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Address
4100 John R. Street
Detroit, MI 48201 - Chief of Thoracic Surgery Dr. Frank Baciewicz
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Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute
Karmanos Cancer Institute in Michigan is a leading center for mesothelioma care and research. As the only National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center in Detroit, Karmanos offers advanced treatment through a multidisciplinary team of specialists. Patients can receive treatment at one of 16 locations across Michigan and northern Ohio.
About Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute
Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute is part of McLaren Health Care and is closely affiliated with Wayne State University School of Medicine. It’s recognized for its commitment to treating mesothelioma and other complex cancers with personalized clinical care.
As an NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, Karmanos meets the highest standards for cancer treatment, prevention, and clinical research. This designation places it among the top mesothelioma treatment centers in the country.
By combining advanced mesothelioma research with compassionate care, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute aims to give each patient their best chance at a high quality of life and more time with the people they love.
Mesothelioma Doctors at Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute
Patients at Karmanos Cancer Institute benefit from the expertise of a multidisciplinary team of surgeons and medical oncologists who specialize in treating mesothelioma.
Some of these mesothelioma doctors include:
- Dr. Frank Baciewicz – Thoracic surgeon
- Dr. Tarik Hadid – Medical oncologist
- Dr. Hirva Mamdani – Medical oncologist
These doctors work together with pulmonologists, pathologists, and radiation oncologists to deliver coordinated cancer care for mesothelioma.
Use our Free Doctor Match service to connect with mesothelioma specialists at Karmanos Cancer Institute.
Mesothelioma Treatments at Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute
Mesothelioma treatment at Karmanos Cancer Institute is designed around each patient’s diagnosis, cancer stage, and overall health. Learn about key mesothelioma treatment options available at this facility below.
Surgery
Surgery may be an option at Karmanos for cancer patients with early-stage pleural or peritoneal mesothelioma. The surgical team will remove as much cancerous tissue as safely possible.
There are three standard surgeries for mesothelioma:
- Pleurectomy with decortication removes the pleura (lung lining) but spares the lung.
- Extrapleural pneumonectomy removes the lung and surrounding areas.
- Cytoreductive surgery is combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) to remove visible tumors and kill cancer cells in the abdominal lining.
Doctors may recommend chemotherapy or radiation before or after surgery for the best results.
Chemotherapy
Most mesothelioma doctors recommend chemotherapy to attack cancer cells throughout the body. It may be given before surgery to reduce tumor size, after surgery to address any remaining disease, or as the primary treatment when surgery isn’t recommended.
Karmanos oncologists develop customized chemotherapy drug regimens based on the patient’s needs and the latest treatment guidelines.
Get our Free Checklist of Questions to Ask Your Doctor to feel more confident and prepared during your next mesothelioma appointment.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is an exciting and rapidly growing area of mesothelioma treatment. Unlike chemotherapy, which targets all rapidly dividing cells, immunotherapy for mesothelioma helps the body’s immune system identify and attack cancer cells more precisely.
Immunotherapy drugs approved to treat mesothelioma include:
- Nivolumab (Opdivo®) and ipilimumab (Yervoy®): This combination of immune checkpoint inhibitors is approved for inoperable pleural mesothelioma and has shown improved survival compared to chemotherapy in certain patients.
- Pembrolizumab (Keytruda®): This drug targets the PD-1 pathway and helps immune cells better detect cancer cells.
Karmanos incorporates immunotherapy into mesothelioma treatment plans based on a patient’s cancer stage, cell type, and other factors.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy uses focused energy to slow tumor growth and ease symptoms, such as pain or difficulty breathing.
Advanced radiation techniques help limit damage to healthy tissue while maximizing the impact on cancer cells. This supports better patient outcomes and quality of life.
Patients at Karmanos Cancer Institute may complete chemotherapy before or after surgery or as a standalone treatment when other options aren’t viable.
Palliative Care
Karmanos patients also have access to palliative care to address symptoms and to manage side effects during treatment.
Palliative services at Karmanos Cancer Institute may include:
- Advance care planning
- Emotional support
- Family and caregiver assistance
- Pain management
- Spiritual guidance
The palliative care team at Karmanos works closely with oncologists and other specialists to ensure that patients feel comfortable and supported during and after treatment.
Supportive Care at Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute
A mesothelioma diagnosis comes with its own physical, emotional, and logistical challenges. Patients getting treatment at Karmanos have access to whole-person care to support them throughout their treatment journey.
Some of its in-house support services include:
- Art and music therapy
- Counseling
- Diet and nutrition planning
- Educational classes
- Smoking cessation
- Support groups
- Translation services
Every mesothelioma patient is matched with an oncology patient navigator who serves as a point of contact between them and their medical team.
Mesothelioma Clinical Trials & Research at Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute
The Karmanos Cancer Institute is a leader in cancer research, offering mesothelioma patients access to advanced treatments through its exceptional clinical trials program.
Two of its active clinical trials for mesothelioma include:
- BGC515 Capsules: Doctors are testing a new oral medication called BGC515 in patients with malignant mesothelioma.
- PRO1184 Infusion: Patients are receiving IV infusions of a new antibody drug called PRO1184 to see how well it works to treat mesothelioma.
Whether you’re newly diagnosed or exploring your next steps, a Karmanos mesothelioma doctor can see if you’re eligible to join a clinical trial.
“At any given time, Karmanos is conducting an average of 700 cancer-specific clinical trials and research projects.”
– Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute
Paying for Treatment at Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute
Cancer treatment can be expensive. Patients may be able to cover the cost of their medical care at Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute by pursuing mesothelioma compensation.
Mesothelioma compensation can come from:
- Asbestos trust funds: These were established by bankrupt asbestos companies to compensate those harmed by their products. On average, trust fund payouts range from $300,000 to $400,000, with over $30 billion still available. Claims are often processed in 90 days or less.
- Mesothelioma lawsuits: A law firm that specializes in asbestos-related claims can help patients or their families pursue settlement compensation. Settlements typically range from $1 million to $1.4 million, although lawsuits may result in higher amounts.
- VA benefits: Veterans exposed to asbestos during military service may be eligible for mesothelioma disability compensation worth $4,044.91 a month if married, as well as free or low-cost health care copays.
Any money received from these sources can help offset the costs of treatment, travel, palliative care, and other out-of-pocket expenses.
Get a Free Case Review to find out whether you’re owed mesothelioma compensation.
Get a Free Mesothelioma Case Review
Get Connected With Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may feel unsure of how and where to start seeking treatment. But no matter your circumstances, you don’t have to navigate your treatment journey alone.
At Mesothelioma Hope, we can help you understand your treatment options and connect you with Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute and other leading cancer centers.
Reach out to us online or call (866) 608-8933 for the support you need today.
Mesothelioma Hope has no affiliation with and is not endorsed or sponsored by Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute. Any contact information listed is for informational purposes only. You have the right to contact Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute directly.
Written by:Jenna Tozzi, RNJenna Tozzi, RN, is the Chief Patient Care Advisor for Mesothelioma Hope. With more than 15 years of experience as an adult and pediatric oncology nurse navigator, Jenna provides exceptional guidance and support to cancer patients and their loved ones. Jenna has been featured in Oncology Nursing News and is a member of the Academy of Oncology Nurse & Patient Navigators & the American Nurses Association.
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