Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center in Jacksonville, FL

Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center

Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center in Jacksonville, Florida, treats pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma, as well as other complex cancers. Part of Baptist Health and affiliated with MD Anderson in Houston, it offers surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, clinical trials, and supportive services like counseling and survivorship care. Get connected with mesothelioma doctors at Baptist MD Anderson today.

About Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center

Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center provides cancer care for mesothelioma patients in Jacksonville and nearby areas of Florida.

The hospital is part of the Baptist Health network and works closely with specialists from MD Anderson Cancer Center. Through this partnership, patients may have access to newer research-based treatments for mesothelioma, as well as well-established options.

Specialists at Baptist MD Anderson Jacksonville use advanced diagnostic tools to confirm mesothelioma and determine how far it has spread. Once doctors know for sure that mesothelioma is present, patients meet with a care team to discuss their treatment plan.

Mesothelioma patients at Baptist MD Anderson have access to:

Advanced scans and diagnostic tests
Cancer surgery programs
Chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiation
Clinical trials for new treatments
Personalized care with genetic testing
Support services like counseling and nutrition advice

The center also offers a wide range of patient resources, including psychological care, spiritual support, nutrition counseling, and social work assistance to help patients manage the practical and emotional challenges of mesothelioma treatment.

Mesothelioma Doctors at Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center

Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center provides access to experienced oncologists (cancer doctors) and thoracic surgeons who treat complex chest cancers.

Mesothelioma patients are evaluated by specialists with expertise in thoracic surgery, medical oncology, and surgical oncology.

Baptist MD Anderson mesothelioma doctors include:

Dr. Konstantinos Chouliaras: Surgical oncologist
Dr. Subrato Deb: Thoracic surgeon
Dr. Niraj Gusani: Surgical oncologist
Dr. Elbert Kuo: Thoracic surgeon
Dr. John Vu: Medical oncologist

These providers work within Baptist Health to create mesothelioma treatment plans that meet the needs of each patient. Patients may also consult radiation oncologists, hematologists, and other cancer specialists as needed.

If you’re looking to begin treatment, our Free Doctor Match can connect you with specialists at Baptist MD Anderson in Jacksonville and other cancer centers experienced in mesothelioma care.

Mesothelioma Treatment Options at Baptist MD Anderson

Mesothelioma treatment at Baptist MD Anderson depends on disease stage, tumor location, and overall health. This cancer center offers several advanced treatments for mesothelioma patients.

Mesothelioma Surgery

Doctors at MD Anderson Baptist South may recommend surgery for people whose mesothelioma hasn’t spread too far. The goal of surgery is to remove as much of the cancer as possible and relieve symptoms.

For pleural mesothelioma, surgery may involve removing all visible signs of cancer, the affected tissue around the lungs, and sometimes the lung closest to the tumors. Surgeons use minimally invasive and robotic techniques when appropriate.

“Our experienced team is made up of some of the best thoracic surgeons, who use a cutting-edge robotic system to perform complex chest surgeries through small incisions. This advanced method provides a clear view and precise control, allowing the surgeons to reach difficult areas with minimal impact on surrounding tissues.”
– Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center

For peritoneal mesothelioma, cytoreductive surgery on the abdomen may be performed to remove visible tumors, which is usually followed by a heated chemotherapy (HIPEC) wash.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is a standard part of mesothelioma treatment at Baptist MD Anderson. It uses drugs to destroy or slow cancer cells.

Chemotherapy for mesothelioma may be given:

Before surgery to shrink tumors
After surgery to treat remaining disease
As primary treatment when surgery is not possible

The most commonly used chemotherapy drug combination for mesothelioma is pemetrexed and cisplatin. Chemotherapy is typically given through an intravenous (IV) infusion in cycles, allowing the body time to recover between treatments.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that helps the body’s immune system recognize and attack cancer cells. These drugs work by helping immune cells detect tumors that might otherwise go unnoticed.

Some immunotherapy treatments for mesothelioma are now used as part of standard care, particularly for patients with advanced disease or when surgery is not an option. These medications are typically given through IV infusions and may be used alone or alongside other treatments.

Clinical research on immunotherapy continues at Baptist MD Anderson in collaboration with MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. These efforts focus on improving treatment options and identifying new ways to help patients living with mesothelioma.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to damage and destroy cancer cells. Radiation at Baptist MD Anderson is sometimes used after surgery to target any remaining cancer cells or alongside chemotherapy as part of a broader treatment plan.

Radiation oncologists carefully plan each treatment to focus the radiation on the tumor while limiting exposure to nearby organs such as the lungs, heart, and esophagus. This planning process helps reduce the risk of side effects.

In addition to treating the cancer itself, radiation therapy may also be used to relieve symptoms. For some patients with pleural mesothelioma, targeted radiation can help reduce pain, ease pressure in the chest, or improve breathing when tumors are causing discomfort.

Palliative Care

The focus of palliative care for mesothelioma is to ease symptoms and support a patient’s overall comfort and well-being. Mesothelioma palliative care can be provided at the same time as treatments like chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation therapy.

Palliative care specialists at Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center work with the oncology team to help manage symptoms from mesothelioma and its treatment. Care plans are personalized for each patient and may be adjusted over time as symptoms or treatment needs change.

Mesothelioma palliative care services may include:

Medications for nausea and other side effects
Diet and nutrition counseling during treatment
Oxygen therapy for breathing support
Pain management with medications
Paracentesis to drain abdominal fluid
Thoracentesis to drain lung fluid

Palliative care isn’t meant to replace cancer treatment. Instead, it works with standard therapies to help mesothelioma patients stay as comfortable as possible throughout their care.

Preparing for treatment discussions can feel overwhelming. Download our Free Questions to Ask Your Doctor Checklist to help you understand your options and make the most of your appointment.

Mesothelioma Patient Care at Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center

Mesothelioma treatment affects more than physical health. Many patients need help managing emotional stress, financial concerns, and daily responsibilities while getting medical care.

Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center offers support resources that help patients and families navigate these challenges throughout their mesothelioma journey.

Support resources available to mesothelioma patients include:

Counseling and mental health support
Educational resources and support groups
Nurse navigators to schedule appointments
Survivorship programs focused on life after cancer

These programs help patients stay focused on treatment while receiving guidance and practical assistance throughout the process.

Mesothelioma Clinical Trials and Research at Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center

Baptist MD Anderson participates in clinical trials studying mesothelioma, which help doctors evaluate new treatment approaches and improve care for patients with rare diseases.

Ongoing mesothelioma clinical trials may study:

Immunotherapy drugs
New chemotherapy combinations
Novel surgical techniques
Targeted therapy approaches

Some studies are conducted in collaboration with MD Anderson Cancer Center, while others are part of larger national cancer research efforts. All clinical trials follow strict safety protocols and oversight to protect participants while advancing cancer research.

Eligibility for a clinical trial depends on factors such as your diagnosis, treatment history, and overall health. Use our Free Doctor Match to connect with mesothelioma specialists at Baptist MD Anderson and learn whether a clinical trial may be an option for you.

Get Help Accessing Mesothelioma Treatment at Baptist MD Anderson

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center in Florida offers comprehensive treatment for patients in Florida and across the Southeast.

Patients getting treatments at Baptist MD Anderson benefit from multidisciplinary teams, supportive services, and programs that improve comfort and quality of life during treatment.

Mesothelioma Hope can help you navigate your next steps and connect with experienced specialists.

Our team can assist by:

Helping you locate mesothelioma doctors and cancer centers
Providing information about available treatments and clinical trials
Identifying financial assistance that may be available to you
Guiding you through scheduling and preparing for appointments

Call (866) 608-8933 today or use our Free Doctor Match service to connect with Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center and other top mesothelioma specialists nationwide.