Simmons Cancer Institute at SIU | Mesothelioma Treatment

About Simmons Cancer Institute at SIU

Simmons Cancer Institute at Southern Illinois University (SIU) is a nationally recognized research center for comprehensive cancer care.

As part of the SIU School of Medicine, it plays a vital role in delivering top-tier treatments for patients diagnosed with mesothelioma and other rare diseases.

The center also participates in mesothelioma research and clinical trials, providing patients with access to new, innovative therapies.

This mesothelioma treatment center is committed to serving cancer patients in Springfield, Decatur, and other areas across the Midwest.

Simmons Cancer Institute Mesothelioma Doctors

Simmons Cancer Institute at SIU brings together a dedicated team of experts with extensive experience in treating mesothelioma.

Each mesothelioma specialist plays a distinct role in the diagnosis, treatment, and long-term care of cancer patients.

Mesothelioma doctors at Simmons Cancer Institute include:

Dr. Traves Crabtree – Thoracic surgeon
Dr. Emily Sturm – Surgical oncologist

Use our Free Doctor Match for help connecting with mesothelioma specialists at Simmons Cancer Institute.

Mesothelioma Treatment Options at Simmons Cancer Institute

SIU Medicine’s Simmons Cancer Institute offers a full range of advanced mesothelioma treatments tailored to the needs of each patient.

Surgery

Surgery can be an effective way to treat mesothelioma cancer, especially when the disease is diagnosed in its earlier stages. The goal of mesothelioma surgery is to remove as much cancer as possible to improve a patient’s quality of life.

The most common surgeries used to treat mesothelioma at Simmons include:

Pleurectomy with decortication (P/D): This procedure removes the diseased pleura (the lining of the lungs) and any visible tumors while preserving the lung. It’s the preferred surgery for pleural mesothelioma.
Extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP): This is a more aggressive pleural mesothelioma surgery that removes the affected lung, parts of the diaphragm, pleura, and surrounding tissue. It is typically considered when the cancer has spread more extensively.
Cytoreductive surgery with HIPEC: This is the standard surgery for peritoneal mesothelioma and involves removing tumors in the abdominal cavity. After the surgery, heated chemotherapy is applied to kill any remaining cancer cells in the abdomen.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is a core part of many mesothelioma treatment plans at Simmons Cancer Institute. These cancer-fighting drugs are designed to destroy mesothelioma cells or slow their growth.

Common chemotherapy drugs used for mesothelioma include:

Carboplatin
Cisplatin
Gemcitabine
Pemetrexed

Chemotherapy may be administered before surgery to shrink tumors, after surgery to target remaining cancer cells, or as the main treatment for patients who don’t qualify for surgery.

Get our Free Checklist of Questions to Ask Your Doctor and take it with you to your next visit to make sure you receive the best possible care.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is a newer type of treatment that helps the body’s immune system fight mesothelioma. Cancer cells can hide from the immune system, but immunotherapy helps the body recognize and attack them more effectively.

Immunotherapy drugs currently approved to treat mesothelioma include:

At Simmons Cancer Institute, immunotherapy is part of a personalized treatment plan and may be used alone or together with surgery and chemotherapy. It can be especially helpful for patients who aren’t able to have surgery or when other treatments aren’t working.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy targets and destroys cancer cells with high-energy beams, such as X-rays or protons. Radiation is aimed directly at cancer cells to damage their DNA and prevent them from growing back.

At SIU, radiation therapy is used to:

Ease painful symptoms caused by tumor pressure
Kill remaining cancer cells after surgery
Shrink tumors before surgery, making them easier to remove

Radiation is often used alongside other treatments, such as chemotherapy or immunotherapy, as part of a comprehensive, multimodal treatment plan.

Palliative Care

Mesothelioma palliative care focuses on relieving pain, improving breathing, and addressing a cancer patient’s emotional and spiritual concerns.

Palliative care may include:

Emotional support
End-of-life decision-making
Family support and caregiver guidance
Pain management with medication or non-drug therapies
Treatment of symptoms like fatigue, nausea, and chest pain

Palliative care is not limited to hospice patients. Many mesothelioma patients receive palliative services at the same time as standard treatments to make them feel more comfortable.

Supportive Care at Simmons Cancer Institute

Simmons Cancer Institute believes in providing whole-person care. Mesothelioma patients are treated not just for their disease but for the physical, emotional, and social challenges that come with it.

Available support services include:

Access to support groups
Guidance from patient advocates
Mental health counseling
Nutrition and wellness programs

Whether you are from Springfield, Decatur, or another part of Illinois, your SIU care team will help coordinate every aspect of your treatment and recovery.

Simmons Cancer Institute Mesothelioma Clinical Trials & Research

Simmons Cancer Institute at SIU actively works to advance the science of diagnosing and treating mesothelioma cancer by participating in clinical trials.

Current cancer research efforts include:

Enhancing comfort, reducing treatment fatigue, and improving overall quality of life for patients through supportive care
Exploring targeted therapies that attack specific genetic mutations found in mesothelioma tumors
Optimizing the timing and combination of chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery to improve life expectancy and minimize side effects

These trials are conducted in partnership with national research organizations, including the National Cancer Institute.

Paying for Treatment at Simmons Cancer Institute

Cancer treatment can be costly, but patients at Simmons Cancer Institute may qualify for various sources of mesothelioma compensation.

Mesothelioma patients can pursue compensation from:

Asbestos trust funds: These were established by bankrupt asbestos companies to compensate individuals harmed by their products. On average, trust fund payouts range from $300,000 to $400,000, with over $30 billion still available. Claims are often processed within 90 days or less.
Mesothelioma lawsuits: A law firm that specializes in asbestos-related claims can help patients or their families pursue settlement compensation. Settlements typically range from $1 million to $1.4 million, although some cases may result in higher amounts.
VA benefits: Veterans who were exposed to asbestos during military service may be eligible for a 100% disability rating and monthly compensation. This translates to approximately $3,831.30 per month for single veterans and $4,044.91 per month for married veterans.

These financial resources can help offset the costs of treatment, travel, palliative care, and out-of-pocket expenses.

Request a Free Case Review with our legal partners to see if you or a loved one is eligible for compensation.

Get Connected With Simmons Cancer Institute

Simmons Cancer Institute at SIU offers high-quality cancer care for mesothelioma patients in a compassionate, supportive setting.

Its experienced team of oncologists, surgeons, and support staff works together to guide patients in Illinois and other areas of the Midwest through every step of their treatment and recovery.

Contact Mesothelioma Hope today to get in touch with Simmons Cancer Institute. We can also determine if you’re eligible for financial compensation to cover medical expenses.