sparing surgery considered better for mesothelioma patients?
Lung-sparing surgery preserves respiratory function, leading to faster recovery, fewer post-operative complications, and better overall quality of life. The 2011 MARS trial demonstrated that removing the lung offered no survival advantage over lung-preserving approaches, while carrying higher operative risks. Centers that transitioned from EPP to P/D saw median survival improve by approximately 4 months.
Where does Dr. Cameron practice?
Dr. Cameron holds dual appointments at UCLA Ronald Reagan Medical Center, where he serves as director of thoracic surgery, and at the West Los Angeles VA Medical Center, where he is chief of thoracic surgery. His VA role is particularly significant because approximately 30% of mesothelioma patients are military veterans exposed to asbestos during service.
What is the UCLA Comprehensive Mesothelioma Program?
The UCLA Comprehensive Mesothelioma Program is a multidisciplinary center founded by Dr. Cameron that brings together thoracic surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, pulmonologists, and pathologists. The program offers access to clinical trials testing novel combinations of immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and surgical approaches not available at many other institutions.
Can veterans receive mesothelioma treatment from Dr. Cameron?
Yes. Dr. Cameron serves as chief of thoracic surgery at the West Los Angeles VA Medical Center, providing the same specialized lung-sparing surgical care to veterans that civilian patients receive at UCLA. Veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma may also qualify for VA disability benefits and additional compensation through asbestos trust funds.
What did the MARS trial prove about mesothelioma surgery?
The MARS trial, published in 2011, was a randomized controlled study that compared extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP) with non-EPP approaches. The trial found that EPP offered no survival benefit and potentially harmed patients through higher operative mortality. The study was stopped early due to futility, and its findings supported the lung-sparing approach Dr. Cameron had advocated for years.
How long has Dr. Cameron been treating mesothelioma?
Dr. Cameron has spent more than two decades specializing in mesothelioma surgery at UCLA. During that time, he has been one of the most prominent advocates for the lung-sparing surgical approach and has trained the next generation of thoracic surgeons in these techniques.
Quick Statistics
- 19.6 months — Median survival at centers using extended P/D after transitioning from EPP
- 15.6 months — Median survival at centers before transitioning to lung-sparing P/D
- 4 months — Survival improvement gained simply by switching from EPP to P/D
- 30% — Approximate share of all mesothelioma patients who are military veterans
- 2011 — Year the MARS trial was published, validating Dr. Cameron's lung-sparing approach
- 20+ years — Duration of Dr. Cameron's specialization in mesothelioma surgery at UCLA
- 2 institutions — UCLA Medical Center and West LA VA Medical Center where Dr. Cameron practices
- 5 disciplines — Number of specialties collaborating in the UCLA Comprehensive Mesothelioma Program
- 3,000+ — Estimated new mesothelioma diagnoses in the United States each year
Get Help
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, accessing specialized surgical care — including the lung-sparing approaches Dr. Cameron pioneered — can significantly impact both survival and quality of life. You may also be entitled to compensation from the companies responsible for your asbestos exposure.
Contact the experienced mesothelioma attorneys at Danziger & De Llano for a free case evaluation. Call (866) 222-9990 to speak with a legal team that has helped thousands of families navigate both the medical and legal challenges of a mesothelioma diagnosis.
Find a mesothelioma attorney in your area through Mesothelioma Lawyers Near Me, or explore patient resources and treatment information at Mesothelioma.net.
Related Pages
- Pleurectomy and Decortication
- Extrapleural Pneumonectomy
- Mesothelioma Surgery Overview
- Dr. David Sugarbaker
- Pleural Mesothelioma
- Veterans Mesothelioma Quick Reference
- Clinical Trials
- Mesothelioma Survival Statistics
- Mesothelioma Specialists
- History of Mesothelioma Research
References
- ↑ Mesothelioma Cancer Centers, Mesothelioma.net
- ↑ Mesothelioma Treatment (PDQ), National Cancer Institute
- ↑ VA Asbestos Exposure, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
- ↑ Surgery to Treat Cancer, National Cancer Institute
- ↑ UCLA Mesothelioma Clinical Trials, ClinicalTrials.gov
- ↑ Mesothelioma, National Cancer Institute
- ↑ Mesothelioma, National Cancer Institute
- ↑ Pleurectomy Definition, NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms
- ↑ MARS Trial: Mesothelioma and Radical Surgery, ClinicalTrials.gov
- ↑ Clinical Trials Information, National Cancer Institute
- ↑ Mesothelioma Treatment Centers, Mesothelioma.net
- ↑ NCI-Designated Cancer Centers, National Cancer Institute
- ↑ VA Health Care, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
- ↑ VA Disability Compensation Rates, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
- ↑ Asbestos, Occupational Safety and Health Administration
- ↑ Asbestos, CDC/NIOSH