Mayo Clinic

Mayo Clinic Cancer Center
The needs of the patient come first
Location	Rochester, MN (HQ) + 2 campuses
Founded	1863 (Mayo practice)
Annual Cases	100-150 new mesothelioma
NCI Designation	Comprehensive (40+ years)
U.S. News Ranking	#4 Cancer Care (2025-26)
Staff (MN Campus)	32,000+
Academic Affiliation	Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine
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Executive Summary

Mayo Clinic Cancer Center represents the gold standard in patient-centered cancer care, treating between 100 and 150 newly diagnosed mesothelioma patients annually at its Rochester, Minnesota headquarters—with additional specialists available at campuses in Jacksonville, Florida and Phoenix, Arizona. The institution traces its origins to 1863 when Dr. William Worrall Mayo established his medical practice in Rochester, and it has maintained NCI Comprehensive Cancer Center designation for over 40 years—a testament to its sustained excellence in cancer research and treatment. U.S. News & World Report ranks Mayo Clinic #4 in cancer care for 2025-26, while the institution overall ranks #3 nationally.

What distinguishes Mayo Clinic is the "Mayo Model" of team-based medicine pioneered by the Mayo brothers in the late 1800s. Every mesothelioma patient receives input from multiple specialists—thoracic surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, pulmonologists, and pathologists—effectively providing several expert opinions within a single coordinated evaluation. Mayo's current research focuses on combining stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) with immunotherapy, representing the cutting edge of mesothelioma treatment innovation. For patients and families facing this diagnosis, understanding how to access world-class care while pursuing legal compensation for asbestos exposure can significantly impact both treatment outcomes and financial recovery.

Key Facts

Key Facts: Mayo Clinic Cancer Center Mesothelioma Program

Institution Founded: 1863 by Dr. William Worrall Mayo in Rochester, Minnesota NCI Status: Comprehensive Cancer Center designation maintained for over 40 years National Rankings: #4 in cancer care, #3 overall hospital (U.S. News & World Report 2025-26) Mesothelioma Volume: 100-150 newly diagnosed patients annually at Rochester campus Campus Locations: Rochester, MN (headquarters); Jacksonville, FL; Phoenix, AZ Staff Size: 32,000+ team members at Minnesota campus alone Founding Philosophy: "The needs of the patient come first" — established late 1800s Team Approach: Multiple specialists evaluate every patient, providing built-in second opinions Current Research: First clinical trial combining SBRT with immunotherapy (Opdivo/Yervoy) for mesothelioma Regional Focus: Addressing increased mesothelioma cases from Minnesota's Iron Range taconite mining Surgical Options: Extrapleural pneumonectomy, pleurectomy/decortication, and subtotal parietal pleurectomy Academic Programs: Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine, extensive residency and fellowship training

What Makes Mayo Clinic's Approach to Mesothelioma Unique?

Mayo Clinic pioneered the team-based model of medicine that has become the standard at academic medical centers worldwide. When the Mayo brothers—Drs. William James Mayo and Charles Horace Mayo—joined their father's practice in the 1880s, they revolutionized medical care by assembling specialists who could collaborate on complex cases rather than practicing in isolation.

The Mayo Model of Care

This "pooled resource" approach means that mesothelioma patients at Mayo Clinic don't simply see one doctor—they benefit from the collective expertise of an entire team. The mesothelioma evaluation includes input from:

• Thoracic Surgeons — evaluating surgical options and operability
• Medical Oncologists — designing chemotherapy and targeted therapy protocols
• Radiation Oncologists — planning radiation treatment approaches
• Pulmonologists — assessing lung function and respiratory status
• Pathologists — confirming diagnosis and determining cell type
• Radiologists — interpreting imaging studies for staging and monitoring

"Mayo Clinic's team-based approach means patients essentially receive multiple expert opinions within a single evaluation. This collaborative model can be particularly valuable for mesothelioma, where treatment decisions require input from surgeons, oncologists, and radiation specialists working together."

— Rod De Llano, Founding Partner, Danziger & De Llano

Patient-Centered Philosophy

Mayo's founding principle—"the needs of the patient come first"—established in the late 1800s continues to guide care today. The institution emphasizes shared decision-making and unhurried, comprehensive evaluations. Patients report feeling heard and respected throughout the process, with care plans tailored to individual circumstances rather than one-size-fits-all protocols.

What Is the History of Mayo Clinic's Cancer Center?

The Mayo Clinic story begins in 1863 when Dr. William Worrall Mayo settled in Rochester, Minnesota. His sons joined the practice in 1883 (William James) and 1888 (Charles Horace), creating the family partnership that would transform American medicine.

Pioneering Team Medicine

The Mayo brothers were passionate innovators who attracted physicians and researchers from across the country to join their practice. While initially considered nontraditional, their team approach proved so effective that it became the model for modern academic medical centers. The brothers established a mentorship system for medical education in the late 1890s that continues today through Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine.

Cancer Center Development

Mayo Clinic Cancer Center has maintained NCI Comprehensive Cancer Center designation for over 40 years, reflecting sustained excellence in cancer research, education, and patient care. Today, the cancer center operates across all three Mayo campuses:

• Rochester, Minnesota — Headquarters with 32,000+ staff members
• Jacksonville, Florida — Southeastern regional center
• Phoenix, Arizona — Southwestern regional center

Each campus maintains on-site mesothelioma specialists, allowing patients to access Mayo's expertise without necessarily traveling to Minnesota.

ℹ️ Regional Significance: Mayo Clinic serves as the primary mesothelioma referral center for Minnesota, Iowa, and Wisconsin (the tri-state region) while also drawing patients nationally and internationally.

Which Physicians Lead Mayo's Mesothelioma Care?

Mayo Clinic's mesothelioma team includes nationally recognized specialists in thoracic surgery, medical oncology, and radiation oncology.

Dr. Dennis A. Wigle, MD, PhD — Thoracic Surgery Chair

Dr. Wigle serves as Chair of the Division of General Thoracic Surgery at Mayo Clinic's Rochester campus and Professor of Surgery at Mayo Medical School. His clinical focus spans thoracic surgical oncology and regenerative therapeutics, bringing both surgical expertise and research innovation to mesothelioma care.

Dr. Francis C. Nichols III, MD — Cardiothoracic Surgeon

Dr. Nichols is a cardiothoracic and general surgeon who chairs the Division of General Thoracic Surgery within Mayo's Department of Surgery. Board-certified by both the American Board of Surgery and the American Board of Thoracic Surgery, he was named Chief Resident in General Surgery, General Thoracic Surgery, and Cardiothoracic Surgery during his training—a rare distinction reflecting exceptional surgical skill.

Dr. Nichols applies innovative surgical techniques for mesothelioma treatment and participated in a landmark study reviewing surgical management of 285 mesothelioma patients who underwent extrapleural pneumonectomies.

Dr. Mark S. Allen, MD — Thoracic Surgeon

Dr. Allen is a Professor of Surgery at Mayo Medical School with board certification in both general surgery and thoracic surgery. He has participated in clinical trials and published peer-reviewed articles advancing mesothelioma treatment, including co-authoring the study examining surgical outcomes in 285 EPP patients.

Dr. William G. Breen, MD — Radiation Oncology Innovator

Dr. Breen serves as Principal Investigator for Mayo's groundbreaking clinical trial combining stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) with immunotherapy for mesothelioma. This multidisciplinary collaboration includes medical oncologists, pulmonologists, and radiation oncologists working together to advance treatment options.

"The physicians leading mesothelioma care at major centers like Mayo Clinic have dedicated their careers to advancing treatment options. Their ongoing research represents hope for patients who would have had few options just a generation ago."

— David Foster, Client Advocate, Danziger & De Llano

What Treatment Options Does Mayo Clinic Offer?

Mayo Clinic provides comprehensive multimodal treatment for mesothelioma, with options tailored to each patient's specific disease characteristics and overall health status.

Surgical Approaches

Mayo surgeons offer the full range of surgical options for mesothelioma:

• Extrapleural Pneumonectomy (EPP): Removal of the affected lung, pleura, diaphragm, and pericardium for selected patients
• Pleurectomy/Decortication (P/D): Lung-sparing surgery removing diseased tissue while preserving the lung
• Subtotal Parietal Pleurectomy: Less extensive procedure for palliative treatment
• Biopsy: Diagnostic and staging procedures

Medical Oncology

Chemotherapy and targeted therapy options include:

• Standard pemetrexed/cisplatin combination therapy
• Targeted therapies based on tumor genetics
• Novel agents through clinical trial participation

Radiation Therapy

Mayo's radiation oncology team offers:

• Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT)
• Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT)
• Neoadjuvant radiation prior to surgery
• Combination radiation/immunotherapy protocols

Immunotherapy

The FDA-approved combination of nivolumab (Opdivo) and ipilimumab (Yervoy) is available, along with investigational immunotherapy approaches through clinical trials.

✓ Multimodal Approach: Mayo Clinic emphasizes combining treatments—surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy—based on each patient's individual circumstances to achieve the best possible outcomes.

What Clinical Trials Are Available at Mayo Clinic?

Mayo Clinic maintains one of the nation's most active clinical research programs, with hundreds of cancer clinical trials underway at any given time.

Landmark SBRT Plus Immunotherapy Trial

In June 2021, Mayo Clinic opened the first clinical trial for mesothelioma combining stereotactic body radiation therapy with the FDA-approved immunotherapy combination of Opdivo and Yervoy. This Phase I trial, led by Principal Investigator Dr. William Breen, studies the safety and effectiveness of adding precisely targeted radiation to immunotherapy.

Dr. Breen has stated that the reasoning behind this study is the need to build upon the success seen with immunotherapy and take that momentum forward, hoping to see real synergy between the two treatment modalities.

Other Active Mesothelioma Clinical Trials

• Anetumab Ravtansine + Pembrolizumab: Cytotoxic therapy targeting a surface protein combined with checkpoint inhibitor immunotherapy for pleural mesothelioma
• Intrapleural Cryotherapy: Freezing spray treatment to activate the immune system before surgery
• Neoadjuvant IMRT: Radiation therapy with standard chemotherapy before surgery to decrease tumor size
• ADI-PEG20: Phase III trial of enzyme therapy targeting amino acids that fuel cancer cells, combined with standard chemotherapy
• NXP900: Investigational therapy for advanced cancers including mesothelioma

Regional Research Focus

Mayo researchers led by Drs. Stephen Russell and Juan Molina are responding to increased mesothelioma cases in Minnesota's northern Iron Range region. Taconite mining in this area has exposed workers to mineral fibers similar to asbestos, creating a regional public health concern that Mayo is uniquely positioned to address.

How Can Midwestern Workers Access Care at Mayo?

Mayo Clinic's Rochester location makes it particularly accessible to workers from industries with significant asbestos exposure throughout the Upper Midwest.

Regional Exposure Sources

Workers in the Mayo Clinic service region may have encountered asbestos at:

• Taconite Mining Operations: Minnesota's Iron Range mining industry exposed workers to mineral fibers
• Power Plants: Coal and nuclear facilities throughout the Midwest used asbestos insulation
• Manufacturing Facilities: Industrial plants across Minnesota, Iowa, and Wisconsin
• Shipyards: Great Lakes shipping and maintenance operations
• Construction Sites: Renovation and demolition of older buildings

Veterans in the Region

Military veterans throughout the Midwest may have been exposed to asbestos during service, particularly those who served in the Navy or worked at military installations. Mayo Clinic provides care for veterans while families can simultaneously pursue VA benefits and legal compensation.

"Many workers from the Midwest's industrial heartland—miners, power plant workers, factory employees—were exposed to asbestos without knowing the risks. Mayo Clinic's location makes expert care accessible to these communities while legal options help families recover compensation for their exposure."

— Rod De Llano, Founding Partner, Danziger & De Llano

What Support Services Help Patients and Families?

Mayo Clinic provides comprehensive support extending beyond medical treatment to address all aspects of the patient and family experience.

Care Coordination

• Personalized Care Plans: Treatment tailored to individual circumstances
• Team Coordination: Specialists work together to minimize conflicting recommendations
• Patient Navigation: Dedicated staff help patients navigate the complex healthcare system
• Clinical Trial Coordination: Support for those participating in research studies

Support Services

• Social Work: Professional assistance with care coordination and emotional support
• Financial Counseling: Help understanding insurance coverage and financial assistance options
• Integrative Medicine: Complementary therapies to support healing
• Palliative Care: Symptom management and quality of life support

Travel Considerations

For patients traveling to Rochester from other states, Mayo Clinic provides assistance with:

• Appointment scheduling and coordination
• Lodging recommendations near the campus
• Transportation guidance
• Follow-up care coordination with local physicians

What Financial Resources Are Available for Treatment?

Mesothelioma treatment costs can be substantial, but multiple resources exist to help patients and families manage these expenses while focusing on care.

Asbestos Trust Funds

Over $30 billion remains available in 60+ asbestos bankruptcy trust funds established by companies that manufactured or used asbestos products:

• Multiple Trust Eligibility: Most patients qualify for 5+ trusts based on exposure history
• Expedited Processing: Some trusts pay within 90 days
• No Trial Required: Trust fund claims are processed administratively

Legal Compensation Options

Beyond trust funds, mesothelioma patients may pursue:

• Personal Injury Lawsuits: Against companies responsible for asbestos exposure
• Wrongful Death Claims: For families who have lost loved ones
• Settlement Negotiations: Often resolved faster than trial
• VA Benefits: For veterans (can be pursued simultaneously with legal claims)

⚠️ Important: Each state has specific statutes of limitations for asbestos claims. The time to file may be limited from the date of diagnosis. Consulting with an experienced mesothelioma attorney promptly can help protect your legal rights.

How Does Treatment Connect to Legal Compensation?

The medical documentation generated during treatment at specialized centers like Mayo Clinic can become critical evidence for legal claims.

Medical Records as Legal Evidence

The diagnostic process generates detailed documentation supporting compensation claims:

• Pathology Reports: Confirm mesothelioma diagnosis and cell type
• Imaging Studies: Document disease extent and progression
• Treatment Records: Establish medical expenses and ongoing care needs
• Work History Documentation: Often gathered during medical intake

Coordinating Care and Legal Claims

Patients can pursue both medical treatment and legal compensation simultaneously. An experienced mesothelioma attorney can help:

• Preserve critical evidence while treatment is ongoing
• Identify all responsible parties based on work history
• File trust fund claims and legal actions within applicable deadlines
• Coordinate legal efforts without interfering with medical care

Get Help Today

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma and are considering treatment at Mayo Clinic or any specialized cancer center, you may be entitled to significant compensation for your asbestos exposure.

Free Case Evaluation

The experienced mesothelioma attorneys at Danziger & De Llano offer free, confidential case evaluations to help you understand your legal options. With decades of experience representing mesothelioma patients and their families, we can help you:

• Identify all potential sources of compensation
• File trust fund claims efficiently
• Pursue legal action against responsible parties
• Coordinate legal efforts with your medical treatment

Free, Confidential Case Evaluation Call (866) 222-9990 or visit dandell.com/contact-us No upfront fees • Experienced representation • National practice