City of Hope Cancer Center Atlanta

City of Hope Cancer Center Atlanta provides comprehensive mesothelioma care for patients throughout Georgia and the surrounding region. As part of the City of Hope cancer network, the Atlanta center offers advanced treatment options, access to clinical trials, and supportive services for people diagnosed with mesothelioma after asbestos exposure. Get in touch with doctors at City of Hope Atlanta today.

About City of Hope Cancer Center Atlanta

City of Hope in Atlanta serves patients throughout Georgia who need specialized treatment for mesothelioma. The hospital is part of the larger City of Hope system, which operates cancer centers and research programs across the United States.

It can be difficult to diagnose mesothelioma because its symptoms are often mistaken for more common lung or abdominal conditions. Doctors at City of Hope Atlanta begin with detailed testing to diagnose the disease and determine how far it has spread.

City of Hope Atlanta offers mesothelioma patients:

Detailed testing to confirm a diagnosis
Chemotherapy and other systemic treatments
Advanced radiation therapy to target tumors
Access to clinical trials through the City of Hope network
Support services to manage symptoms and side effects

Because City of Hope Atlanta is a comprehensive cancer center, patients can receive care from one coordinated medical team. Instead of visiting multiple providers separately, patients work with specialists who communicate closely and plan treatment together.

“Patients benefit from our ‘centers’ care model, with specialists armed with disease-specific expertise, treatments, technology, and clinical trials.”
– City of Hope Cancer Center Atlanta

Mesothelioma Doctors at City of Hope Center Atlanta

City of Hope Atlanta provides access to experienced mesothelioma doctors and oncology specialists. These providers work together to guide treatment decisions.

Atlanta City of Hope mesothelioma specialists include:

Dr. Debora Bruno: Medical oncologist and Medical Director of Clinical Research
Dr. Shahin Chowdhury: Medical oncologist
Dr. Tolutope Oyasiji: Surgical oncologist
Dr. Nitika Sharma: Medical oncologist

These mesothelioma doctors work with nurses, imaging specialists, and supportive care providers to coordinate treatment. Patients typically meet with several members of the care team as they move through diagnosis and treatment.

If you’re looking to start treatment, our Free Doctor Match can connect you with experienced specialists at City of Hope Atlanta and other cancer centers in Georgia. Speaking with the right doctor can help you better understand your treatment options.

Mesothelioma Treatment Options at City of Hope Cancer Center Atlanta

Mesothelioma treatment depends on the type of disease, its stage, and a patient’s overall health. Doctors at City of Hope Atlanta review imaging scans, biopsy results, and other tests before recommending a treatment plan.

Many patients receive more than one type of therapy. Treatment for mesothelioma may include surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy, or palliative care. The care team works with patients and families to explain each option and help them choose the best approach.

Mesothelioma Surgery

Surgery may be considered for some patients with early-stage mesothelioma. The goal of mesothelioma surgery is to remove as much tumor tissue as possible.

Because mesothelioma surgery can be complex, City of Hope Atlanta surgeons carefully assess whether a patient is healthy enough for the procedure before recommending it.

Procedures used to treat pleural mesothelioma may include:

Pleurectomy and decortication (P/D), which removes the lung lining and visible tumors while leaving the lung in place
Extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP), which removes the affected lung and nearby tissue

For patients with peritoneal mesothelioma, surgeons at City of Hope Atlanta may perform cytoreductive surgery to remove tumors from the abdominal cavity. Doctors may then deliver heated chemotherapy directly into the abdomen during a procedure called HIPEC. This treatment helps destroy any microscopic cancer cells that are left behind.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy uses powerful medications to destroy cancer cells or slow their growth. These drugs travel through the bloodstream and can reach mesothelioma cells throughout the body.

Chemotherapy for mesothelioma may be used:

Before surgery to shrink tumors
After surgery to destroy remaining cancer cells
As the main treatment when surgery isn’t possible

Medical oncologists at City of Hope Atlanta typically use a combination of medications to treat mesothelioma. These chemotherapy drugs are given as intravenous (IV) infusions in scheduled treatment cycles. Patients receive treatment over several weeks, followed by rest periods to allow the body to recover.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is a treatment that helps the immune system find and attack mesothelioma cells. Sometimes mesothelioma tumors avoid the body’s natural defenses. Immunotherapy drugs help the immune system recognize mesothelioma cells and respond more effectively.

For certain mesothelioma patients, immunotherapy may be used as a first-line treatment or after other therapies. Some medications are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for mesothelioma, while others are being studied in clinical trials.

FDA-approved immunotherapy options at City of Hope Atlanta include:

Patients receiving immunotherapy are monitored closely for side effects. These treatments may cause immune-related reactions in some patients, which doctors manage through careful follow-up and supportive care.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to damage mesothelioma cells and prevent them from growing. Mesothelioma radiation may be used after surgery to target remaining cancer cells. In other cases, it may help relieve symptoms caused by tumor growth.

For patients with pleural mesothelioma, radiation therapy may help:

Reduce chest pain
Improve breathing
Slow tumor growth in specific areas

Radiation oncologists at City of Hope Atlanta carefully plan each treatment. Advanced imaging helps doctors direct radiation at mesothelioma tumors while protecting nearby organs such as the lungs, heart, and esophagus.

Treatments are usually delivered over several sessions. Each session lasts only a short time and is performed on an outpatient basis.

Palliative Care

The goal of palliative care for mesothelioma is to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life for people living with mesothelioma. This type of care can be provided alongside treatments such as chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation therapy.

Specialists at City of Hope Atlanta work closely with the patient’s oncology team to help manage symptoms and treatment side effects. Care plans are tailored to each patient’s needs and may change as treatment progresses.

Palliative care options may include:

Diet and nutrition counseling to help maintain strength during treatment
Mental health support for stress, anxiety, or emotional challenges
Oxygen therapy to help patients manage shortness of breath
Pain management using medications or other therapies
Prescription medications for nausea, appetite loss, and other side effects
Thoracentesis to drain fluid buildup around the lungs

Palliative care doesn’t replace cancer treatment. Instead, it supports mesothelioma patients throughout their care journey and helps maintain quality of life.

Preparing for treatment conversations can feel overwhelming. Download our Free Questions to Ask Your Doctor Checklist to help organize your thoughts and make the most of your next visit.

Patient Support for Mesothelioma at City of Hope Cancer Center Atlanta

A mesothelioma diagnosis can affect many parts of daily life beyond medical treatment. Patients and families often need help navigating emotional, financial, and practical challenges.

City of Hope Atlanta offers support services to help families manage these concerns throughout treatment, beginning at diagnosis and continuing through every stage of care.

Mesothelioma patients and families at City of Hope Atlanta have access to:

Social work guidance for financial planning and navigating insurance
Mental health counseling to help cope with stress and anxiety
Patient navigation services to coordinate appointments
Support groups, caregiver assistance, and educational resources

These services help patients stay informed and supported while receiving mesothelioma treatment. The goal is to reduce stress and help patients and families focus on care and recovery.

Mesothelioma Clinical Trials at City of Hope Cancer Center Atlanta

City of Hope Atlanta participates in clinical trials focused on mesothelioma and other cancers. Research is an important part of improving cancer treatment.

Mesothelioma clinical trials may study:

New immunotherapy combinations
Targeted therapy strategies
Drug combinations designed to improve outcomes
Novel treatment approaches

Some trials test new combinations of existing treatments, while others study emerging therapies. Clinical trials follow strict federal guidelines, and patient safety is closely monitored. Eligibility depends on factors such as the type of mesothelioma, cancer stage, and prior treatments.

If you’re interested in a clinical trial, our Free Doctor Match can connect you with mesothelioma specialists at City of Hope Atlanta and other cancer centers. A doctor can review your diagnosis and treatment history to determine whether you can join a clinical trial.

Get Mesothelioma Treatment at City of Hope Cancer Center Atlanta

Choosing where to receive medical care for mesothelioma can be difficult, especially after a new diagnosis. City of Hope in Atlanta, Georgia, provides comprehensive treatment plans tailored to each person’s type of mesothelioma, cancer stage, and other factors.

Patients in Atlanta and surrounding communities may have access to several treatment options, including surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy, and clinical trials. Speaking with a mesothelioma specialist can help you better understand your diagnosis, learn about available treatments, and decide what steps to take next.

Mesothelioma Hope can help connect you with doctors at City of Hope Atlanta and other trusted cancer centers in Georgia. Call (866) 608-8933 or use our Free Doctor Match service to get started.