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Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center

Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center

Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins provides specialized and multidisciplinary medical care for mesothelioma patients. The center is part of the Johns Hopkins Hospital network and has facilities across the Washington, D.C. and Baltimore metropolitan areas. Specialists at Kimmel Cancer Center have experience treating both pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma.

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About Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins

Within the esteemed Johns Hopkins Hospital, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center has earned its reputation as a trailblazer in cancer care.

Founded in 1973, the center has consistently pushed the boundaries of cancer research, treatment, and patient support, garnering international acclaim along the way.

Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center has made significant strides in treating mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive cancer caused by asbestos exposure.

The center’s esteemed mesothelioma specialists have led studies to develop new treatment methods for this rare cancer to improve patients’ quality of life.

Key Facts on Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center

  • National recognition: Ranked among the top cancer centers in the nation by U.S. News & World Report
  • Clinical trials: Offers a range of clinical trials for immunotherapy and other cutting-edge treatments
  • Mesothelioma program: Specializes in diagnosis, treatment, and management of mesothelioma with leading experts and innovative treatments
  • Community engagement: Actively involved in community outreach and education for cancer prevention and treatment

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Mesothelioma Treatment Options at Sidney Kimmel

The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center offers various treatment options for patients diagnosed with mesothelioma.

Multimodal Treatment Plans

Mesothelioma patients receive personalized multimodal treatment plans tailored to their specific diagnosis and needs.

These plans often combine multiple treatment methods, such as surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiation therapy, to maximize effectiveness and improve outcomes.

A multidisciplinary team of experts collaborates to develop and implement these comprehensive treatment plans, ensuring a coordinated approach to care.

Surgery

Surgical intervention plays a crucial role in the treatment of mesothelioma at Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center.

The center offers advanced mesothelioma surgery, including extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP) and pleurectomy with decortication (P/D), to remove cancerous tissue and improve patient outcomes.

Highly skilled thoracic surgeons with expertise in mesothelioma perform these procedures, ensuring optimal surgical outcomes and patient safety.

Chemotherapy

The center provides access to the latest chemotherapy drugs and develops treatment regimens that are tailored to each patient’s tumor characteristics and overall health.

Chemotherapy may be administered before or after surgery to shrink tumors, improve surgical outcomes, or target residual cancer cells.

“We discovered some very unique features related to the genomic footprints of both the patient and the tumor that seem to determine clinical responses…all of these findings have the potential to be translated into new strategies to treat patients with mesothelioma.”
Dr. Valsamo Anagnostou, Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center

Immunotherapy

A promising new treatment method, immunotherapy for mesothelioma supports the body’s own immune system to target and fight cancer. Immunotherapy is often administered via an intravenous (IV) infusion, with two drugs FDA-approved for first-line mesothelioma treatments — nivolumab (Opdivo®) and ipilimumab (Yervoy®).

Researchers at Johns Hopkins have studied how chemotherapy and immunotherapy may be used together to improve patient outcomes.

Radiation Therapy

Advanced radiation techniques, such as intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT), allow for precise targeting of tumors while minimizing damage to healthy tissues.

Radiation therapy may be used as a standalone treatment or in combination with surgery and chemotherapy to achieve optimal disease control and symptom relief.

Mesothelioma Program at Kimmel Cancer Center

Mesothelioma treatment at the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center is delivered primarily through its Lung and Esophageal Cancer Program at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center. Patients may also see doctors at one of Sidney Kimmel’s other locations, including its surgery center in Lutherville, Maryland, and its outpatient cancer center in Baltimore.

”Patients who visit the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins have access to some of the most innovative and advanced therapies in the world.”

Its mesothelioma program stands as a beacon of hope for patients diagnosed with this rare cancer, offering comprehensive care, innovative treatments, and unwavering patient support.

Multidisciplinary Care Team

Led by a team of world-renowned experts in the field, the mesothelioma treatment program at Kimmel Cancer Center takes a multidisciplinary approach to care.

Specialists from various disciplines — including oncology, surgery, radiology, and pathology — collaborate to develop personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s needs.

The program’s care approach emphasizes precision and innovation with a focus on delivering the most advanced therapies available.

Emerging Therapies in Clinical Trials

From state-of-the-art surgical techniques to targeted chemotherapy and immunotherapy regimens, patients have access to a full spectrum of treatment options.

The program is committed to advancing the field of mesothelioma care through ongoing research and clinical trials.

By participating in cancer research and pioneering new treatment methods, the program strives to improve outcomes for mesothelioma patients at Johns Hopkins and beyond.

Patient Care at Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center

Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center provides exceptional and compassionate care to every patient who walks through its doors.

With a patient-centered approach at the forefront of its mission, the center prioritizes the physical, emotional, and psychological well-being of each person throughout their cancer journey.

To deliver comprehensive care of the highest standard, the center boasts a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals and support staff, including:

  • Cancer researchers
  • Clinical trial coordinators
  • Medical oncologists
  • Nurses
  • Nutritionists
  • Pathologists
  • Psychologists/psychiatrists
  • Radiation oncologists
  • Social workers
  • Thoracic surgeons

Mesothelioma Doctors at Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center

Cancer care at Johns Hopkins University Hospital is provided by a multidisciplinary team of mesothelioma doctors, oncologists, thoracic surgeons, and other specialists.

Some of its renowned mesothelioma specialists include:

  • Dr. David S. Ettinger
  • Dr. Josephine Louella Feliciano
  • Dr. Julie Renee Brahmer
  • Dr. Patrick Forde
  • Dr. Richard Battafarano
  • Dr. Russell Hales
  • ​​Dr. Stephen Yang

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Mesothelioma Clinical Trials & Research at Kimmel Cancer Center

Clinical research at Kimmel Cancer Center has advanced treatment in medical oncology and rare cancers like mesothelioma.

Some of its notable clinical trials include:

  • A phase I/II study that combined pembrolizumab (Keytruda®) with standard chemotherapy, revealing promising tumor shrinkage and survival outcomes.
  • A phase I trial that focused on modulating the tumor microenvironment, showing potential for disease stabilization.
  • A phase II study that combined the two immunotherapy drugs nivolumab (Opdivo®) and ipilimumab (Yervoy®), demonstrating lasting survival benefits.

These initiatives underscore the center’s commitment to pioneering new treatment approaches and improving outcomes for mesothelioma patients.

Getting Mesothelioma Treatment at Kimmel Cancer Center

If you live in the Northeast and are looking for dedicated mesothelioma treatment, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins is an excellent option to consider.

Mesothelioma Hope can connect you to the best cancer treatment centers in the nation so you can get the medical care you need.

Call our team at (866) 608-8933 or fill out our contact form to get in touch today. We can help you take the next step toward personalized mesothelioma treatment at Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Mesothelioma Hope has no affiliation with and is not endorsed or sponsored by Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center. Any contact information listed is for informational purposes only. You have the right to contact Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center directly.

Jenna TozziWritten by:

Chief Patient Care Advisor

Jenna Tozzi, RN, is the Chief Patient Care Advisor for Mesothelioma Hope. With more than 15 years of experience as an adult and pediatric oncology nurse navigator, Jenna provides exceptional guidance and support to mesothelioma patients and their loved ones. Jenna has been featured in Oncology Nursing News and is a member of the Academy of Oncology Nurse & Patient Navigators & the American Nurses Association.

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References
  1. Johns Hopkins Medicine. (n.d.). Lung Cancer Program at the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center. Retrieved on June 5, 2024, from: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/kimmel-cancer-center/cancers-we-treat/lung-cancer-program
  2. Johns Hopkins Medicine. (n.d.). Meet Our Experts. Retrieved on June 5, 2024, from: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/kimmel-cancer-center/our-experts
  3. Johns Hopkins Medicine. (n.d.). Multidisciplinary Lung Cancer Clinics. Retrieved on June 5, 2024, from: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/kimmel-cancer-center/cancers-we-treat/lung-cancer-program/multidisciplinary-clinics
  4. Johns Hopkins Medicine. (n.d.). Cancer Clinical Trials. Retrieved on June 5, 2024, from: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/kimmel-cancer-center/clinical-trials
  5. Johns Hopkins Medicine. (Nov. 2021). Immunotherapy-Chemotherapy Treatment Coupled with In-Depth Genomic Analyses Leads to Improved Survival for Patients with Mesothelioma. Retrieved on June 5, 2024, from: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/news/newsroom/news-releases/2021/11/immunotherapy-chemotherapy-treatment-coupled-with-in-depth-genomic-analyses-leads-to-improved-survival-for-patients-with-mesothelioma
  6. National Cancer Institute. (n.d.) Treatment Clinical Trials for Mesothelioma. Retrieved on June 5, 2024, from: https://www.cancer.gov/research/participate/clinical-trials/disease/mesothelioma/treatment
  7. National Library of Medicine. (May 2021). Tumor microenvironment as a therapeutic target in cancer. Retrieved on June 5, 2024, from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8084948/
  8. National Library of Medicine. (Dec. 2020). Phase 1/2 Trial of Pembrolizumab and Concurrent Chemoradiation Therapy for Limited-Stage SCLC. Retrieved on June 5, 2024, from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10600713/
  9. U.S. News & World Report. (Aug. 2018). U.S. News Announces 2018-19 Best Hospitals. Retrieved on June 5, 2024, from: https://www.usnews.com/info/blogs/press-room/articles/2018-08-14/us-news-announces-2018-19-best-hospitals
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