UCLA Health

UCLA Mesothelioma Program
First dedicated U.S. mesothelioma program
Founded	1997
Location	Los Angeles, CA
NCI Designation	Comprehensive (1976)
Founder	Dr. Robert Cameron
Specialization	Lung-Sparing Surgery
VA Partnership	West LA VA Medical Center
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Executive Summary

The UCLA Comprehensive Mesothelioma Program holds the distinction of being the first formally dedicated mesothelioma treatment program established in the United States, founded in 1997 by thoracic surgeon Dr. Robert Brian Cameron. Operating within the UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center—which earned NCI comprehensive designation in 1976—the program pioneered a lung-sparing surgical philosophy that offered patients an alternative to more radical procedures.

Dr. Cameron's development of the pleurectomy/decortication technique challenged the prevailing wisdom of his era, which favored complete lung removal. His approach—treating mesothelioma as a chronic illness requiring ongoing management rather than attempting cure through aggressive surgery—has influenced treatment protocols nationwide.

The program maintains a significant partnership with the West Los Angeles VA Medical Center, providing specialized care to veterans who comprise approximately 30% of all mesothelioma patients nationwide. In October 2023, the program welcomed Dr. Bryan Burt as Chief of Thoracic Surgery, bringing NIH-funded immunotherapy research from his previous role at Baylor College of Medicine. Patients seeking treatment at UCLA can also pursue legal compensation for their asbestos exposure through trust funds and other recovery options.

Key Facts

Key Facts: UCLA Comprehensive Mesothelioma Program

Program Founded: 1997 — first dedicated mesothelioma program in the United States Cancer Center NCI Designation: Comprehensive Cancer Center since 1976 Founding Director: Dr. Robert Brian Cameron, thoracic surgeon and pleurectomy pioneer Current Thoracic Chief: Dr. Bryan Burt (appointed October 2023) Primary Hospital: Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, Los Angeles VA Partnership: West Los Angeles VA Medical Center collaboration Treatment Philosophy: Lung-sparing surgery (pleurectomy/decortication preferred) Special Expertise: Sarcomatoid mesothelioma, cryoablation therapy Research Focus: CAR T-cell therapy, immunotherapy combinations, biomarker development Patient Support: Mind-body medicine, art therapy, special housing assistance Center Patients: UCLA Health serves 20,000+ cancer patients annually U.S. News Ranking: Consistently ranked among top cancer centers nationally

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. 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. 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.

"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."

— Paul Danziger, Founding Partner, Danziger & De Llano

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.

Which Physicians Lead the Mesothelioma Program?

Dr. Robert Brian Cameron, MD, FACS — Founder

Dr. Cameron founded UCLA's Comprehensive Mesothelioma Program in 1997 and served as its director for over two decades. His credentials include:

• Professor of Surgery at UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine
• Fellowship training at Cornell-New York Hospital and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
• Medical degree from UCLA with early Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society membership
• Board certification in thoracic surgery
• Co-founder of the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation
• Director of the Pacific Mesothelioma Center research initiative

Dr. Cameron's treatment philosophy emphasized sparing the lung, removing as much tumor as possible, and treating mesothelioma as a chronic illness requiring ongoing management rather than attempting cure through radical surgery.

Dr. Bryan M. Burt, MD — Current Chief of Thoracic Surgery

In October 2023, Dr. Bryan Burt was appointed Chief of the Division of Thoracic Surgery at UCLA, bringing extensive experience in mesothelioma research and treatment. His background includes:

• Professor of Surgery at David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA
• Board certification from American Board of Surgery and American Board of Thoracic Surgery
• Thoracic surgery residency at Brigham and Women's Hospital (trained under the legendary Dr. David Sugarbaker)
• Post-doctoral fellowship in Cellular Immunology at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
• Previous position: Chief of Thoracic Surgery at Baylor College of Medicine (2012-2023)
• NIH-funded research laboratory at UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center

Dr. Burt's research focuses on response and resistance mechanisms to immunotherapy in thoracic malignancies. In 2021, he received a $2.5 million grant from the National Cancer Institute to fund ongoing biomarker testing to determine which pleural mesothelioma patients would benefit from immunotherapy.

ℹ️ Research Breakthrough: In 2022, Dr. Burt's research combining cytokine factories and immune checkpoint inhibitors demonstrated complete eradication of late-stage mesothelioma tumors in mice within days—one of the most promising laboratory results ever achieved for this disease.

What Treatment Approaches Does UCLA Offer?

UCLA's mesothelioma program offers comprehensive multimodal treatment options, with a distinctive emphasis on lung preservation.

Surgical Options

• Pleurectomy/Decortication (P/D): UCLA's signature procedure, removing the diseased pleural lining while preserving the lung
• Extended Pleurectomy/Decortication: More extensive tissue removal when indicated, still sparing the lung
• Cytoreductive Surgery with HIPEC: For peritoneal mesothelioma patients, combining surgery with heated intraoperative chemotherapy

Medical Oncology

• Chemotherapy regimens including pemetrexed and cisplatin combinations
• Immunotherapy with checkpoint inhibitors (nivolumab, ipilimumab, pembrolizumab)
• Targeted therapies based on tumor molecular profiling
• Participation in cutting-edge clinical trials

Radiation Therapy

• Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT)
• SMART therapy (Surgical, Molecular, And Radiation Therapy approach)
• Post-surgical adjuvant radiation

Specialized Capabilities

UCLA has developed particular expertise in treating sarcomatoid mesothelioma—the most aggressive cell type with the poorest prognosis. The medical team uses chemotherapy treatments typically employed for sarcomas in other body areas instead of standard mesothelioma drugs, often followed by surgery and radiation in a multimodal approach.

The program also pioneered the use of cryoablation—freezing technology—as an adjunctive therapy in mesothelioma treatment, offering patients additional options beyond traditional modalities.

What Clinical Trials Can Patients Access?

UCLA maintains an active clinical trials program, giving patients access to experimental therapies not yet available to the general public.

Current and Recent Trials

Logic-Gated CAR T-Cell Therapy (A2B694): A multi-site trial evaluating the safety and efficacy of mesothelin-targeting logic-gated CAR T cells in participants with solid tumors. This next-generation approach aims to improve upon earlier CAR T technologies with enhanced targeting capabilities.

Cytoreductive Surgery with HIOC: Study of cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraoperative chemotherapy with pemetrexed and cisplatin for malignant pleural mesotheliomas.

MTG201 Plus Nivolumab: Study in patients with relapsed pleural mesothelioma, combining novel targeted therapy with established immunotherapy.

MEDI4736 Studies: Trials examining durvalumab alone or combined with tremelimumab in surgically resectable malignant pleural mesothelioma.

✓ Clinical Trial Access: UCLA patients have opportunities to participate in cutting-edge research that may provide access to tomorrow's standard treatments today. Ask your care team about eligibility for current trials.

How Can Veterans Access Care at UCLA?

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. UCLA's program maintains a significant partnership with the West Los Angeles VA Medical Center to serve this population.

West Los Angeles VA Medical Center Partnership

The West Los Angeles VA Medical Center, located at 11301 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, provides mesothelioma patients with access to UCLA's specialized expertise through an established collaboration. Dr. Cameron and other UCLA specialists have treated veterans with mesothelioma through this partnership for years.

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

"Veterans often don't realize they can pursue both VA benefits and legal compensation simultaneously. These are separate systems, and qualifying for one doesn't affect eligibility for the other."

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

California Military Asbestos Exposure Sites

California veterans may have been exposed to asbestos at numerous military installations, including:

• Hunters Point Naval Shipyard (San Francisco)
• Long Beach Naval Shipyard
• Mare Island Naval Shipyard (Vallejo)
• Naval Air Station North Island (San Diego)
• Camp Pendleton
• Edwards Air Force Base
• Travis Air Force Base

What Support Services Help Patients and Families?

UCLA's patient-centered approach extends beyond medical treatment to address the whole person and family unit.

Comprehensive Support Programs

• Care Coordination: Nurse practitioners coordinate all aspects of treatment and answer patient questions
• Multidisciplinary Team: Each patient receives input from specialists across cancer care disciplines
• Social Work Services: Professional social workers assist with care coordination and resource navigation
• Financial Assistance: Programs to help patients manage treatment costs

Integrative Medicine and Wellness

UCLA offers unique supportive care services including:

• Mind-Body Medicine: Stress reduction and coping strategies
• Nutritional Counseling: Personalized dietary guidance during treatment
• Art Therapy: Creative expression programs for healing
• Wellness Activities: Yoga, stretch exercises, and relaxation programs
• Educational Lectures: Health, nutrition, and survivorship workshops

Housing Assistance

Special housing assistance is available for mesothelioma patients traveling to UCLA for treatment and their families. The program recognizes that many patients must travel significant distances to access specialized care.

What Financial Resources Are Available for Treatment?

Mesothelioma treatment costs can exceed $400,000, creating significant financial stress for patients and families. 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. 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:

• 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: California 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 can become critical evidence for legal claims.

Medical Records as Legal Evidence

The diagnostic process at specialized centers like UCLA generates detailed documentation that can support 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:

• 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

"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."

— 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 UCLA 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

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