OHSU Knight Cancer Institute

About OHSU Knight Cancer Institute

The Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU) Knight Cancer Institute — also called the Knight — is located on the university’s Portland campus.

The Knight is led by Dr. Brian Druker, whose groundbreaking cancer research discoveries have advanced treatment options for all types of cancer.

The mission of OHSU Knight Cancer Institute is to end cancer as we know it. To support this mission, the Knight provides groundbreaking targeted therapy to patients with advanced cancer, including mesothelioma. It also focuses greatly on early detection, which can offer more treatment options and improved cancer care.

The Knight emphasizes the importance of multidisciplinary care for cancer patients. As a result, it has hundreds of fellowship-trained, specialized physicians to treat patients and provide insight into cases. The institute treats over 6,000 patients each year.

Knight Cancer is Oregon’s only academic health center. Its presence in the Pacific Northwest is vital as the number of mesothelioma cases in Washington, Oregon, and California exceeds the national average.

Get your Free Mesothelioma Guide for more information about top cancer centers and how to connect with them.

Quick Facts About OHSU Knight Cancer Institute

Many mesothelioma patients choose OHSU Knight Cancer Institute for the following reasons:

• The only Comprehensive Cancer Center in Oregon, an elite status awarded by the National Cancer Institute
• U.S. News & World Report ranks the best hospital in Oregon as of 2024
• The use of well-established mesothelioma treatments, including immunotherapy, HIPEC, and TTFields
• Coordinated and collaborative mesothelioma treatment involving different specialists
• A guest house for mesothelioma families who live outside the Portland area
• Early pioneers in “personalized cancer medicine” for cancer treatment
• Groundbreaking research and clinical trials for mesothelioma and other cancers
• A research program with about 1,400 projects annually

OHSU Knight Cancer Institute’s Mesothelioma Program

The Knight Cancer Institute uses a team-based approach to cancer treatment, including mesothelioma. Specialists in oncology, surgery, radiation, thoracic and pulmonary care, nurses, nutritionists, and other experts advise on cases.

“We start at the DNA, and then we work outward to the whole person. We can offer the most promising therapies for an individual cancer to patients right here in Oregon.”
– OHSU Knight Cancer Institute

Collaboration happens both in person and virtually. For example, doctors meet regularly for “tumor board meetings” to review scans and lab results and collaborate about the best treatment options.

Mesothelioma Doctors at OHSU Knight Cancer Institute

Doctors at Knight’s mesothelioma program include:

• Dr. Ravi Chandra
• Dr. Lisa Coussens
• Dr. John M. Holland
• Dr. Ted L. Huang
• Dr. Nima Nabavizadeh
• Dr. Paul Schipper
• Dr. Mithran S. Sukumar

The mesothelioma doctors at OHSU Cancer Institute are among the best in the world at fighting this rare and aggressive cancer.

Connect with our Patient Advocates if you want help getting matched with a doctor at OHSU Knight Cancer Institute or another of the top mesothelioma cancer treatment centers.

Mesothelioma Treatment Options at OHSU Knight Cancer Institute

OHSU Knight Cancer Institute allows mesothelioma patients to access promising new treatments. These include heated intraperitoneal chemoperfusion (HIPEC) for peritoneal mesothelioma patients and TTFields for pleural mesothelioma.

“Electric field therapy, also known as tumor-treating fields (TTFields), is a promising new treatment for mesothelioma.”
– Knight Cancer Institute

Doctors offer minimally invasive treatments whenever possible. In many cases, the medical team will suggest multiple treatments as part of an individualized plan.

Mesothelioma treatment options at OHSU Knight Cancer Institute include:

• Surgery: Video-assisted and robotic surgeries allow for less invasive procedures. Some patients may be eligible for the lung-sparing pleurectomy with decortication (P/D), while others may benefit most from extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP).
• Chemotherapy: A chemotherapy regime is often used with surgery to kill cancer cells before and/or after the operation. For some patients, chemotherapy is used as a palliative (pain-relieving) treatment.
• Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC): An innovative treatment technique that combines surgery (often cytoreduction surgery) and a warm chemotherapy bath.
• Radiation: Doctors use targeted radiation therapy to apply treatment with precision and accuracy. Radiation may be used alongside surgery or as a standalone treatment. Your initial visits involve a consultation with radiation specialists and a “simulation visit” to plan how best to administer it.
• Immunotherapy: A more recent treatment option, immunotherapy uses the immune system to kill cancer cells with checkpoint inhibitors, such as nivolumab and ipilimumab.
• Tumor-treating fields (TTFields): A wearable device that delivers mild electrical pulses instead of radioactive beams to kill cancer cells. The FDA approved this treatment in 2019. Optune Lua is the brand name of one such device. An OHSU patient was the second-ever to receive this treatment
• Support Services: Many alternative treatments and support services are available at the Knight Cancer Institute, including therapy, exercise classes, support groups, nutrition, and spiritual services.

Treatment Update

Optune Lua™ treatment now offered at OHSU Knight Cancer Institute

Top doctors in Oregon and across the country are accepting new mesothelioma patients now. Our FREE Doctor Match program connects you with a nearby mesothelioma doctor specializing in your exact diagnosis.

OHSU Knight Cancer Institute Clinical Trials and Research

Cancer research and clinical trials are significant components of OHSU Knight Cancer Institute, with over 1,400 research projects being conducted each year.

At the Knight Cancer Institute, researchers focus on four core areas of cancer study:

• Cancer biology
• Cancer prevention and control
• Quantitative oncology
• Translational oncology

“If we understand what drives the growth of cancer, we can target that abnormality with a safe, effective treatment.”
– Dr. Brian Druker, Director of the Knight Cancer Institute

OHSU is also involved in over 400 clinical trials. Mesothelioma clinical trials can lead to breakthrough treatments not available to the general public.

Patient Experience at OHSU Knight Cancer Institute

All services take place in one location within the Knight Cancer Institute. Therefore, patients who require a diagnosis, surgery, chemotherapy, or support services will not have to transfer between various sites to receive care.

OHSU Knight Cancer Institute offers patients and their families a wide range of support services and resources.

These include:

• Acupuncture: To help ease treatment side effects.
• Animal therapy: Some in-hospital patients can request a visit from a dog or cat during treatment.
• Classes and community events: Support groups, learning opportunities, and various classes are available to patients and their families.
• Housing: The Knight offers on-campus lodging for out-of-town patients.
• Language interpreters: Available in all languages, including sign language.
• Nutritionists: On-site dieticians to help patients manage cancer effects and analyze their nutritional status.
• Rehabilitation: To help patients recover from treatment and to improve their overall quality of life.
• Spiritual services: A non-denominational sacred space is located in the building. Patients may also call a chaplain during challenging times.

“The nurses at the clinic were so amazing. They make you feel like family. They have a job that truly makes a difference in the world.”
– Lisa, biphasic mesothelioma patient treated at OHSU Knight Cancer Institute

The Knight Cancer Institute also provides social services and resources for financial planning, at-home care, palliative care, survivorship, and various forms of therapy.

The institute offers several knowledge programs, including cancer registries to participate in cancer research initiatives and the Patient Education Resource Center.

First Visit

Before your first visit to the Knight Cancer Institute, a care representative will contact you to discuss your appointment and answer any questions you may have. They will also confirm your insurance and billing information.

If you are undergoing surgery or another procedure, the Knight representative will tell you how to prepare and what items to bring.

Parking is free for patients and their family members and friends. There is free valet parking and RV parking available nearby.

Insurance Information

OHSU Knight Cancer Institute accepts most major health insurance plans. Patients should check with their insurance provider or the institute to confirm acceptance.

The Knight currently accepts health insurance plans, including:

• Aetna
• CareOregon
• Cigna
• Humana
• Kaiser Permanente
• MultiPlan
• UnitedHealthcare
• Many other insurance plans

Financial assistance through the Knight Cancer Institute may be available to patients who meet eligibility criteria.

The Knight’s Financial and Medicaid Services department helps patients apply for state health care coverage and benefits. It also helps patients and their families navigate bill payments and insurance matters.

Seeking Treatment at OHSU Knight Cancer Institute

OHSU Knight Cancer Institute is recognized as one of the country’s most elite comprehensive cancer centers. With top doctors on staff and breakthrough mesothelioma treatment options, it is a top choice for many families.

Mesothelioma Hope can help connect you with top cancer centers like OHSU Knight Cancer Institute near you. Call (866) 608-8933 or contact us now. Our passionate Patient Advocates are standing by to help connect you to the nation’s top mesothelioma cancer treatment centers.