MD Anderson Cancer Center

About MD Anderson Cancer Center

As one of the nation’s leading cancer centers, MD Anderson is at the forefront of mesothelioma research and treatment. The center’s experts are pioneering advances in cancer care to offer patients the best possible outcomes.

MD Anderson has been ranked the No. 1 cancer center by U.S. News & World Report every year since 2015.

MD Anderson’s focus is on providing individualized care, backed by innovative cancer research and clinical trials that bring the latest therapies directly to mesothelioma patients.

Key Facts About MD Anderson

• 100% of its surgeons are trained in cancer treatment
• Main campus is in the Texas Medical Center
• Participated in over 1,500 cancer trials during 2023
• Treats over 170,000 patients each year

In addition to its main hospital in Houston, the MD Anderson cancer network also includes locations in Conroe, League City, and Sugar Land.

Take the next step toward accessing expert medical care at MD Anderson Cancer Center with Mesothelioma Hope’s Free Doctor Match service.

Patient Care at University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center

Patients at MD Anderson benefit from a skilled health care team and a wide range of comprehensive support services designed to address the unique challenges of mesothelioma. The center’s multidisciplinary approach ensures that each patient receives a treatment plan tailored to their specific needs.

MD Anderson’s mesothelioma specialists & support services include:

• Medical oncologists
• Nutritionists
• Pain management specialists
• Palliative care providers
• Pulmonologists
• Radiation oncologists
• Social workers
• Support groups and counseling services
• Surgical oncologists
• Thoracic surgeons

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, the expert care provided at MD Anderson Cancer Center can make all the difference. Call Mesothelioma Hope today at (866) 608-8933 to connect with a specialist and get the support you need.

MD Anderson Mesothelioma Doctors

MD Anderson’s mesothelioma team includes some of the top doctors in the field. These specialists have extensive experience in diagnosing and treating mesothelioma and are dedicated to providing personalized care.

Some top specialists who treat patients at MD Anderson Cancer Center include:

Prepare for your next appointment with confidence by downloading our Free Checklist of 14 Questions to Ask Your Mesothelioma Doctor.

Mesothelioma Treatment Options at MD Anderson

MD Anderson Cancer Center is known for its comprehensive and personalized approach to treating mesothelioma. Patients benefit from a wide range of advanced treatment options tailored to their type and stage of mesothelioma.

Surgery

Surgery is a cornerstone of mesothelioma treatment at MD Anderson. The center offers advanced surgical procedures designed to remove as much of the cancerous tissue as possible and improve patient outcomes.

Key surgeries for mesothelioma include:

• Extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP): This extensive procedure involves the removal of an entire lung, along with the lining of the chest and diaphragm, to eliminate as much of the cancer as possible.
• Pleurectomy with decortication (P/D): This lung-sparing surgery removes the lining of the affected lung and all visible tumors and is a less aggressive procedure than an EPP.

These procedures are performed by highly skilled thoracic surgeons who specialize in mesothelioma, ensuring the highest standards of patient safety and surgical success.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy may be administered at various stages of cancer treatment at MD Anderson:

• Before surgery to make the procedure more effective
• After surgery to shrink tumors or target remaining cancer cells

Chemotherapy at MD Anderson Cancer Center is personalized to each patient, targeting their specific tumor type and considering their overall health.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is an innovative treatment that harnesses the power of the body’s immune system to fight mesothelioma. At MD Anderson, cancer patients have access to two immunotherapy drugs that have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a first-line (initial) treatment for mesothelioma.

These drugs include:

• Nivolumab (Opdivo®)
• Ipilimumab (Yervoy®)

These drugs are typically delivered via intravenous (IV) infusion and are designed to help the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells more effectively.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy at MD Anderson utilizes the most advanced technologies to precisely target mesothelioma tumors while sparing healthy tissue.

Key techniques include:

• Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT): A highly accurate radiation technique that adjusts the radiation dose to the shape of the tumor
• Image-Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT): A method that uses imaging during treatment to improve accuracy and effectiveness

Radiation therapy may be used on its own or in combination with surgery and chemotherapy to relieve symptoms and keep tumors from growing.

Our team can help you get in touch with top mesothelioma specialists for treatment. Use our Free Doctor Match service to get started.

Mesothelioma Clinical Trials & Research at MD Anderson

MD Anderson Cancer Center is at the cutting edge of mesothelioma research, offering patients access to new treatments through clinical trials. Current trials include novel therapies designed to improve survival rates and quality of life for mesothelioma patients.

MD Anderson Cancer Center is currently enrolling patients in clinical trials for:

• A phase I study of an oral medication targeting a specific protein in pleural mesothelioma (cancer of the lung lining) that hasn’t responded to prior treatments
• A phase I/II study of the targeted therapy gavo-cel with and without immunotherapy for advanced mesothelioma
• A phase II study of a monoclonal antibody for CD30 positive (+) malignant mesothelioma that cannot be removed with surgery
• A phase II study of chemotherapy with or without immunotherapy for peritoneal mesothelioma, which affects the abdominal lining

Reach out to our Patient Advocates at (866) 608-8933 to see if you or a loved one qualifies for these or other clinical trials.

“As a top-ranked cancer center, MD Anderson’s researchers are pioneering remarkable advances to give you the best chance for fighting mesothelioma.”
– MD Anderson Cancer Center

Getting Mesothelioma Treatment at MD Anderson Cancer Center

At Mesothelioma Hope, we’re here to help you navigate your treatment journey and make sure you have access to the best medical care and guidance.

Our Patient Advocates can:

• Connect you with top mesothelioma specialists
• Help you request appointments at the best hospitals
• Let you know what to expect during treatment
• Share free financial resources with your family

Call us directly at (866) 608-8933 or use our Free Doctor Match to get started.