Editing UCLA Health (section)

== What Is the History of Mesothelioma Treatment at UCLA? ==

UCLA's cancer center was established in the late 1960s by scientists and volunteers committed to fighting cancer, with formal recognition coming in 1974 and NCI comprehensive designation following in 1976.<ref>[https://mesothelioma.net/mesothelioma-treatment-centers/ Mesothelioma Treatment Centers], Mesothelioma.net</ref> Philanthropists Kenneth and Diana Jonsson contributed $1 million to help open the center, which was subsequently named the UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center in their honor.

'''The Birth of Specialized Mesothelioma Care'''

In 1997, Dr. Robert Brian Cameron founded the Comprehensive Mesothelioma Program at UCLA, establishing what appears to be the first formally dedicated mesothelioma treatment program in the United States—predating even the internationally renowned program at Brigham and Women's Hospital by five years.<ref>[https://mesothelioma.net/robert-b-cameron-m-d/ Robert B. Cameron, M.D.], Mesothelioma.net</ref> This pioneering effort came at a time when mesothelioma was almost universally fatal and treatment options remained extremely limited.

Dr. Cameron brought a deeply personal motivation to his work. After losing his father, grandfathers, one uncle, and two cousins to various cancers—all dying before age 55—he dedicated himself to extending patient lives while maintaining quality of life. His approach would challenge the prevailing surgical wisdom of the era.

'''The Lung-Sparing Revolution'''

At a time when extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP)—complete removal of the affected lung along with surrounding tissues—dominated mesothelioma surgery, Dr. Cameron championed an alternative philosophy. He pioneered and refined the pleurectomy/decortication (P/D) procedure, which removes diseased tissue while preserving the lung itself.<ref>[https://dandell.com/mesothelioma-lawyer/california/los-angeles/ Los Angeles Mesothelioma Lawyer], Danziger & De Llano</ref>

{| style="width:95%; margin:1em auto; background:#f8f9fa; border-left:4px solid #1a5276; border-radius:4px;"
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| style="padding:15px 20px 10px; font-style:italic; font-size:1.05em; line-height:1.5; color:#333333;" | "We've observed that patients who retain their lung function often tolerate subsequent treatments better and maintain a higher quality of life throughout their care journey."
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| style="padding:5px 25px 20px; text-align:right; color:#333333;" | '''— Paul Danziger,''' Founding Partner, Danziger & De Llano
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Dr. Cameron performed over 300 pleurectomy/decortication procedures and became an outspoken proponent of treating mesothelioma as a chronic illness requiring frequent, well-tolerated therapies rather than attempting complete tumor removal through aggressive surgery.

'''Continuing Innovation'''

In 1999, Dr. Cameron co-founded the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation (MARF) in Alexandria, Virginia—the first medical research foundation focused solely on mesothelioma diagnosis and treatment research. This organization has since funded over $11.8 million in research projects globally.

The program continued expanding its capabilities, pioneering the use of cryoablation as an adjunctive therapy in multimodal mesothelioma treatment and establishing the Pacific Mesothelioma Center research initiative.