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1500 East Duarte Road
Duarte, CA 91010 - Chief, Division of Thoracic Surgery Dr. Jae Y. Kim
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City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center
When facing a rare and aggressive disease like mesothelioma, where you turn for treatment can make all the difference. City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center in Duarte, California, is one of the nation’s top hospitals for mesothelioma care. Get help connecting with City of Hope Cancer Center and accessing the best treatments.
About City of Hope Cancer Center
Founded over 100 years ago, City of Hope is a National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center in California known for combining cutting-edge research with patient-centered care.
Ranked among the nation’s top cancer hospitals by U.S. News & World Report, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center offers advanced therapies, innovative clinical trials, and a multidisciplinary approach to treating mesothelioma, lung cancer, and other asbestos-related diseases.
“City of Hope embodies the commitment to discovering new treatments that enhance quality of life for cancer patients.”
– Dr. Ravi Salgia, mesothelioma specialist at City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center
City of Hope’s ongoing work in drug development, gene therapy, and precision medicine continues to drive progress in oncology (the study of cancer treatment). The center’s approach focuses on effective treatment and quality of life through personalized care plans and holistic patient support.
City of Hope Cancer Center Mesothelioma Doctors
Mesothelioma is a rare and complex cancer, which is why patients need the knowledge of highly trained experts. The mesothelioma doctors at City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center bring years of experience combined with compassionate care.
City of Hope mesothelioma specialists include:
- Dr. Jae Y. Kim: Thoracic surgeon
- Dr. Jyoti Malhotra: Medical oncologist
- Dr. Ramya Muddasani: Medical oncologist
- Dr. Dan J. Raz: Thoracic surgeon
- Dr. Ravi Salgia: Medical oncologist
- Dr. Edward Wenge Wang: Medical oncologist
- Dr. Yanghee Woo: Surgical oncologist
These oncologists (cancer doctors) are experienced in diagnosing and treating both pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma, the most common types of this cancer.
Use our Free Doctor Match to connect with mesothelioma specialists at City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center – Duarte.
Mesothelioma Treatment Options at City of Hope Cancer Center
Each mesothelioma cancer diagnosis is unique, and treatment plans must be tailored to a patient’s specific needs. At City of Hope Duarte, patients are offered advanced treatment options based on their cancer type, stage, and overall health.
Mesothelioma Surgery
Surgery can be an important treatment option for people with pleural or peritoneal mesothelioma, especially when the cancer is found early and hasn’t spread. City of Hope mesothelioma surgeons perform advanced procedures to remove tumors and affected tissue as safely and effectively as possible.
Common mesothelioma surgeries include:
- Extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP): Removes the lung, pleura (lung lining), part of the diaphragm, and nearby lymph nodes
- Pleurectomy/decortication (P/D): Preserves the lung while removing the pleura and visible tumors
- Cytoreductive surgery with heated chemotherapy (HIPEC): Often used for peritoneal mesothelioma, followed by heated chemotherapy applied directly to the abdominal cavity
For all of these surgeries, the goal is to remove as much of the tumor as possible while keeping patients safe and maintaining their quality of life. The type of surgery used (if any) depends on each patient’s individual diagnosis and overall health.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy remains one of the most common forms of mesothelioma treatment and is typically used in combination with other therapies like surgery or radiation therapy.
At City of Hope, patients benefit from advanced delivery methods that aim to destroy cancer cells while managing side effects such as fatigue, nausea, and lowered immunity.
Pemetrexed (Alimta®) and cisplatin or carboplatin are commonly used mesothelioma chemotherapy drugs.
City of Hope’s medical oncology team closely monitors how patients respond to treatment and adjusts chemotherapy regimens to reduce side effects and support overall well-being.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy has shown promise for many mesothelioma patients. It works by stimulating the body’s own immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells more effectively.
At City of Hope, patients may receive approved checkpoint inhibitors — drugs that help block proteins the cancer uses to hide from the immune system — such as nivolumab (Opdivo®) and ipilimumab (Yervoy®).
Immunotherapy may be especially effective for patients who aren’t candidates for surgery or chemotherapy, or who have advanced or recurrent mesothelioma that’s come back after treatment.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to target and destroy mesothelioma cancer cells. At City of Hope, radiation oncologists rely on precision technology to provide radiation while limiting the damage done to healthy tissue in the process.
This treatment may be used:
- After surgery to kill remaining cancer cells
- As a palliative measure to reduce pain and improve comfort
- In combination with other therapies for enhanced effectiveness
Techniques such as intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and image-guided therapy ensure patients receive high-quality, focused treatment with fewer side effects.
Download our Free Doctor Questions Checklist to make sure you’re getting the right treatment for your diagnosis.
Emerging Therapies in Clinical Trials
In addition to standard treatment methods, City of Hope leads the way in targeted therapy and other emerging treatments.
These options focus on the genetic and molecular features of malignant mesothelioma, enabling providers to select therapies that specifically block cancer growth.
Examples of new treatments include:
- Drugs that target biomarkers on tumor cells
- Experimental agents developed through cutting-edge cancer research
- Personalized medicine based on genetic testing
These treatments often have fewer side effects than more intensive options like chemotherapy and can be more effective for certain patients than traditional methods.
Supportive Care for Mesothelioma at City of Hope Cancer Center
Beyond medical excellence, the cancer center at City of Hope is committed to delivering high-quality supportive care that addresses the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of mesothelioma patients and their loved ones.
Supportive care services include:
- Counseling and mental health support
- Educational resources to empower patients and families
- Financial and transportation assistance
- Nutrition guidance and pain management
- Palliative care for comfort and symptom relief
City of Hope Cancer Center understands that patient care goes beyond treatment. It’s about building trust, easing fear, and helping people feel supported during one of the most challenging times in their lives.
Mesothelioma Clinical Trials at City of Hope Duarte Cancer Center
City of Hope is a national leader in mesothelioma clinical trials, offering patients early access to innovative treatments not yet available to the general public.
One such trial is currently recruiting patients with advanced or recurrent mesothelioma to try a CAR NK-cell therapy called CTX131. This new treatment uses genetically modified immune cells to target and destroy mesothelioma cells.
City of Hope Cancer Center’s close affiliation with the NCI and other major research groups puts it at the forefront of the fight against mesothelioma.
Participating in a clinical trial can offer significant benefits, especially for patients with advanced disease or limited treatment options. City of Hope’s dedicated research staff works closely with each patient to determine if they can join a trial and explain all potential side effects, benefits, and risks.
Find out if you qualify for a mesothelioma clinical trial — use our Free Doctor Match to connect with City of Hope specialists.
Get Connected With City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma and lives in Southern California, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center offers expert, personalized care. The center’s specialists use the latest treatments and research to help patients manage their diagnosis and improve their quality of life.
At City of Hope, patients benefit from:
- Access to advanced treatments and clinical trials
- Comprehensive support and symptom management
- Experienced mesothelioma specialists
Mesothelioma Hope can help you connect with world-class doctors at City of Hope Cancer Center and across the country.
Call (866) 608-8933 or use our Free Doctor Match now to get started.
Mesothelioma Hope has no affiliation with and is not endorsed or sponsored by City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center. Any contact information listed is for informational purposes only. You have the right to contact City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center 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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