Mesothelioma Treatment Centers

Treatment Center Quick Facts
Finding the right mesothelioma care
Specialized Centers	50+ Nationwide
Active Clinical Trials	70+ Recruiting
Immunotherapy Survival	41% at 2 Years
Surgical Survival	38+ Months Median
Veteran Patients	30% of All Cases
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Mesothelioma Treatment Centers: 50+ Specialized Facilities Achieving 38+ Month Median Survival with Immunotherapy Breakthroughs (2025 Guide)

Executive Summary

Mesothelioma treatment has undergone revolutionary transformation, with specialized centers now achieving 41% two-year survival rates using immunotherapy combinations—a dramatic improvement from 27% with traditional chemotherapy alone. The United States operates more than 50 specialized mesothelioma treatment facilities, over 70 actively recruiting clinical trials, and an expanding network of VA hospitals dedicated to the approximately 30% of mesothelioma patients who are military veterans. Leading programs at institutions like Brigham and Women's Hospital report median survival exceeding 38 months for patients receiving advanced surgical approaches, while CAR-T cell therapy trials at Memorial Sloan Kettering achieve 23.9 months median overall survival. This comprehensive guide connects patients and families with specialized treatment resources, financial assistance programs, and qualified legal representation to maximize both medical outcomes and compensation recovery.

Key Facts Box: Mesothelioma Treatment Landscape 2026

Key Facts: Mesothelioma Treatment Landscape 2025

Survival Revolution: Immunotherapy combinations achieve 41% two-year survival versus 27% with chemotherapy alone Surgical Excellence: Brigham and Women's reports 69.8 months median survival for epithelioid patients with T1 disease Zero Mortality Achievement: Extended pleurectomy/decortication at leading centers achieves 0% 30-day and 90-day mortality Trial Innovation: Over 70 clinical trials recruiting, including revolutionary CAR-T cell and bispecific antibody programs Veteran Focus: 30% of patients are veterans with access to specialized VA mesothelioma programs Financial Support: Trust fund compensation averaging $300,000-$400,000 helps cover treatment costs Treatment Access: Hope Lodge provides free accommodation at 31 locations for patients traveling for care Telemedicine Expansion: 44 states now mandate telehealth reimbursement, expanding access to specialist consultations Insurance Coverage: Major centers offer financial assistance covering households up to 500% of Federal Poverty Level Legal Timeline: Compensation claims can be processed in as little as 90 days through trust fund filings

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What Makes a Mesothelioma Treatment Center "Specialized"?

The distinction between specialized mesothelioma treatment centers and general oncology programs represents the difference between average outcomes and exceptional survival. Specialized centers treat high volumes of mesothelioma patients annually, maintaining dedicated multidisciplinary teams with thoracic surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, pulmonologists, and pathologists who focus specifically on this rare malignancy. Research published in major oncology journals consistently demonstrates that patients treated at high-volume specialized centers experience 20-40% improved survival compared to those receiving care in community settings.

ℹ️ Did You Know: The number of mesothelioma cases a center treats annually directly correlates with patient outcomes. Centers treating 50+ patients yearly develop refined protocols, experienced surgical teams, and access to cutting-edge clinical trials unavailable at lower-volume facilities.

According to Paul Danziger of Danziger & De Llano, "We consistently observe that patients who receive care at specialized mesothelioma centers not only achieve better survival outcomes but also have stronger cases for compensation because these facilities provide comprehensive documentation of asbestos-related causation that supports legal claims."

Specialized centers offer several critical advantages that impact both treatment and compensation recovery:

• Multidisciplinary Tumor Boards: Weekly conferences where multiple specialists review each case and collaborate on optimal treatment strategies • Clinical Trial Access: First-in-human studies and Phase III trials providing access to tomorrow's standard treatments today • Surgical Innovation: Advanced techniques like extended pleurectomy/decortication and HIPEC that require specialized expertise • Comprehensive Diagnostic Services: Expert pathology review essential for accurate cell typing and staging • Research Integration: Tissue banking, biomarker studies, and genomic analysis enabling personalized treatment approaches

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Which Treatment Centers Lead in Mesothelioma Patient Outcomes?

International Mesothelioma Program at Brigham and Women's Hospital

The International Mesothelioma Program at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston leads globally with approximately 180 mesothelioma patients treated annually. The program achieves remarkable outcomes including 69.8 months median survival for epithelioid histology patients with T1 disease and a 54.1% five-year survival rate for this favorable population. Under Dr. Raphael Bueno's leadership as Chief of the Division of Thoracic Surgery, the center pioneered numerous surgical innovations including the world's first iVATS (image-guided video-assisted thoracic surgery) procedure for mesothelioma.

Contact Information:

• Location: 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA 02115
• Phone: 617-732-6824
• Leadership: Dr. Raphael Bueno, Chief of Division of Thoracic Surgery

The program's extended pleurectomy/decortication approach has achieved zero 30-day and 90-day mortality rates while delivering 38.1 months median survival—significantly exceeding the 24 months achieved with extrapleural pneumonectomy. This lung-sparing approach now represents the standard of care at leading institutions. Veterans treated at this center can simultaneously pursue VA disability benefits alongside civilian compensation claims.

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York maintains one of the nation's largest mesothelioma databases with over 1,000 patients treated, positioning itself at the forefront of immunotherapy and cellular therapy research. Co-directed by Dr. Prasad S. Adusumilli and Dr. Marjorie G. Zauderer, the program achieves 23.9 months median overall survival in pioneering CAR-T cell therapy plus pembrolizumab combination trials. U.S. News & World Report ranks Memorial Sloan Kettering #2 nationally for cancer care (2025-2026 edition).

Contact Information:

• Location: 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065
• Phone: 212-639-8876
• Leadership: Dr. Prasad S. Adusumilli and Dr. Marjorie G. Zauderer, Co-Directors

The center's comprehensive pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma programs integrate cutting-edge immunotherapy protocols with surgical expertise. Patients seeking legal representation in New York can coordinate medical treatment with compensation claims through experienced attorneys familiar with the state's court system.

MD Anderson Cancer Center

MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, ranked #1 nationally for cancer care for ten consecutive years, operates a comprehensive mesothelioma program treating hundreds of patients annually through its 30+ member thoracic oncology team. Under Dr. Anne Tsao's direction, MD Anderson has become a leader in immunotherapy research, currently conducting 16 active mesothelioma clinical trials including the pivotal DREAM3R study investigating durvalumab combinations.

Contact Information:

• Location: 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX 77030
• Phone: 713-792-6161
• Financial Specialists: 713-745-9998
• Leadership: Dr. Anne Tsao, Director of Mesothelioma Program

✓ Texas Patients Benefit: MD Anderson's Houston location provides Texas residents with world-class care close to home. Houston mesothelioma attorneys at Danziger & De Llano work closely with patients receiving treatment at MD Anderson to ensure medical care and legal claims proceed in coordination.

Additional NCI-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers

Several other National Cancer Institute-designated centers operate specialized mesothelioma programs with documented excellence:

Mayo Clinic (Rochester, Phoenix, Jacksonville): Treats 100+ mesothelioma patients annually across three locations, conducting 33 active mesothelioma research studies while developing novel immunotherapy combinations. The multidisciplinary approach integrates thoracic surgery, medical oncology, and radiation therapy for personalized treatment planning.

UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center: Dr. Robert Cameron revolutionized lung-sparing surgical approaches and established the West Los Angeles VA Mesothelioma Program serving veterans nationwide. The program demonstrates particular expertise in sarcomatoid mesothelioma, the most aggressive cell type, and offers telemedicine consultations for patients unable to travel. UCLA's approach to epithelioid mesothelioma incorporates the latest surgical innovations with immunotherapy protocols.

University of Pennsylvania Abramson Cancer Center: Pioneers in CAR-T cell therapy and photodynamic therapy for mesothelioma, achieving 31.7-36 months median survival with light-activated treatment approaches. The center's proximity to Philadelphia's industrial history serves numerous patients with Pennsylvania asbestos exposure claims.

H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center (Tampa): Florida's first NCI comprehensive cancer center treats hundreds of mesothelioma patients annually, achieving 17.3% five-year survival—2.5 times the national average—through integrated multimodal treatment protocols combining surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.

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What Clinical Trials Offer New Hope for Mesothelioma Patients?

The clinical trial landscape for mesothelioma has expanded dramatically with over 70 actively recruiting studies representing unprecedented therapeutic innovation. Patients participating in clinical trials gain access to cutting-edge treatments unavailable through standard care while contributing to research that will benefit future patients.

Pivotal Ongoing Trials

DREAM3R Trial (NCT04334759): This Phase III study comparing durvalumab with chemotherapy against physician's choice treatment has enrolled 534 patients across 57 global sites. Results may establish a new first-line standard of care. Patients interested in enrollment can inquire through their mesothelioma treatment center or discuss eligibility requirements with their oncologist.

eVOLVE-Meso Trial (NCT06097728): Launched in November 2023, this study tests volrustomig, a PD-1/CTLA-4 bispecific antibody, combined with chemotherapy in 825 patients—representing one of the largest mesothelioma trials ever conducted. Primary completion is expected in March 2027, with results potentially reshaping treatment paradigms.

CAR-T Cell Programs: Memorial Sloan Kettering's mesothelin-targeted CAR-T programs achieve 23.9 months median overall survival when combined with pembrolizumab. The STAR-101 study testing SynKIR-110 CAR-T cells received FDA Fast Track designation in 2023, while the National Cancer Institute's TNhYP218 trial recently launched recruitment for 100 patients with advanced CAR design promising improved durability.

Immunotherapy Breakthroughs

ℹ️ Research Milestone: The CheckMate 743 follow-up demonstrates that nivolumab plus ipilimumab achieves 28% durable response at three years—compared to 0% for chemotherapy alone—fundamentally transforming treatment goals from palliation to potential long-term disease control.

The FDA's September 2024 approval of pembrolizumab with chemotherapy, based on KEYNOTE-483 results showing 17.3 months median overall survival, provides another first-line option demonstrating nearly three-fold improvement in response rates. This approval expands treatment options available at community oncology practices, not just specialized centers.

According to Rod De Llano of Danziger & De Llano, "Clinical trial participation represents both a treatment opportunity and documentation opportunity for our clients. The detailed medical records generated during trial participation often strengthen compensation claims by establishing clear causation links between asbestos exposure and disease development."

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How Have Surgical Approaches Evolved for Mesothelioma?

Modern surgical programs reflect a definitive shift toward lung-sparing procedures that preserve respiratory function while achieving equivalent or superior oncological outcomes compared to more aggressive approaches. This evolution benefits patients by maintaining quality of life while enabling administration of adjuvant therapies.

Pleurectomy/Decortication (P/D) Advantages

The extended pleurectomy/decortication procedure removes the diseased pleural lining and any visible tumor while preserving the underlying lung tissue. Brigham and Women's Hospital data demonstrates:

• 38.1 months median survival with P/D versus 24 months with extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP) • Zero 30-day and 90-day mortality for extended P/D at experienced centers • Superior quality of life preservation enabling patients to complete systemic therapy courses • Comparable long-term survival with significantly reduced surgical risk

Heated Chemotherapy Integration (HIPEC/HITHOC)

Specialized centers have refined heated intraoperative chemotherapy approaches that deliver concentrated drug therapy directly to the surgical site:

MD Anderson Cancer Center: Pioneers in heated chemotherapy for peritoneal mesothelioma, achieving response rates exceeding 40% when combined with optimal cytoreductive surgery.

University of Chicago: Under Dr. Hedy Lee Kindler's leadership, the program integrates HIPEC with immunotherapy for patients with abdominal mesothelioma, demonstrating 3-5 years median survival with complete cytoreduction.

AdventHealth Cancer Institute (Orlando): Dr. Marcelo DaSilva, trained under Dr. Sugarbaker at Brigham and Women's, leads one of the Southeast's premier programs for heated chemotherapy approaches using robotic surgical platforms.

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What Financial Assistance Programs Help Cover Mesothelioma Treatment Costs?

Mesothelioma treatment costs average $400,000-$500,000 in the first year alone, creating substantial financial burden for patients and families. Multiple assistance programs exist to ensure financial constraints don't prevent access to optimal care.

Major Treatment Center Financial Programs

Memorial Sloan Kettering Financial Assistance: Covers households earning up to 500% of Federal Poverty Level with full balance coverage after insurance payments. Applications can be submitted through MSK MyChart or mailed to Patient Financial Services.

MD Anderson Supplemental Assistance: Provides support for uninsured Texas residents with supplemental assistance programs. Financial specialists available at 713-745-9998 assist with insurance navigation and self-pay discount arrangements.

✓ Important: Financial assistance through treatment centers is separate from legal compensation. Patients can receive hospital financial aid while simultaneously pursuing asbestos trust fund claims, VA benefits, and litigation settlements without any reduction in either funding source.

Housing and Travel Support

Hope Lodge Network: The American Cancer Society operates 31 Hope Lodge facilities nationwide with over 1,100 rooms providing free lodging for cancer patients traveling more than 40 miles for treatment. Locations exist near major mesothelioma treatment centers in Boston, New York, Houston, and other cities.

Extended Stay America Partnership: Over 150,000 donated hotel nights support cancer patients requiring temporary housing during treatment courses.

Travel Grants: Patient advocacy organizations including the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation and CancerCare provide grants covering transportation costs, enabling patients to access specialized care regardless of geographic location.

Compensation Sources

Multiple compensation avenues exist to help offset treatment costs and provide financial security for families:

Asbestos Trust Funds: Over $30 billion remains available across 60+ active bankruptcy trusts established by former asbestos manufacturers. Average payouts range from $300,000-$400,000, with processing times as quick as 90 days for qualified claims. Trust fund claims can be filed simultaneously with other compensation pursuits.

Veterans Benefits: Military veterans with mesothelioma qualify for VA disability compensation up to $4,044.91 monthly for 100% disability rating, plus free VA healthcare at specialized VA mesothelioma centers. The VA recognizes mesothelioma as presumptively service-connected for veterans with documented asbestos exposure.

Litigation Settlements: Mesothelioma settlements and verdicts frequently exceed $1 million for cases against solvent defendants. Experienced mesothelioma attorneys work on contingency, meaning no legal fees unless compensation is recovered.

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What Specialized VA Programs Serve Veterans with Mesothelioma?

Approximately 30% of all mesothelioma diagnoses occur in military veterans, particularly those who served in the Navy during periods of heavy asbestos use in shipbuilding and maintenance. The Veterans Administration operates specialized mesothelioma programs providing comprehensive care at no cost to eligible veterans.

Primary VA Mesothelioma Centers

West Los Angeles VA Medical Center:

Under Dr. Robert Cameron's leadership, the West LA VA pioneered lung-sparing pleurectomy/decortication for mesothelioma and serves as the primary referral center for veterans nationwide. The program offers:

• Phone: 310-268-4543 • Nationwide telehealth consultations for veterans unable to travel • Integration with UCLA's comprehensive mesothelioma program • Coordination with VA benefits claims processing

VA Boston Healthcare System:

Partnership with Brigham and Women's Hospital provides veterans access to the International Mesothelioma Program's expertise:

• Phone: 857-203-6202 • Care Coordinator: Sarita Antonitis • Harvard Medical School faculty affiliations • Access to clinical trials through Brigham partnership

Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (Houston): Partnership with MD Anderson Cancer Center enables veterans to receive world-class care while maintaining VA benefits. Texas veterans can access this center while pursuing state-specific legal claims.

VA Benefits for Mesothelioma Patients

✓ Good News for Veterans: Mesothelioma qualifies for presumptive service connection, meaning the VA assumes your cancer is service-related without requiring you to prove specific exposure incidents. This dramatically simplifies the claims process.

Veterans with mesothelioma may be entitled to:

• VA Disability Compensation: Up to $4,044.91 monthly for 100% disability rating • Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC): Survivor benefits for spouses and dependents • Free VA Healthcare: Comprehensive cancer treatment at VA facilities nationwide • Aid and Attendance Benefits: Additional monthly payments for veterans requiring caregiver assistance • SSDI Expedited Processing: Social Security disability claims processed through Compassionate Allowances program in as little as 2 weeks

According to David Foster, Client Advocate at Danziger & De Llano, "I lost my father to mesothelioma caused by Navy service. Many veterans don't realize they can pursue VA benefits simultaneously with claims against the companies that manufactured the asbestos products used aboard ships. These are completely separate compensation streams."

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How Can Patients Access Care at Distant Specialized Centers?

Geographic barriers should not prevent mesothelioma patients from receiving optimal care at specialized centers. Multiple pathways now exist to access expert evaluation and treatment guidance regardless of location.

Telemedicine Consultations

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated telemedicine adoption, with 44 states now mandating telehealth reimbursement by private insurers. Major mesothelioma centers offer virtual second opinion programs:

Cedars-Sinai: Comprehensive reviews costing $590-$790 with expert matching and personalized reports delivered within 1-2 weeks.

Cleveland Clinic: Automated record collection system with average turnaround under 2 weeks for comprehensive case review.

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute: Secure online consultations with International Mesothelioma Program specialists who can review pathology, imaging, and recommend treatment approaches.

Medicare covers 80% of approved telehealth services, enabling seniors to access specialist consultations from home. The Interstate Medical Licensure Compact streamlines licensing requirements, allowing physicians to consult with patients across state lines.

International Centers of Excellence

For patients considering international treatment options, several centers demonstrate exceptional mesothelioma outcomes:

Princess Margaret Cancer Centre (Toronto): Dr. Marc de Perrot's SMART protocol (Surgery for Mesothelioma After Radiation Therapy) demonstrates innovative sequencing of radiation and surgery. Fast-track diagnostic procedures minimize treatment delays.

Swiss Mesothelioma Clinic (Geneva): Professor Loïc Lang-Lazdunski reports among the world's lowest surgical mortality rates with over 1,000 patients treated.

German Centers: ViDia Hospital Karlsruhe and University Hospital Heidelberg offer advanced HIPEC programs with established expertise in peritoneal mesothelioma treatment.

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What Legal and Financial Resources Should Patients Consider?

Mesothelioma patients and families face complex decisions about medical care and financial compensation simultaneously. Understanding available resources ensures families don't leave potential benefits unclaimed.

Finding Qualified Legal Representation

Research consistently demonstrates that mesothelioma specialist attorneys achieve 40% higher recoveries than general personal injury lawyers. Key factors in selecting representation include:

• Asbestos Litigation Experience: Attorneys should have decades of experience specifically with mesothelioma and asbestos cases • Trust Fund Knowledge: Understanding of all 60+ active asbestos trust funds and filing requirements • Trial Capability: Willingness and ability to take cases to verdict when necessary • Medical Coordination: Experience working with mesothelioma treatment centers to obtain necessary documentation • Contingency Representation: No upfront costs—attorneys receive payment only from successful recoveries

Free consultations allow patients and families to evaluate their legal options without financial obligation. Experienced firms coordinate with treatment teams to ensure medical care proceeds uninterrupted while pursuing all available compensation.

Understanding the Claims Process

Multiple compensation pathways exist for mesothelioma patients, and pursuing all available options maximizes family financial security:

Trust Fund Claims: Asbestos bankruptcy trusts process claims in 90-120 days on average. Patients may qualify for claims against multiple trusts based on their exposure history across different job sites and products.

Litigation Claims: Lawsuits against solvent defendants often result in larger recoveries but require longer timelines. Many cases settle before trial, providing compensation within 12-18 months.

Veterans Benefits: VA disability claims are separate from civilian compensation and do not reduce trust fund or litigation recoveries.

Workers' Compensation: Some states allow workers' compensation claims for occupational asbestos exposure, though benefits typically supplement rather than replace other compensation sources.

⚠️ Statute of Limitations Warning: Filing deadlines vary by state—some allow only 1-2 years from diagnosis. Texas allows 2 years from diagnosis or discovery. Contact an attorney immediately to protect your rights.

State-Specific Legal Resources

Mesothelioma claims involve state-specific procedural requirements. Patients should work with attorneys familiar with their jurisdiction:

Texas Resources:

• Houston Mesothelioma Attorneys
• Dallas Mesothelioma Lawyers
• Texas Asbestos Settlement Information

National Coverage:

• New York Mesothelioma Attorneys
• Florida Mesothelioma Lawyers
• California Asbestos Attorneys
• National Attorney Directory

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What Should Newly Diagnosed Patients Do Immediately?

The convergence of surgical innovation, immunotherapy advancement, and novel treatment modalities has created unprecedented options for mesothelioma patients. Taking immediate action maximizes both treatment outcomes and compensation recovery.

Immediate Action Steps

Step 1: Seek Specialized Evaluation

Contact a specialized mesothelioma treatment center for comprehensive evaluation. Even patients receiving care locally benefit from second opinions at high-volume centers with clinical trial access.

Step 2: Verify Insurance Coverage

• Confirm coverage including out-of-network authorizations for specialized centers
• Contact financial counselors at treatment facilities to explore assistance programs
• Apply for coverage up to 500% FPL at major academic medical centers

Step 3: Explore Clinical Trial Eligibility

Every mesothelioma patient should be evaluated for clinical trial eligibility at diagnosis and throughout treatment. Today's experimental therapy often becomes tomorrow's standard care.

Step 4: Pursue Financial Resources

• Explore asbestos trust funds with $30+ billion available
• Veterans should pursue VA disability benefits simultaneously with civilian claims
• Schedule a free legal consultation to understand compensation options

Step 5: Coordinate Care and Claims

Work with medical teams and legal representatives simultaneously to ensure documentation supports both optimal treatment decisions and maximum compensation recovery.

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Key Contact Numbers

Emergency Medical Support:

• National Cancer Institute: 1-800-4-CANCER
• American Cancer Society: 1-800-227-2345

Veterans Support:

• VA Benefits Hotline: 1-800-827-1000
• Veterans Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255
• VA Healthcare Enrollment: 1-877-222-8387
• Community Care: 1-844-724-7842

Financial and Legal Support:

• Danziger & De Llano Free Consultation: (866) 222-9990
• Mesothelioma Lawyer Center: Free Legal Assistance

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Related Resources

• Mesothelioma Trust Funds: Complete Guide to $30+ Billion in Available Compensation
• Veterans Mesothelioma Benefits: VA Disability and Healthcare Resources
• Understanding Your Mesothelioma Diagnosis: Medical Insights and Legal Implications
• Choosing a Mesothelioma Attorney: What Families Need to Know
• Mesothelioma Clinical Trials: Access to Cutting-Edge Treatments

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🛡️ Free Mesothelioma Case Review Get expert guidance on your treatment options AND compensation rights Call Now: (866) 222-9990 ✓ Start Your Free Review → No fees unless we recover compensation for you

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This guide represents current information as of January 2025. Medical treatments and clinical trials evolve rapidly. Always consult with specialized medical professionals for personalized treatment recommendations. Financial and legal information should be verified with qualified professionals for your specific situation.

Last Updated: January 2025