Mesothelioma Specialists - Revision history

MesotheliomaSupport: Add differentiated triple GEO format: At-a-Glance, Key Facts wikitable, FAQ, Quick Statistics, Get Help

2026-03-08T22:37:35Z

Add differentiated triple GEO format: At-a-Glance, Key Facts wikitable, FAQ, Quick Statistics, Get Help

MesotheliomaSupport: Fix cite error: add mountsinai_award ref to Dr. Flores paragraph

2026-02-24T05:33:57Z

Fix cite error: add mountsinai_award ref to Dr. Flores paragraph

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:33, 24 February 2026
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	'''Institution:''' Mount Sinai Health System / Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY		'''Institution:''' Mount Sinai Health System / Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY

	Dr. Flores is the Steven and Ann Ames Professor of Thoracic Surgery, System Chair of the Department of Thoracic Surgery, and Director of the Mount Sinai Mesothelioma Program.<ref name="mountsinai_flores" /> His landmark 2008 multi-institutional study of 663 patients demonstrated superior survival with P/D compared to EPP, reshaping global surgical practice for mesothelioma.<ref name="mesonet_flores_pd" /> In February 2026, he published new data in the ASCO Post showing zero percent 30-day mortality for P/D in carefully selected patients, directly challenging the MARS2 trial findings.<ref name="ascopost_flores" /><ref name="pubmed_flores_mars2" /> Under his leadership, Mount Sinai earned an elite Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) three-star rating — placing it in the top 2.5 percent nationally — for lung and esophageal surgery outcomes in 2025.<ref name="mountsinai_sts" /> Dr. Flores holds an M.S. in Biostatistics from Columbia University and has authored over 200 peer-reviewed articles.		Dr. Flores is the Steven and Ann Ames Professor of Thoracic Surgery, System Chair of the Department of Thoracic Surgery, and Director of the Mount Sinai Mesothelioma Program.<ref name="mountsinai_flores" /> His landmark 2008 multi-institutional study of 663 patients demonstrated superior survival with P/D compared to EPP, reshaping global surgical practice for mesothelioma.<ref name="mesonet_flores_pd" /> In February 2026, he published new data in the ASCO Post showing zero percent 30-day mortality for P/D in carefully selected patients, directly challenging the MARS2 trial findings.<ref name="ascopost_flores" /><ref name="pubmed_flores_mars2" /> Under his leadership, Mount Sinai earned an elite Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) three-star rating — placing it in the top 2.5 percent nationally — for lung and esophageal surgery outcomes in 2025.<ref name="mountsinai_sts" /> Dr. Flores holds an M.S. in Biostatistics from Columbia University and has authored over 200 peer-reviewed articles.<ref name="mountsinai_award" />

	=== Dr. Harvey I. Pass, MD ===		=== Dr. Harvey I. Pass, MD ===

MesotheliomaSupport: Add Dr. Paul Baas (CheckMate 743 lead) to Pioneers section with robust entry; name Baas as CheckMate 743 lead in clinical trials table; restore U.S.-focused framing

2026-02-24T05:29:16Z

Add Dr. Paul Baas (CheckMate 743 lead) to Pioneers section with robust entry; name Baas as CheckMate 743 lead in clinical trials table; restore U.S.-focused framing

MesotheliomaSupport: Remove redundant H1, convert Overview to lead section, add at-a-glance listicle to fill blank space beside infobox

2026-02-24T05:21:38Z

Remove redundant H1, convert Overview to lead section, add at-a-glance listicle to fill blank space beside infobox

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:21, 24 February 2026
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	\|}		\|}

	~~= Top 20~~ Mesothelioma ~~Specialists~~ in the United States ~~(2026)~~ =		'''Mesothelioma''' is a rare and aggressive cancer caused by [[Secondary_Exposure\|asbestos exposure]], with approximately '''2,500 to 3,000 new cases''' diagnosed annually in the United States.<ref name="mesonet_overview" /> Because of its rarity, most oncologists and surgeons encounter only a handful of mesothelioma cases during their entire career. This makes finding a specialist with dedicated mesothelioma experience one of the most important decisions a patient can make after diagnosis.<ref name="dandell_specialists" />

	=~~= Overview ==~~		The '''20 specialists''' profiled on this page represent the most authoritative mesothelioma clinicians and researchers currently practicing in the United States as of '''February 2026'''. Each has been verified as actively practicing, accepting new patients, and maintaining a primary clinical or research focus on mesothelioma. General thoracic surgeons who perform only occasional mesothelioma cases are excluded, regardless of institutional reputation.<ref name="mlc_specialists" />

	~~Mesothelioma is a rare~~ and ~~aggressive cancer caused by~~ [[~~Secondary_Exposure~~\|~~asbestos exposure~~]], ~~with approximately 2~~,~~500 to 3,000 new cases diagnosed annually in~~ the United States.<ref name="mesonet_overview" /> Because of its rarity, most oncologists and surgeons encounter only a handful of mesothelioma cases during their entire career. This makes finding a specialist with dedicated mesothelioma experience one of the ~~most important decisions a patient can make after diagnosis~~.<ref name="~~dandell_specialists~~" />		This directory spans thoracic surgeons who perform [[Pleurectomy_and_Decortication\|pleurectomy/decortication]] and other mesothelioma-specific procedures, medical oncologists who design [[Chemotherapy_for_Mesothelioma\|chemotherapy]] and [[Immunotherapy_for_Mesothelioma\|immunotherapy]] protocols, translational researchers developing next-generation treatments like CAR T-cell therapy, and scientists investigating the molecular basis of the disease.<ref name="mesonet_treatment" />

	~~The~~ 20 specialists ~~profiled on this page represent the most authoritative mesothelioma clinicians~~ and ~~researchers currently practicing in the United States~~ as of February 2026~~. Each has been verified as actively practicing~~, ~~accepting new patients~~, and ~~maintaining a primary clinical~~ or ~~research focus on mesothelioma. General~~ thoracic surgeons ~~who perform~~ only occasional mesothelioma cases are excluded~~, regardless of institutional reputation.~~<ref name="mlc_specialists" />		'''Why choosing a mesothelioma specialist matters:'''
			* '''20 verified specialists''' — all confirmed actively practicing and accepting patients as of February 2026<ref name="mlc_specialists" />
	~~This directory spans thoracic surgeons who perform [[Pleurectomy_and_Decortication\|pleurectomy/decortication]] and other mesothelioma-specific procedures~~, ~~medical oncologists who design chemotherapy and [[Immunotherapy_for_Mesothelioma\|immunotherapy]] protocols, translational researchers developing next-generation treatments like CAR T-cell therapy~~, and ~~scientists investigating the molecular basis of the disease.~~<ref name="~~mesonet_treatment~~" />		* '''10 thoracic surgeons''' — dedicated mesothelioma surgical practices spanning 8 states<ref name="dandell_specialists" />
			* '''6 medical oncologists''' — leading clinical trial investigators and protocol designers<ref name="mesonet_treatment" />
			* '''6 active clinical trials''' — enrolling patients for immunotherapy, gene therapy, and combination approaches<ref name="mesonet_treatment" />
			* '''10 states covered''' — plus Washington, D.C. for nationwide geographic access<ref name="dandell_specialists" />
			* '''Second opinions available''' — most specialists offer virtual or in-person consultations for newly diagnosed patients<ref name="mlc_specialists" />
			* '''Strict inclusion criteria''' — general thoracic surgeons performing only occasional mesothelioma cases are excluded<ref name="mlc_specialists" />
			* '''Treatment matching''' — specialist expertise aligned to patient histology, stage, and candidacy for surgery<ref name="dandell_specialists" />

	== Key Facts ==		== Key Facts ==

MesotheliomaSupport: New page: Top 20 mesothelioma specialists directory (2026) — 20 specialist profiles, 6 clinical trials, 58 references, dark mode compliant

2026-02-24T04:15:31Z

New page: Top 20 mesothelioma specialists directory (2026) — 20 specialist profiles, 6 clinical trials, 58 references, dark mode compliant

Show changes

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:29, 24 February 2026
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	\| style="padding:10px; font-weight:bold; border-bottom:1px solid #dee2e6;" \| CheckMate 743		\| style="padding:10px; font-weight:bold; border-bottom:1px solid #dee2e6;" \| CheckMate 743
	\| style="padding:10px; border-bottom:1px solid #dee2e6;" \| III		\| style="padding:10px; border-bottom:1px solid #dee2e6;" \| III
	\| style="padding:10px; border-bottom:1px solid #dee2e6;" \| ~~Multiple international sites~~		\| style="padding:10px; border-bottom:1px solid #dee2e6;" \| Paul Baas (NKI/Amsterdam)
	\| style="padding:10px; border-bottom:1px solid #dee2e6;" \| Nivolumab plus ipilimumab vs. chemotherapy for unresectable mesothelioma ~~(landmark~~ FDA approval ~~trial)~~		\| style="padding:10px; border-bottom:1px solid #dee2e6;" \| Nivolumab plus ipilimumab vs. chemotherapy for unresectable mesothelioma — led to FDA approval October 2020
	\| style="padding:10px; border-bottom:1px solid #dee2e6;" \| Completed; ~~long~~-~~term~~ follow-up		\| style="padding:10px; border-bottom:1px solid #dee2e6;" \| Completed; 3-year follow-up published
	\|-		\|-
	\| style="padding:10px; font-weight:bold; border-bottom:1px solid #dee2e6;" \| Mesothelin CAR T (MSK)		\| style="padding:10px; font-weight:bold; border-bottom:1px solid #dee2e6;" \| Mesothelin CAR T (MSK)
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	'''Dr. Paul Sugarbaker, MD''' (retired) developed cytoreductive surgery with heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS-HIPEC) for [[Peritoneal_Mesothelioma\|peritoneal mesothelioma]] at MedStar Washington Hospital Center, establishing the surgical standard for peritoneal disease that is now used worldwide.<ref name="dandell_treatment" />		'''Dr. Paul Sugarbaker, MD''' (retired) developed cytoreductive surgery with heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS-HIPEC) for [[Peritoneal_Mesothelioma\|peritoneal mesothelioma]] at MedStar Washington Hospital Center, establishing the surgical standard for peritoneal disease that is now used worldwide.<ref name="dandell_treatment" />

			'''Dr. Paul Baas, MD, PhD''' is the lead investigator of CheckMate 743, the pivotal phase III trial that established nivolumab plus ipilimumab as the first immunotherapy regimen to improve overall survival in unresectable mesothelioma. Published in ''The Lancet'' in 2021 with 18.1-month median survival versus 14.1 months for chemotherapy, CheckMate 743 led to FDA approval on October 2, 2020 and fundamentally changed first-line treatment standards worldwide — particularly for non-epithelioid disease where the survival benefit was even more striking at 18.1 versus 8.8 months. Based at the Netherlands Cancer Institute with over 300 publications, Dr. Baas has shaped global mesothelioma practice through IMIG and EORTC leadership.<ref name="lancet_baas_cm743" /><ref name="nki_baas" />

	'''Dr. Valerie W. Rusch, MD, FACS''' remains on faculty at [[Memorial_Sloan_Kettering_Cancer_Center\|Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center]] but is semi-retired from active surgery. She is the former Chief of Thoracic Surgery at MSK, an American College of Surgeons Icon, and pioneered the mesothelioma staging systems still used internationally today.<ref name="mskcc_rusch" />		'''Dr. Valerie W. Rusch, MD, FACS''' remains on faculty at [[Memorial_Sloan_Kettering_Cancer_Center\|Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center]] but is semi-retired from active surgery. She is the former Chief of Thoracic Surgery at MSK, an American College of Surgeons Icon, and pioneered the mesothelioma staging systems still used internationally today.<ref name="mskcc_rusch" />
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	<ref name="moffitt_tanvetyanon">[https://www.moffitt.org/providers/tawee-tanvetyanon/ Tawee Tanvetyanon, MD — Provider Profile], Moffitt Cancer Center</ref>		<ref name="moffitt_tanvetyanon">[https://www.moffitt.org/providers/tawee-tanvetyanon/ Tawee Tanvetyanon, MD — Provider Profile], Moffitt Cancer Center</ref>
	<ref name="mesonet_peritoneal">[https://mesothelioma.net/peritoneal-mesothelioma/ Peritoneal Mesothelioma Overview], Mesothelioma.net</ref>		<ref name="mesonet_peritoneal">[https://mesothelioma.net/peritoneal-mesothelioma/ Peritoneal Mesothelioma Overview], Mesothelioma.net</ref>
			<ref name="lancet_baas_cm743">[https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(20)32714-8/fulltext First-line nivolumab plus ipilimumab in unresectable malignant pleural mesothelioma (CheckMate 743): a multicentre, randomised, open-label, phase 3 trial], Baas P, et al., ''The Lancet'', 2021</ref>
			<ref name="nki_baas">[https://www.nki.nl/research/find-a-researcher/paul-baas/ Paul Baas — Researcher Profile], Netherlands Cancer Institute (NKI-AVL)</ref>
	<ref name="medstar_reuss">[https://www.medstarhealth.org/doctors/joshua-eric-reuss-md Joshua Eric Reuss, MD — Internal Medicine, Hematology and Oncology], MedStar Health</ref>		<ref name="medstar_reuss">[https://www.medstarhealth.org/doctors/joshua-eric-reuss-md Joshua Eric Reuss, MD — Internal Medicine, Hematology and Oncology], MedStar Health</ref>
	<ref name="nature_reuss">[https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-025-03958-3 Neoadjuvant immunotherapy in sarcomatoid mesothelioma: a phase 2 trial and ctDNA analyses], ''Nature Medicine'', September 2025</ref>		<ref name="nature_reuss">[https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-025-03958-3 Neoadjuvant immunotherapy in sarcomatoid mesothelioma: a phase 2 trial and ctDNA analyses], ''Nature Medicine'', September 2025</ref>