Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Executive Summary
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center stands as America's oldest and largest private cancer center, treating more than 400 mesothelioma cases annually—the highest volume in the nation.[1] Founded in 1884 as New York Cancer Hospital and designated as one of the first three NCI Comprehensive Cancer Centers in 1971, MSK has established itself as a global leader in mesothelioma research and treatment. The center's groundbreaking work in CAR T-cell therapy, led by physician-scientist Dr. Prasad Adusumilli, has demonstrated unprecedented results in clinical trials—with an 83% one-year survival rate among mesothelioma patients receiving the combination therapy with pembrolizumab.[2]
MSK's mesothelioma working group brings together specialists from multiple disciplines who have compiled the largest single-center database of more than 945 mesothelioma patients, enabling customized treatment algorithms for each individual. The facility performs more than 3,000 thoracic surgeries annually, with Dr. Valerie Rusch—one of the first women board-certified in thoracic surgery—personally completing over 350 procedures per year. Patients seeking treatment at MSK can also pursue legal compensation for their asbestos exposure through trust funds and other recovery options, with experienced attorneys helping navigate both treatment coordination and legal claims.[3]
Key Facts
| Key Facts: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center |
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What Is the History of MSK's Mesothelioma Program?
Memorial Sloan Kettering's commitment to cancer treatment began on May 31, 1884, when New York Cancer Hospital opened as the first institution in the United States devoted exclusively to cancer care.[4] The founding group included philanthropists John J. Astor and his wife Charlotte, establishing a tradition of private support that continues today.
Evolution into a Cancer Center
The institution's name evolved through several iterations—from New York Cancer Hospital (1884) to General Memorial Hospital (1899) to Memorial Hospital (1939)—before the Sloan Kettering Institute was established adjacent to the hospital in the 1940s by former General Motors executives Alfred P. Sloan and Charles F. Kettering. In 1960, the two institutions coordinated operations, and in 1980 they formally merged into Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.
Pioneer in Cancer Research
MSK's early commitment to research produced significant advances. In 1893, Dr. William B. Coley developed an early form of immunotherapy using bacterial toxins to trigger the immune system against tumors—a concept now validated by modern immunotherapy success. In 1920, MSK established the first radiation research laboratory in the United States. When Congress passed the National Cancer Act of 1971, Memorial Sloan Kettering was designated as one of only three Comprehensive Cancer Centers nationwide.[5]
| "MSK's nearly 140-year history of cancer research has positioned them at the forefront of developing new treatments that simply weren't available a generation ago. The CAR T-cell work being done there represents some of the most promising advances we've seen." |
| — Paul Danziger, Founding Partner, Danziger & De Llano |
Building Mesothelioma Expertise
Over decades, MSK assembled a multidisciplinary mesothelioma team that has treated more patients with this rare disease than any other center. The hospital's surgeons were among the first to establish surgical approaches for mesothelioma treatment, and their compiled database of more than 945 patients has informed treatment choices worldwide.
Which Physicians Lead the Mesothelioma Program?
MSK's mesothelioma program is led by a team of internationally recognized specialists who collaborate through regular working group meetings to discuss every patient's case.[6]
Dr. Valerie W. Rusch, MD, FACS — Thoracic Surgery Pioneer
Dr. Rusch arrived at Memorial Sloan Kettering in 1989, recruited by Dr. Nael Martini, then Chief of the Thoracic Service. One of the first women in the United States to be board-certified in thoracic surgery, Dr. Rusch has devoted her 35-year career to thoracic surgical oncology with special focus on mesothelioma and lung cancer.[7]
Key accomplishments include:
- Miner Family Chair for Intrathoracic Cancers
- Vice Chair for Clinical Research, Department of Surgery
- Chair, American Board of Thoracic Surgery (2009-2011)
- Chair, Mesothelioma Subcommittee, International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer
- Co-editor, "Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma" (Oxford University Press, 2006)
- 2015 Pioneer Award recipient from a mesothelioma patient advocacy foundation
- 100th President of the American College of Surgeons
Dr. Rusch's landmark 2001 study proved that bimodal treatment combining surgery with radiation significantly improved outcomes and reduced recurrence rates for mesothelioma patients.
Dr. Prasad S. Adusumilli, MD, FACS — CAR T-Cell Innovator
Dr. Adusumilli serves as Deputy Chief of the Thoracic Service, Vice Chair for Translational Research, and Co-Director of the MSK Mesothelioma Program.[8] His groundbreaking research on CAR T-cell therapy has positioned MSK at the forefront of immunotherapy for solid tumors.
Key achievements include:
- Min H. and Yu-Fan C. Kao Chair in Thoracic Cancers
- Pioneer of mesothelin-targeted CAR T-cell therapy for mesothelioma
- Lead investigator on phase I/II CAR T-cell trials showing 83% one-year survival
- Recipient of prestigious NCI UG3/UH3 grant for advancing CAR T-cell research
- Developer of intrapleural (directly into chest) T-cell delivery technique
Dr. Michael D. Offin, MD — Medical Oncology
Dr. Offin serves as Co-Director of the Mesothelioma Program alongside Dr. Adusumilli, specializing in thoracic medical oncology. In 2024, he received a Department of Defense Peer Reviewed Cancer Research Program Award to advance clinical trials of sacituzumab govitecan-hziy for previously treated mesothelioma.
| ℹ️ Multidisciplinary Approach: MSK's mesothelioma working group meets regularly to discuss all patients, ensuring each receives input from surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, pathologists, and basic scientists. |
What Treatment Approaches Does MSK Offer?
Memorial Sloan Kettering provides comprehensive multimodal treatment options, with particular expertise in lung-sparing surgical techniques and innovative immunotherapies.[9]
Surgical Options
MSK surgeons are skilled in both major surgical approaches:
- Pleurectomy/Decortication (P/D): The majority of MSK mesothelioma patients undergo this lung-sparing procedure, allowing faster recovery and subsequent chemotherapy or radiation
- Extrapleural Pneumonectomy (EPP): Complete removal of the affected lung and surrounding tissues when indicated
- Cytoreductive Surgery with HIPEC: For peritoneal mesothelioma, combining surgery with heated intraoperative chemotherapy
The systematic preoperative assessment—using CT scan, PET scan, and lung function tests—helps optimize patients for surgery and avoid unnecessary procedures that might delay other treatments.
Radiation Therapy
MSK radiation oncologists developed intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) techniques that precisely target tumors while sparing healthy lung tissue. Current trials are exploring combinations of radiation with immunotherapy, including the IMPRINT protocol combining pembrolizumab with intensity-modulated pleural radiation.
Chemotherapy and Targeted Therapy
- Pemetrexed/cisplatin combination chemotherapy
- Targeted therapies based on molecular profiling (including NF2 mutation-specific treatments)
- Nintedanib and other investigational agents through clinical trials
CAR T-Cell Therapy — MSK's Breakthrough
The most significant innovation at MSK is the development of mesothelin-targeted CAR T-cell therapy. This approach:
- Modifies a patient's own T cells to recognize cancer cells
- Delivers the modified cells directly into the chest cavity (intrapleural administration)
- Combines with checkpoint blockade drugs (pembrolizumab) to sustain T-cell activity
- Has demonstrated an 83% one-year survival rate in clinical trials[10]
| "The CAR T-cell research at MSK represents a fundamentally new approach to treating mesothelioma. While we continue to help families pursue compensation through traditional legal channels, we're encouraged by the medical advances that may improve outcomes for future patients." |
| — Rod De Llano, Founding Partner, Danziger & De Llano |
What Clinical Trials Can Patients Access?
MSK maintains one of the world's most dynamic programs of cancer research, with over 1,100 clinical trials underway at any given time. For mesothelioma patients, approximately 10 or more trials are typically recruiting.[11]
Current Mesothelioma Clinical Trials
CAR T-Cell Therapy (Mesothelin-Targeted): The flagship trial administers genetically modified T cells directly into the pleural cavity, followed by pembrolizumab immunotherapy. Results published in Cancer Discovery showed safe administration with no severe side effects and encouraging survival data.
IMPRINT Trial: Phase I study combining pembrolizumab with intensity-modulated pleural radiation therapy for unresectable malignant pleural mesothelioma—exploring whether radiation can enhance immunotherapy effectiveness.
VT3989 for NF2-Mutated Mesothelioma: Phase I/II study testing a targeted therapy that blocks proteins driving cancer growth in patients with specific genetic mutations.
ICARuS II: Multi-center randomized trial studying additional chemotherapy after cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC for peritoneal mesothelioma—determining whether intraperitoneal or intravenous delivery is more effective.
Sacituzumab Govitecan-hziy: Department of Defense-funded phase 2 trial for previously treated pleural mesothelioma, led by Dr. Michael Offin.
| ✓ Clinical Trial Access: As a mesothelioma patient at MSK—regardless of disease stage—there will likely be a clinical trial option available. Ask your care team about current eligibility requirements. |
How Can Veterans Access Care at MSK?
Approximately 30% of all mesothelioma patients are military veterans, primarily due to extensive asbestos use in naval vessels, military facilities, and equipment through the 1970s.[12] MSK provides specialized resources to serve this population.
New York Area Military Exposure Sites
Veterans in the New York metropolitan area may have been exposed to asbestos at numerous military and civilian installations, including:
- Brooklyn Navy Yard — constructed over 700 naval vessels with extensive asbestos use
- New York Shipbuilding Corporation (Camden, NJ) — built battleships, aircraft carriers, and submarines
- Various port facilities and maritime installations throughout the region[13]
VA Benefits for Mesothelioma Patients
Veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma may be eligible for:
- VA Disability Compensation: Up to $3,700+ monthly for 100% disability rating
- VA Healthcare: Comprehensive medical care at no or reduced cost
- Special Monthly Compensation: Additional payments for severe disabilities
- Aid and Attendance Benefits: For veterans requiring assistance with daily activities
Coordinating Care and Benefits
Veterans can pursue both VA benefits and legal compensation simultaneously—these are separate systems and qualifying for one does not affect eligibility for the other.[14]
| "Many veterans don't realize they can pursue multiple sources of compensation at the same time. VA disability, asbestos trust funds, and legal settlements are all separate—and an experienced attorney can help coordinate these while veterans focus on their treatment." |
| — Paul Danziger, Founding Partner, Danziger & De Llano |
What Support Services Help Patients and Families?
MSK provides comprehensive support services that extend beyond medical treatment to address the needs of the whole person and family unit.[15]
Patient Support Programs
- Multidisciplinary Care Team: Each patient receives coordinated input from specialists across all cancer care disciplines
- Care Coordination: Nurse practitioners coordinate appointments, answer questions, and navigate complex treatment plans
- Social Work Services: Professional social workers assist with care coordination, resource navigation, and emotional support
- Genetic Counseling: For patients and families concerned about hereditary cancer risk
Integrative Medicine and Wellness
MSK offers unique supportive care services including:
- Mind-body medicine and stress reduction programs
- Rehabilitation services during and after treatment
- Integrative medical services
- Pain and palliative care specialists
- Support groups for patients and caregivers
Resources for Life After Cancer
Established in 1988, MSK's Post-Treatment Resource Program (now Resources for Life After Cancer) offers support services for cancer survivors and their families, including consultations, seminars, workshops, and professionally-led support groups.
Travel and Lodging Assistance
For patients traveling to New York City from other areas, MSK provides assistance with travel arrangements and lodging options. Many patients receive care at satellite campuses closer to home for chemotherapy and follow-up visits while traveling to Manhattan for specialized procedures.
What Financial Resources Are Available for Treatment?
Mesothelioma treatment costs can exceed $400,000, creating significant financial stress for patients and families.[16] Multiple resources exist to help offset these costs.
Asbestos Trust Funds
Over $30 billion remains available in 60+ asbestos bankruptcy trust funds established by companies that manufactured or used asbestos products.[17] Many patients qualify for multiple trusts based on their exposure history:
- Average Trust Fund Payment: $300,000 - $400,000 total
- Processing Time: Some trusts pay within 90 days
- Multiple Eligibility: Most patients qualify for 5+ trusts; high-exposure workers may access 20-40+
Legal Compensation Options
Beyond trust funds, mesothelioma patients may pursue:[18]
- Personal Injury Lawsuits: Against companies responsible for asbestos exposure
- Wrongful Death Claims: For families who have lost loved ones
- Settlement Negotiations: Often faster than going to trial
- VA Benefits: For veterans (can be pursued simultaneously with legal claims)
| ⚠️ Important: New York 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?
Patients focused on treatment often don't realize that the medical documentation generated during their care at MSK can become critical evidence for legal claims.[19]
Medical Records as Legal Evidence
The diagnostic process at specialized centers like MSK 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
Why Specialized Centers Matter for Legal Claims
Treatment at an NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center provides several advantages for legal purposes:[20]
- Expert pathology review confirming diagnosis
- Detailed documentation of disease characteristics
- Access to physicians who may provide testimony if needed
- Comprehensive treatment records supporting damages claims
MSK's Expertise in Diagnosis
One of MSK's particular strengths is accurate diagnosis. Patients with suspected mesothelioma are often misdiagnosed elsewhere due to lack of pathological expertise or inappropriate biopsy selection. MSK's mesothelioma working group has the skills and knowledge to ensure optimal diagnosis, which is essential for both treatment planning and legal claims.
| "The exposure history that physicians document during treatment often reveals companies and products that patients didn't even realize contained asbestos. This information can significantly expand compensation recovery for families." |
| — Paul Danziger, Founding Partner, Danziger & De Llano |
Get Help Today
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma and are seeking treatment at Memorial Sloan Kettering or any specialized cancer center, you may be entitled to significant compensation for your asbestos exposure.[21]
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
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Free, Confidential Case Evaluation Call (855) 699-5441 or visit dandell.com/contact-us No upfront fees • Experienced representation • National practice |
Related Wiki Articles
- MD Anderson Mesothelioma Program
- Brigham International Mesothelioma Program
- Moffitt Cancer Center
- Mayo Clinic Cancer Center
- UCLA Comprehensive Mesothelioma Program
Resources:
- Clinical Trials — Current trial opportunities
- Mesothelioma Treatment Costs — Financial planning guide
- Asbestos Trust Funds — Compensation information
- Veterans Benefits — VA claims and healthcare
- Mesothelioma Survival Statistics
Naval Shipyards (New York Area):
High-Risk Occupations:
References
- ↑ Mesothelioma at Memorial Sloan Kettering, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
- ↑ Mesothelioma Cancer Guide, Danziger & De Llano
- ↑ New York Mesothelioma Lawyer, Mesothelioma Lawyer Center
- ↑ Mesothelioma, Danziger & De Llano
- ↑ NCI-Designated Cancer Centers, National Cancer Institute
- ↑ New York Mesothelioma Lawyers, Danziger & De Llano
- ↑ Valerie Rusch, M.D., Mesothelioma.net
- ↑ Veterans Mesothelioma Cases, Mesothelioma Lawyer Center
- ↑ Top Mesothelioma Treatment Centers, Mesothelioma Attorney
- ↑ Mesothelioma Compensation, Danziger & De Llano
- ↑ Mesothelioma Trials at MSK, ClinicalTrials.gov
- ↑ Asbestos Exposure and VA Benefits, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
- ↑ Brooklyn Navy Yard, Mesothelioma Lawyer Center
- ↑ Veterans & Mesothelioma Claims, Danziger & De Llano
- ↑ Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Mesothelioma.net
- ↑ Mesothelioma Case Values, Mesothelioma Lawyer Center
- ↑ Mesothelioma Trust Funds, Mesothelioma Attorney
- ↑ Asbestos Lawyers, Mesothelioma Lawyer Center
- ↑ New York Mesothelioma Lawyers, Danziger & De Llano
- ↑ New York City Mesothelioma Lawyer, Mesothelioma Lawyer Center
- ↑ Contact Us, Danziger & De Llano