Duke Cancer Center

About Duke Cancer Center

Duke Cancer Center in Durham, North Carolina, is nationally recognized for its research and treatment of mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive cancer caused by asbestos exposure.

The center offers comprehensive care for patients diagnosed with this challenging disease.

“Duke’s oncologists and surgeons are experts in mesothelioma and annually provide care for hundreds of patients suffering from the disease.”
– Duke Cancer Center

Duke Cancer Institute is ranked No. 1 in North Carolina and one of the Top 50 cancer centers in the country by U.S. News & World Report. The magazine also rates Duke University Hospital as “high performing” in lung cancer surgery.

Whether it’s using the latest diagnostic technologies or testing emerging treatments in clinical trials, Duke is committed to leading the way in the fight against cancer.

Request your Free Mesothelioma Guide now to learn about top cancer centers and how we can help you connect with them.

Mesothelioma Treatments Available at Duke Cancer Center

Duke Cancer Center patients have access to various types of mesothelioma treatment. Learn more about the different procedures and therapies they offer below.

Surgery

Duke Cancer Institute specializes in surgery for pleural mesothelioma.

The two main pleural mesothelioma surgeries are:

• Extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP), which removes the entire affected lung, part of the diaphragm, and the pleura (lung lining)
• Pleurectomy with decortication (P/D), which removes the pleura and as much of the cancer tumor as possible while sparing the lung

Both of these procedures can help ease symptoms and allow patients to live longer.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy targets cancer cells throughout the body, either before or after surgery, to shrink tumors, alleviate symptoms, and improve life expectancy.

Duke Cancer Center develops personalized chemotherapy regimens based on the patient’s overall health, cancer stage, and other factors.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is a promising new treatment approach that harnesses the body’s immune system to identify and attack cancer cells.

Patients with mesothelioma may be able to receive immunotherapy drugs like nivolumab (Opdivo®) and ipilimumab (Yervoy®) if they aren’t candidates for surgery or if their cancer hasn’t responded to previous treatments.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy is incorporated in mesothelioma treatment plans to target and destroy cancer cells while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues.

Radiation may be used alone or in combination with surgery and chemotherapy to manage symptoms and improve outcomes for cancer patients.

Patient Care at Duke Cancer Center

Duke Cancer Center takes a holistic approach to mesothelioma treatment. A collaborative team of oncologists (cancer doctors), surgeons, radiologists, and other specialists works closely to craft individualized treatment plans.

Duke Cancer Institute values shared decision-making and patient education during treatment. It also offers comprehensive support services for patients, including access to palliative care to manage mesothelioma symptoms and improve quality of life.

Its health care team includes:

• Counselors
• Nurses
• Nutritionists
• Palliative care specialists
• Radiologists
• Social workers
• Support staff
• Surgical oncologists

Each member of the team works together to provide compassionate cancer care for every mesothelioma patient.

Duke Cancer Center Mesothelioma Doctors

Duke Cancer Center is home to distinguished mesothelioma specialists who are dedicated to helping patients live longer, fuller lives.

Some top mesothelioma doctors at Duke Cancer Institute include:

• Dr. David Harpole Jr. (thoracic surgeon)
• Dr. Jeffrey Clarke (medical oncologist)
• Dr. Jeffrey Crawford (medical oncologist)
• Dr. Thomas A. D’Amico (thoracic surgeon)
• Dr. Travis S. Henry (radiologist)

With expertise in mesothelioma diagnosis, treatment, and research, these doctors are committed to delivering the highest standard of care.

Our Patient Advocates can connect you with top mesothelioma specialists in your area. Use our Free Doctor Match to get started.

Duke University Cancer Center Clinical Trials

Duke Cancer Center is at the forefront of mesothelioma research, conducting innovative clinical trials to advance treatment options for patients.

Some of the key areas of its research include:

• Combination immunotherapy with chemotherapy and radiation to improve survival
• Gene therapy, virotherapy, and other innovative treatment methods
• Surgery added to immunotherapy with Opdivo and Yervoy to stabilize sarcomatoid mesothelioma (the most aggressive cell type of this cancer)
• Targeted therapies designed to kill cancerous cells without damaging healthy ones
• Tumor biomarkers that could help predict a patient’s response to immunotherapy and other treatments

“We are committed to making innovative discoveries, developing new ways to prevent, diagnose, and treat cancer, and delivering those therapies in a patient- and family-centric way.”
– Duke Cancer Center

Getting Mesothelioma Treatment at Duke Cancer Center

If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, Duke Cancer Center can provide the compassionate and comprehensive care you need to improve your life expectancy.

Its team of medical experts is dedicated to furthering mesothelioma treatment through advanced patient care, cancer research, and clinical trials.

Call our free helpline at (866) 608-8933 so we can connect you with top mesothelioma specialists at Duke Cancer Center.