MD Anderson Cancer Center

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About MD Anderson Cancer Center

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center (MD Anderson) was established in 1941 as a free-standing medical center within the university. It is home to one of the country’s largest and most developed cancer treatment programs.

MD Anderson Cancer Center has an outstanding reputation within the global medical community. It is one of the three comprehensive cancer centers first designated by 1971’s National Cancer Act, which also established The National Cancer Institute (NCI).

Headed by president Dr. Peter WT Pisters, the center prides itself on its ability to rapidly turn scientific knowledge into better treatment and prevention for cancer patients.

“For more than 80 years, MD Anderson has changed the world by bringing life-saving innovation from research labs into the homes and hearts of millions.”

- MD Anderson Cancer Center

MD Anderson’s world-renowned physicians are extensively trained specialists who focus on one type of cancer and one particular treatment, which allows for unmatched expertise in specialties. This can be especially important with cancer as rare and aggressive as mesothelioma.

Fast Facts – MD Anderson Cancer Center

Over 19,000 employees and 1,600 full-time faculty scholars
Treats more than 122,000 patients each year in its Houston facility
Over 114,000 additional patients are treated through national/international affiliates within MD Anderson Cancer Network
Collaborates with 30 sister institutions in 23 countries
Ranked #1 in cancer care by U.S. News and World Report
Consistently ranked one of the two best hospitals in cancer care since 1990, when U.S. News & World Report began its annual “America’s Best Hospitals” rankings
Ranks first in the number of cancer research grants awarded by the National Cancer Institute
100% of its surgeons are trained in oncology, compared with 30% in community hospitals
One of the largest cancer centers in the world
Working to end cancer for over seven decades
World-renowned for developing and using frontline diagnostic technology
More nurses per patient than many of the nation’s hospitals
Accredited by the Joint Commission consistently since 1951
Launched its Moon Shots Program in 2012 dedicated to finding scientific breakthroughs that will significantly reduce cancer deaths
Affiliated with UTHealth Houston Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences to support research programs that turn into life-saving cancer treatment

For information on mesothelioma treatment at MD Anderson Cancer Center Houston or other top cancer treatment centers in the country, order our Free Mesothelioma Guide right now.

MD Anderson Cancer Center Patient Experience

At MD Anderson, the quality of care available to mesothelioma patients is unparalleled.

At this world-class facility, the patient experience is consistently assessed, measured, and improved upon in any way possible.

Patients are seen by a team of doctors and health care providers, each having expertise in treating mesothelioma.

MD Anderson also has licensed clinical social workers who can provide counseling, support group facilitation, resources, and other supportive services for patients. This combination of high-level medical and social work staff allows patients a complete and well-rounded care experience.

MD Anderson patient care fast facts:

In 2021, MD Anderson provided care for almost 175,000 patients
The center has helped 1.8 million patients since 1944
The center provided over $314 million in uncompensated care for Texans without sufficient insurance in 2021

Mesothelioma Program at MD Anderson Cancer Center

Mesothelioma patients are treated through MD Anderson’s Mesothelioma Program in the Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology. The program is led by Dr. Anne S. Tsao.

The following MD Anderson locations offer mesothelioma treatment:

MD Anderson League City
MD Anderson in Sugar Land
MD Anderson West Houston
MD Anderson the Woodlands
Thoracic Center

Patients are seen by a team of doctors and other health care providers who all have expertise in treating mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma Treatment at MD Anderson Cancer Center

MD Anderson Cancer Center is the vanguard of mesothelioma treatment, providing some of the most advanced treatment options available.

Did You Know?

MD Anderson is home to one of the world’s largest cancer clinical trials programs.

The experts at MD Anderson provide tailored treatment plans that aim not only at improving prognosis but also at improving lung function and maintaining a high quality of life for all patients.

Mesothelioma treatment will depend on factors such as:

Mesothelioma cell type
Mesothelioma location
Patient’s age and general health
Stage of mesothelioma

Treatment options offered at MD Anderson for mesothelioma may include advanced surgical techniques, targeted radiation therapy, and immunotherapy drugs.

Mesothelioma Treatment Options

The mesothelioma specialists at MD Anderson will provide personalized treatment recommendations based on the patient’s individual case.

Mesothelioma treatment at MD Anderson may include:

Extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP): An extensive surgery that removes the entire lining of the lung, along with the lung closest to the cancer tumors.
Pleurectomy/decortication (P/D): Surgery that removes the affected parts of the lung lining while leaving both lungs in place, allowing patients to recover faster and have a higher quality of life post-surgery.
Radiation therapy: Treatment that is usually used after surgery to kill cancer cells that were not visible during the procedure. It may also be used as a palliative treatment to reduce pain.
Chemotherapy: This can be used independently or as part of a multimodal approach. Chemotherapy involves delivering cancer-killing medicine into the body. It is the primary treatment for mesothelioma patients who are not eligible for surgery.
Targeted therapy: Treatment that works on the cellular level to interfere with cancer-causing genes to stop or slow cancer from growing or spreading.
Immunotherapy: Medications that boost the immune system to help it eliminate cancer. This treatment may include immune checkpoint therapy.

MD Anderson Mesothelioma Doctors

Working with knowledgeable mesothelioma doctors at MD Anderson Cancer Center allows patients to receive the best advice and treatment.

Your team of mesothelioma doctors may include medical oncologists, surgeons, radiation oncologists, pulmonologists, pathologists, and other health care providers. Each is an expert in their field and in mesothelioma.

Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgeons

Dr. Mara Antonoff
Dr. Wayne Hofstetter
Dr. Sophia Khan
Dr. Reza Mehran
Dr. Ravi Rajaram
Dr. David Rice
Dr. Boris Sepesi
Dr. Stephen Swisher
Dr. Ara Vaporciyan
Dr. Garrett Walsh

Thoracic Medical Oncologists

Dr. Mehmet Atlan
Dr. George Blumenschein
Dr. Lauren Byers
Dr. Tina Cascone
Dr. Yasir Elamin
Dr. Frank V. Fossell
Dr. Carl M. Gay
Dr. Don Gibbons
Dr. John Heymach
Dr. Xiuning Le
Dr. Charles Lu
Dr. Marcelo Vailati Negrao
Dr. Eric Singhi
Dr. Ferdinandos Skoulidis
Dr. Anne Tsao
Dr. Natalie Vokes
Dr. Jay Zhang

Thoracic Radiation Oncologists

Dr. Joe Chang
Dr. Aileen Chen
Dr. Stephen Chun
Dr. Saumil Gandhi
Dr. Zhongxing Liao
Dr. Steve Lin
Dr. Matthew Ning
Dr. Quynh-Nhu Nguyen
Dr. Michael O’Reilly
Dr. James Welsh

To avoid the pain and stress of misdiagnosis and receive appropriate treatment, you should always get a second opinion from a mesothelioma specialist.

Contact Mesothelioma Hope if you would like help getting matched with a mesothelioma specialist at MD Anderson Cancer Center or other top mesothelioma cancer treatment centers.

Mesothelioma Clinical Trials and Research at MD Anderson Cancer Center

Mesothelioma patients are often encouraged to participate in clinical trials due to the disease’s rare and aggressive nature. Mesothelioma clinical trials offer patients access to experimental treatments that are not yet available to the general population.

MD Anderson Cancer Center’s mesothelioma clinical trials cover all stages of the cancer. Many of its clinical trials are not offered anywhere else.

“In 2021, the FDA approved 48 new cancer drugs for public clinical use. MD Anderson contributed to the development of 29 of those — more than 60 percent.”

- MD Anderson Cancer Center

MD Anderson’s clinical trial program involves:

1,600 clinical trials
195 patents awarded to MD Anderson
9,684 patients in clinical trials
Over $1.03 billion spent on research

MD Anderson Cancer Center is also the site of many revolutionary research initiatives that improve how we treat mesothelioma and open up new possibilities for the future.

New areas that are being explored include:

Better ways to accurately diagnose mesothelioma
Pioneering targeted agents that assist your body in combating mesothelioma
Targeted radiation therapy treatments that minimize damage to healthy tissue and zone in on cancerous cells

MD Anderson’s mesothelioma research is helping doctors push the boundaries of what is possible with cancer treatment.

With continued research and testing of this caliber, mesothelioma cancer centers like MD Anderson will break down barriers in treatment and improve the lives of current and future patients.

Seeking Care at University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center

You can contact MD Anderson directly to request appointment assistance. However, if you would like dedicated help, connect with Mesothelioma Hope now.

Our Patient Advocates have over 65 years of combined experience. They are highly trained to offer personalized assistance to mesothelioma patients and their families.

Patient Advocates are standing by 24/7. They can review your diagnosis, answer your questions, and help match you with cancer treatment centers that best meet your treatment goals.

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