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{{#seo:
|title=Dr. Robert Cameron: Champion of Lung-Sparing Mesothelioma Surgery
|description=Dr. Robert Cameron at UCLA pioneered lung-sparing pleurectomy with decortication (P/D) for mesothelioma, proving that preserving the lung achieves comparable outcomes with lower risk.
|keywords=Dr. Robert Cameron, pleurectomy decortication, lung-sparing surgery, UCLA mesothelioma, P/D surgery, MARS trial, mesothelioma surgery
|image=dr-robert-cameron-ucla-mesothelioma.jpg
|author=Danziger & De Llano Legal Team
|published_time=2026-01-28
}}
{| class="infobox" style="width:280px; float:right; margin:0 0 1em 1em; border:2px solid #1a5276; border-radius:8px; overflow:hidden;"
|-
! colspan="2" style="background:#1a5276; color:white; padding:12px; font-size:1.1em; text-align:center;" | Dr. Robert B. Cameron, MD
|-
| colspan="2" style="padding:10px; text-align:center; font-style:italic;" | Champion of Lung-Sparing Surgery
|-
| style="padding:10px; font-weight:bold; width:40%; border-bottom:1px solid #dee2e6;" | Institution
| style="padding:10px; border-bottom:1px solid #dee2e6;" | UCLA Health
|-
| style="padding:10px; font-weight:bold; border-bottom:1px solid #dee2e6;" | Position
| style="padding:10px; border-bottom:1px solid #dee2e6;" | Director of Thoracic Surgery
|-
| style="padding:10px; font-weight:bold; border-bottom:1px solid #dee2e6;" | Key Innovation
| style="padding:10px; border-bottom:1px solid #dee2e6;" | Pleurectomy/Decortication (P/D)
|-
| style="padding:10px; font-weight:bold; border-bottom:1px solid #dee2e6;" | Program Founded
| style="padding:10px; border-bottom:1px solid #dee2e6;" | UCLA Comprehensive Mesothelioma Program
|-
| style="padding:10px; font-weight:bold; border-bottom:1px solid #dee2e6;" | VA Role
| style="padding:10px; border-bottom:1px solid #dee2e6;" | Chief of Thoracic Surgery, West LA VA
|-
| style="padding:10px; font-weight:bold;" | Survival Achievement
| style="padding:10px;" | 19.6 months median
|-
| colspan="2" style="background:#1a5276; padding:10px; text-align:center;" | <span data-nosnippet class="noai-content">[https://dandell.com/contact-us/ <span style="color:white; font-weight:bold;">Free Case Review →</span>]</span>
|}

== Executive Summary ==

Dr. Robert B. Cameron at UCLA has been instrumental in promoting lung-sparing surgical approaches for pleural mesothelioma, fundamentally changing how surgeons treat this disease. As director of thoracic surgery at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center and founder of the UCLA Comprehensive Mesothelioma Program, Cameron has spent more than two decades refining pleurectomy with decortication (P/D) as an alternative to the more radical extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP).<ref name="dandell_malignant" /> His advocacy for preserving the lung proved prescient: the 2011 MARS trial confirmed that EPP offered no survival benefit and potentially harmed patients. Following this publication, many centers transitioned from EPP to extended P/D, with survival outcomes improving from 15.6 months to 19.6 months.<ref name="mesonet_surgery" /> Dr. Cameron also serves as chief of thoracic surgery at the West Los Angeles VA Medical Center, providing specialized mesothelioma care to veterans who were exposed to asbestos during military service.

The lung-sparing philosophy Dr. Cameron championed represents a fundamental shift in mesothelioma surgical thinking. While extrapleural pneumonectomy removes the entire affected lung along with the pleura, pleurectomy with decortication removes only the diseased pleural lining while preserving lung function. This approach results in faster recovery, fewer complications, and better quality of life for patients—benefits that Cameron argued outweighed any theoretical advantage of more radical surgery.<ref name="dandell_compensation" />

Dr. Cameron's dual role at UCLA and the West LA VA Medical Center reflects the disproportionate impact of mesothelioma on military veterans, who account for approximately 30% of all cases due to widespread asbestos use in naval shipyards, aircraft, and military installations. The UCLA Comprehensive Mesothelioma Program offers these patients access to clinical trials<ref name="clinicaltrials_ucla" /> testing novel combinations of immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and surgical approaches that may not be available at other institutions.<ref name="dandell_veterans" />

== Key Facts ==

{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%; margin:1em 0; border-collapse:collapse;"
|-
! style="background:#1a5276; color:white; padding:12px; text-align:left;" | Key Facts: Dr. Robert Cameron's Contributions
|-
| style="padding:15px; border:2px solid #dee2e6; border-left:5px solid #dee2e6;" |
* '''Surgical Philosophy:''' Lung-sparing approach preserves quality of life while achieving cancer control
* '''Key Procedure:''' Pleurectomy with decortication (P/D) and extended P/D
* '''Experience:''' More than two decades specializing in mesothelioma surgery
* '''Institution:''' UCLA Ronald Reagan Medical Center
* '''Program Founded:''' UCLA Comprehensive Mesothelioma Program
* '''VA Service:''' Chief of Thoracic Surgery, West Los Angeles VA Medical Center
* '''MARS Trial Validation:''' 2011 study confirmed lung-sparing approach was superior
* '''Survival Improvement:''' Centers transitioning to P/D saw survival increase from 15.6 to 19.6 months
* '''Advocacy:''' Among first prominent surgeons to argue against routine EPP
* '''Clinical Trials:''' UCLA program offers access to novel therapeutic combinations
|}

== Who Is Dr. Robert Cameron and Why Is He Called the Champion of Lung-Sparing Surgery? ==

Dr. Robert B. Cameron is a thoracic surgeon who challenged the prevailing surgical dogma for mesothelioma treatment. At a time when extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP)—removing the entire lung along with surrounding tissues—was considered the standard approach, Cameron argued that a less radical surgery could achieve comparable cancer control while preserving the patient's lung and quality of life.<ref name="dandell_diagnosis" />

His position was initially controversial. Many surgeons believed that more aggressive surgery was necessary to remove all possible disease. Cameron's contention that preserving the lung could achieve similar outcomes while reducing operative risk and maintaining quality of life was met with skepticism by some colleagues.<ref name="mesonet_treatment" />

{| style="width:95%; margin:1em auto; border:1px solid #dee2e6; border-left:4px solid #1a5276; border-radius:4px;"
|-
| style="padding:15px 20px 10px; font-style:italic; font-size:1.05em; line-height:1.5;" | "Dr. Cameron's willingness to question conventional wisdom has benefited thousands of mesothelioma patients. When the MARS trial confirmed what he had been saying for years—that removing the lung wasn't necessary—it validated his patient-centered approach. Many of our clients have better quality of life because of his pioneering work."
|-
| style="padding:5px 25px 20px; text-align:right;" | '''— Paul Danziger,''' Founding Partner, Danziger & De Llano
|}

== What Is Pleurectomy with Decortication (P/D)? ==

Pleurectomy with decortication is a lung-sparing surgical procedure that removes diseased pleural tissue while preserving the underlying lung.<ref name="dandell_compensation" /> Cancer.gov describes this as a surgical approach to treat cancer that removes the diseased tissue while maintaining functionality.<ref name="cancer_gov_surgery" />

=== Standard P/D ===

The basic procedure involves:

* Removal of the parietal pleura (outer lining of the chest cavity)
* Removal of the visceral pleura (lining around the lung)
* Preservation of the lung itself
* Removal of visible tumor from pleural surfaces

=== Extended P/D ===

Dr. Cameron helped develop the extended version, which adds:

* Resection of the diaphragm (similar to EPP)
* Resection of the pericardium when involved
* More complete removal of all diseased tissue
* Reconstruction of removed structures

{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%; margin:1em 0;"
|-
! style="background:#1a5276; color:white; padding:10px;" | Procedure
! style="background:#1a5276; color:white; padding:10px;" | Lung Preserved?
! style="background:#1a5276; color:white; padding:10px;" | Operative Risk
! style="background:#1a5276; color:white; padding:10px;" | Recovery Time
|-
| style="padding:10px;" | '''P/D (Lung-Sparing)'''
| style="padding:10px;" | '''Yes'''
| style="padding:10px;" | '''Lower'''
| style="padding:10px;" | '''Faster'''
|-
| style="padding:10px;" | EPP (Lung Removal)
| style="padding:10px;" | No
| style="padding:10px;" | Higher
| style="padding:10px;" | Longer
|}

{| style="width:100%; border:2px solid #28a745; border-left:5px solid #28a745; border-radius:4px; margin:1em 0;"
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| style="padding:15px;" | '''✅ Quality of Life Advantage:''' Patients who keep their lung can breathe more easily, have fewer complications, and recover faster. This quality of life benefit is a major advantage of the lung-sparing approach Dr. Cameron championed.
|}

== How Did the MARS Trial Validate Dr. Cameron's Approach? ==

The Mesothelioma and Radical Surgery (MARS) trial, published in 2011, provided landmark evidence supporting lung-sparing surgery. This randomized controlled trial compared EPP with no EPP in patients receiving chemotherapy.<ref name="mesonet_prognosis" /> Cameron published important research demonstrating why the MARS trial results fundamentally changed mesothelioma surgical practice.<ref name="pubmed_cameron_mars2" />

'''Key MARS Trial Findings:'''

* EPP offered '''no survival benefit''' compared to non-EPP approaches
* EPP potentially '''harmed patients''' through higher operative mortality
* The trial was stopped early due to futility—EPP was not proving superior
* Results supported the lung-sparing approach Dr. Cameron had advocated

{| style="width:100%; border:2px solid #007bff; border-left:5px solid #007bff; border-radius:4px; margin:1em 0;"
|-
| style="padding:15px;" | '''ℹ️ Paradigm Shift:''' Following the MARS trial publication, many mesothelioma treatment centers abandoned routine EPP in favor of extended P/D. Centers making this transition saw survival outcomes improve from 15.6 months to 19.6 months—a 4-month improvement simply by using a less aggressive surgery.
|}

The MARS trial vindicated Cameron's long-held position and fundamentally changed the surgical approach to mesothelioma worldwide.<ref name="mesonet_prognosis" />

{| style="width:95%; margin:1em auto; border:1px solid #dee2e6; border-left:4px solid #1a5276; border-radius:4px;"
|-
| style="padding:15px 20px 10px; font-style:italic; font-size:1.05em; line-height:1.5;" | "The MARS trial was a turning point for mesothelioma treatment. For years, surgeons assumed more aggressive surgery meant better outcomes. Dr. Cameron understood that preserving function while controlling cancer was the right balance. The data proved him right."
|-
| style="padding:5px 25px 20px; text-align:right;" | '''— Rod De Llano,''' Founding Partner, Danziger & De Llano
|}

== What Is the UCLA Comprehensive Mesothelioma Program? ==

Dr. Cameron founded the UCLA Comprehensive Mesothelioma Program, creating one of the West Coast's leading centers for mesothelioma treatment and research.<ref name="dandell_lawyers" /> The program integrates advanced surgical techniques with clinical trial access and multidisciplinary care.<ref name="ucla_mesothelioma_program" />

'''Program Features:'''

* '''Multidisciplinary Team:''' Thoracic surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, pulmonologists, and pathologists collaborate on each case
* '''Advanced Surgical Techniques:''' Expertise in both P/D and, when appropriate, EPP
* '''Clinical Trials:''' Access to novel therapeutic combinations not available elsewhere
* '''Research Programs:''' Investigation of new treatments and approaches
* '''Patient Support:''' Comprehensive services for patients and families

The program combines advanced surgical approaches with clinical trials testing novel therapeutic combinations, making cutting-edge treatments available to patients who might otherwise lack access.<ref name="mesonet_centers" />

== How Does Dr. Cameron Serve Veterans with Mesothelioma? ==

Dr. Cameron's work extends beyond UCLA to encompass comprehensive mesothelioma care for veterans as chief of thoracic surgery at the West Los Angeles VA Medical Center.<ref name="dandell_veterans" /> His specialized care at the VA has been recognized as a premier resource for mesothelioma patients with military service history.<ref name="va_feature_cameron" />

This role is particularly significant because veterans have disproportionately high rates of mesothelioma due to:

* '''Naval Service:''' Asbestos was extensively used in ship construction and insulation
* '''Shipyard Work:''' Navy shipyards were among the highest-exposure environments
* '''Military Construction:''' Barracks and military buildings contained asbestos materials
* '''Vehicle Maintenance:''' Military vehicles used asbestos in brakes and clutches

{| style="width:100%; border:2px solid #ffc107; border-left:5px solid #ffc107; border-radius:4px; margin:1em 0;"
|-
| style="padding:15px;" | '''⚠️ Veterans' Higher Risk:''' Veterans are significantly more likely to develop mesothelioma than civilians due to military asbestos exposure. Dr. Cameron's work at the West LA VA ensures these patients have access to specialized surgical expertise.
|}

Through the VA system, Dr. Cameron provides the same high-quality, lung-sparing surgical care to veterans that patients receive at UCLA.<ref name="mesonet_centers" />

== What Is Dr. Cameron's Current Surgical Philosophy? ==

Dr. Cameron's approach to mesothelioma surgery emphasizes individualized treatment decisions based on each patient's specific situation:<ref name="dandell_malignant" /> His research has demonstrated superior outcomes from extended P/D combined with multimodal therapy.<ref name="pubmed_cameron_radical" />

'''Key Principles:'''

* '''Patient Selection:''' Not every patient is a surgical candidate; careful evaluation is essential
* '''Lung Preservation:''' When possible, preserve the lung to maintain quality of life
* '''Complete Cytoreduction:''' Remove all visible disease regardless of surgical approach
* '''Multimodal Integration:''' Combine surgery with chemotherapy and/or immunotherapy
* '''Quality of Life:''' Consider functional outcomes, not just survival statistics

{| style="width:95%; margin:1em auto; border:1px solid #dee2e6; border-left:4px solid #1a5276; border-radius:4px;"
|-
| style="padding:15px 20px 10px; font-style:italic; font-size:1.05em; line-height:1.5;" | "Dr. Cameron's philosophy aligns with what we see families want: not just longer survival, but survival with quality. Our clients want to spend time with their families, not just exist. The lung-sparing approach he pioneered helps make that possible."
|-
| style="padding:5px 25px 20px; text-align:right;" | '''— David Foster,''' Client Advocate, Danziger & De Llano
|}

== What Is Dr. Cameron's Legacy? ==

Dr. Robert Cameron's contributions have fundamentally changed mesothelioma surgery:<ref name="mesonet_emerging" />

'''Immediate Impact:'''
* Established lung-sparing surgery as a viable alternative to EPP
* Demonstrated that less aggressive surgery could achieve comparable outcomes
* Improved quality of life for mesothelioma patients
* Provided specialized care for veterans at the West LA VA

'''Lasting Influence:'''
* The MARS trial validated his long-held position
* Most centers now prefer P/D over EPP for appropriate candidates
* Patient-centered surgical philosophy has become mainstream
* Training programs emphasize lung preservation when possible

His willingness to challenge surgical orthodoxy when patient outcomes suggested a better approach exemplifies how evidence-based medicine should evolve.

== Get Help Today ==

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, accessing specialized surgical care—including the lung-sparing approaches Dr. Cameron pioneered—can significantly impact both survival and quality of life. You may also be entitled to compensation from the companies responsible for your asbestos exposure.<ref name="dandell_worth" />

The experienced mesothelioma attorneys at Danziger & De Llano have helped thousands of families navigate both the medical and legal challenges of this diagnosis.

📞 '''Call (866) 222-9990''' or [https://dandell.com/contact-us/ request a free case review online].

== See Also ==

* [[History_of_Mesothelioma_Research|History of Mesothelioma Research]]
* [[Dr_David_Sugarbaker|Dr. David Sugarbaker]]
* [[Dr_Raphael_Bueno|Dr. Raphael Bueno]]
* [[UCLA_Health|UCLA Health]]
* [[Treatment_Options|Treatment Options]]
* [[Mesothelioma_Treatment_Centers|Mesothelioma Treatment Centers]]
* [[Veterans_Benefits|Veterans Benefits]]

== References ==

<references>
<ref name="dandell_malignant">[https://dandell.com/malignant-mesothelioma/ Malignant Mesothelioma Lawyers], Danziger & De Llano</ref>
<ref name="mesonet_surgery">[https://mesothelioma.net/mesothelioma-surgery/ Mesothelioma Surgery], Mesothelioma.net</ref>
<ref name="dandell_compensation">[https://dandell.com/mesothelioma-compensation/ Mesothelioma Compensation], Danziger & De Llano</ref>
<ref name="clinicaltrials_ucla">[https://clinicaltrials.gov/search?cond=Mesothelioma&term=UCLA UCLA Mesothelioma Trials], ClinicalTrials.gov</ref>
<ref name="dandell_veterans">[https://dandell.com/mesothelioma-veterans/ Veterans & Mesothelioma Claims], Danziger & De Llano</ref>
<ref name="dandell_diagnosis">[https://dandell.com/mesothelioma-diagnosis/ Mesothelioma Diagnosis Guide], Danziger & De Llano</ref>
<ref name="mesonet_treatment">[https://mesothelioma.net/treatment-for-mesothelioma/ Mesothelioma Treatment], Mesothelioma.net</ref>
<ref name="cancer_gov_surgery">[https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/types/surgery Surgery to Treat Cancer], National Cancer Institute</ref>
<ref name="mesonet_prognosis">[https://mesothelioma.net/mesothelioma-prognosis/ Mesothelioma Prognosis], Mesothelioma.net</ref>
<ref name="pubmed_cameron_mars2">[https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40075572/ Cameron RB. "Why the MARS2 Trial Does Not Mean the End of All Mesothelioma Surgery."], PubMed</ref>
<ref name="dandell_lawyers">[https://dandell.com/mesothelioma-lawyers/ Top-Rated Mesothelioma Lawyers], Danziger & De Llano</ref>
<ref name="ucla_mesothelioma_program">[https://www.uclahealth.org/departments/surgery/mesothelioma-program UCLA Mesothelioma Program], UCLA Health</ref>
<ref name="mesonet_centers">[https://mesothelioma.net/mesothelioma-treatment-centers/ Mesothelioma Treatment Centers], Mesothelioma.net</ref>
<ref name="va_feature_cameron">[https://www.va.gov/greater-los-angeles-health-care/stories/mesothelioma-we-have-one-of-the-best-doctors-to-treat-it/ Mesothelioma: We Have One of the Best Doctors to Treat It], VA Greater Los Angeles Health Care</ref>
<ref name="pubmed_cameron_radical">[https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12447185/ Cameron RB, et al. "Radical pleurectomy/decortication and intraoperative radiotherapy followed by conformal radiation with or without chemotherapy for malignant pleural mesothelioma."], Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, 2002</ref>
<ref name="mesonet_emerging">[https://mesothelioma.net/mesothelioma-emerging-treatments-research/ New Mesothelioma Treatments and Research], Mesothelioma.net</ref>
<ref name="dandell_worth">[https://dandell.com/whats-your-case-worth/ What's Your Mesothelioma Case Worth?], Danziger & De Llano</ref>
</references>

[[Category:Mesothelioma Research]]
[[Category:Mesothelioma Researchers]]
[[Category:Mesothelioma]]
[[Category:Treatment History]]