Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center

Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Iowa is one of the nation’s leading cancer hospitals, providing treatments for mesothelioma, lung cancer, and more. At Holden, patients can access care to help them live longer and improve their quality of life. Connect with Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center now.

About Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Iowa

Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Iowa in Iowa City treats mesothelioma, lung cancer, and other thoracic (chest-related) cancers.

It’s the state’s only National Cancer Institute (NCI)-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, meaning it offers some of the newest therapies and more advanced cancer treatments than non-designated hospitals.

Holden Cancer Center’s commitment to innovative cancer care improves the chances of mesothelioma patients living as long as possible and with less pain.

“The mission of Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center is to decrease the pain and suffering caused by cancer in Iowa, surrounding communities, and the world.”
– Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center

Holden Cancer Center Doctors

The Holden Cancer Center has a team of doctors who collaborate to treat mesothelioma, thoracic cancers, and other diseases at the University of Iowa Health Care Medical Center.

Mesothelioma doctors on staff at the Holden Comprehensive Cancer Care Center include:

Dr. Evgeny Arshava – Thoracic surgeon
Dr. Carlos Chan – Surgical oncologist
Dr. Muhammad Furqan – Medical oncologist
Dr. John Keech – Thoracic surgeon

Doctors at Holden provide compassionate and comprehensive care, from the beginning of your cancer journey to follow-up care focused on managing symptoms and enhancing your quality of life.

Use our Free Doctor Match to connect with mesothelioma doctors at Holden Comprehensive Cancer Care Center.

Mesothelioma Treatment Options at Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center in Iowa City

Mesothelioma patients at Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center can access many mesothelioma treatments, including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation, and surgery.

Your medical team can develop a personalized treatment plan based on factors like the type and stage of mesothelioma you have and your overall health.

“Patients treated at NCI-designated cancer centers like ours are 25% more likely to have better outcomes than those treated at other centers.”
– Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center

Find out about treatments available at Holden that may help you or a loved one with mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma Surgery

The goal of mesothelioma surgery is to remove as much of the cancer as possible to improve outcomes. Patients with early-stage mesothelioma may qualify, especially if they’re otherwise in good health.

Common mesothelioma surgeries include:

Cytoreductive surgery, which is used to treat peritoneal mesothelioma. Doctors first remove visible tumors and then wash the abdominal cavity with heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) to kill any remaining cancer cells.
Extrapleural Pneumonectomy (EPP), used for pleural mesothelioma. This surgery removes all cancerous tumors, the lung closest to the cancer, and the lung lining (pleura).
Pleurectomy with Decortication (P/D), another pleural mesothelioma treatment option. This involves the removal of the tumors and the pleura while sparing both lungs.

A Holden thoracic surgeon can evaluate your case to determine if surgery may be an option and explain what you can expect if you decide to go that route.

Chemotherapy

Mesothelioma chemotherapy uses powerful drugs like pemetrexed and carboplatin to kill cancer cells or stop them from growing.

Doctors may use chemotherapy at Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center before surgery (neoadjuvant treatment) or to shrink tumors after surgery (adjuvant treatment).

Mesothelioma chemotherapy may also be used as the primary treatment for patients who don’t qualify for surgery. Holden’s medical oncology team ensures that each patient gets a chemotherapy plan tailored to their mesothelioma diagnosis and treatment goals.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to shrink tumors while leaving healthy cells unharmed. It can help reduce cancer symptoms and improve the effectiveness of other treatments.

Mesothelioma radiation is often used with treatments like chemotherapy and surgery to improve health outcomes.

Immunotherapy

One of the newest types of treatment for mesothelioma is immunotherapy, which stimulates the body’s immune system to find and destroy more cancer cells.

Immunotherapy drugs approved for mesothelioma include:

Nivolumab (Opdivo®) and ipilimumab (Yervoy®): When used together, these two drugs may help patients live longer than with chemotherapy alone.
Pembrolizumab (Keytruda®): Approved to treat pleural mesothelioma in September 2024, this new immunotherapy drug has shown promising results in helping patients battle mesothelioma.

Although some immunotherapy treatments are already available, many more are being tested in clinical trials. The Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center is leading several of these efforts, including trials of new immunotherapies developed by its doctors.

Palliative Care

Mesothelioma patients treated at the Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center can access a variety of palliative care options to help with pain management during their cancer journey.

Mesothelioma palliative treatments include medications, minor surgeries, and sometimes alternative therapies designed to help with symptoms like fluid buildup, breathing difficulty, and appetite loss.

At the University of Iowa’s Holden Cancer Center, a team of doctors, nurses, nutritionists, and other health care providers can create a palliative care plan to make you as comfortable as possible.

Download our Free Questions to Ask Your Doctor Checklist to get the answers you need when meeting with a specialist.

Patient Care at the University of Iowa’s Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center

The Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center provides patient-centered, holistic care. Your care team will support you and your loved ones throughout diagnosis, treatment, and beyond.

“As part of a nationally recognized cancer center, our team focuses on every aspect of cancer, including what your life will be like when your treatment is complete.”
– Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center

Supportive services offered by Holden Cancer Center include:

Diet and nutrition help
Mental health services
Pulmonary rehabilitation
Support groups for patients and caregivers

These services are designed to help cancer patients navigate the physical and emotional toll associated with a diagnosis.

Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center Research & Clinical Trials

The Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center is also a leader in cancer research and clinical trials that aim to change the way cancer is treated. Its focus on cancer research ensures patients receive the most current and effective care available.

Holden’s Dr. Muhammad Furqan is the lead investigator of one of these clinical trials. This Phase I/II trial studies the safety and tolerability of IMC-F106C in patients with advanced solid tumors. IMC-F106C is a novel protein that activates the immune system to fight cancer.

A doctor at Holden Cancer Center can help determine if you may be eligible to join a clinical trial and walk you through the process of getting involved.

Paying for Treatment at Holden Cancer Center

Mesothelioma treatments can be expensive, but patients may be able to access financial support to cover costs at Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Families may be eligible for mesothelioma compensation from:

Asbestos trust funds: Over $30 billion is available in these trusts, which were created by bankrupt asbestos companies to avoid their legal liabilities. Mesothelioma trust fund claims award $300,000 to $400,000 on average.
Mesothelioma lawsuits: Patients may be able to file lawsuits seeking compensation from the manufacturers of asbestos products that put them in harm’s way. These lawsuits are typically worth $1 million or more, and a law firm can handle all the legal work.
VA benefits: U.S. veterans with mesothelioma often qualify for disability payouts worth $4,044.91 a month. Other benefits, like free medical care from the VA health system, may also be available.

Financial support can make a real difference, allowing families to focus on care and healing rather than worrying about medical bills.

Getting Mesothelioma Treatment at Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center

Being diagnosed with mesothelioma can feel overwhelming, but choosing the right treatment center can make the journey ahead a little easier.

The Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center is one of the nation’s leading hospitals for mesothelioma care. Patients benefit from innovative treatment options, a collaborative team of specialists, and access to groundbreaking clinical trials that may not be available elsewhere.

At Mesothelioma Hope, we’re committed to helping you navigate your next steps. We can connect you with top mesothelioma doctors nationwide, including at Holden, and help you understand which treatments may offer the best chance for a longer, fuller life.