University of New Mexico Cancer Center

University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center

University of New Mexico Cancer Center in Albuquerque is the only National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center in the state. It provides specialized care for mesothelioma and other asbestos-related illnesses. Patients can also access emerging therapies to help manage their disease, improve quality of life, and potentially extend survival.

About University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center

UNM Cancer Center in Albuquerque is a top mesothelioma treatment hospital for patients throughout the Southwest.

With its multidisciplinary care team, advanced imaging tools, and National Cancer Institute (NCI) research programs, UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center ensures that each patient receives the very best medical care for mesothelioma.

At UNM, a team of over 600 cancer care experts helps treat about 65% of cancer patients across New Mexico and works with local clinics to bring care closer to where people live.

In 2024, it cared for more than 15,000 patients through nearly 105,000 clinic visits, and over 2,000 patients joined research studies to explore new ways to prevent and treat cancer.

Mesothelioma Doctors at University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center

UNM Cancer Center doctors are trained in a variety of fields, including medical oncology, surgery, radiation, and palliative care. These specialists work closely together to develop personalized mesothelioma treatment plans for each patient.

Mesothelioma doctors at UNM Cancer Center include:

Dr. Alissa Greenbaum – Surgical oncologist
Dr. David Lee – Radiation oncologist
Dr. Jennifer Nishimura – Thoracic surgeon

Use our Free Doctor Match to get in touch with mesothelioma specialists at UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Mesothelioma Treatments at University of New Mexico Cancer Center

Mesothelioma is a complex and challenging condition to treat. At University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center, patients have access to a range of advanced mesothelioma treatment options designed to improve prognosis and quality of life.

Surgery

Surgery is one of the primary mesothelioma treatment options at UNM Cancer Center, particularly when the cancer is diagnosed at an early stage.

Mesothelioma surgeries available at UNM Cancer Center include:

Pleurectomy with decortication (P/D): A treatment for pleural mesothelioma where the surgeon removes tumors from the lung lining (pleura) while preserving the lung.
Extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP): A procedure for more advanced stages of pleural mesothelioma during which the affected lung and surrounding tissues are removed.
Cytoreduction with heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC): A treatment for peritoneal mesothelioma that involves surgery to remove tumors, followed by heated chemotherapy to kill any microscopic cancer cells left behind.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy uses powerful drugs to kill cancer cells or stop them from growing. These drugs can be delivered through an IV infusion, a pill, or injected directly into the body, depending on the treatment plan.

Chemotherapy circulates throughout the body, making it effective for targeting cancer that has spread from its original location.

Common drugs used to treat mesothelioma cancer include cisplatin and pemetrexed. They may be used before surgery to shrink tumors or afterward to kill remaining cancer cells.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy helps the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells by enhancing the body’s natural defenses. In mesothelioma, this treatment supports the immune system in identifying and destroying cancerous cells more effectively.

At the UNM Cancer Center, mesothelioma immunotherapy is often used when a patient isn’t eligible for surgery. In these cases, it can help slow the spread of the disease and may improve both survival and quality of life.

Approved immunotherapy drugs for mesothelioma include:

Immunotherapy is typically coupled with chemotherapy for the best results. It may also be offered through clinical trials testing new types and combinations of immunotherapy drugs.

Download our Free Doctor Questions Checklist so you know exactly what to ask at your next mesothelioma appointment.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy is used to target and destroy cancer cells, especially in areas that are difficult to reach through surgery. It is often combined with chemotherapy or surgery in multimodal treatment.

It works by using high-energy X-rays or protons to damage the DNA of cancer cells, preventing them from dividing and growing.

This treatment is highly precise, often guided by imaging technology to target the tumor while minimizing damage to the surrounding healthy tissue.

Palliative Care

Mesothelioma can cause significant discomfort as it progresses, which is why palliative care is an essential part of treatment at University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center.

This type of patient care focuses on alleviating pain and enhancing quality of life rather than curing the disease.

Mesothelioma palliative care services at UNM Cancer Center include:

Counseling and emotional support
End-of-life care planning
Noninvasive surgeries like thoracentesis
Nutritional guidance

These services are provided alongside standard treatments or as the main type of therapy if curative ones are no longer effective.

Supportive Care at UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center

University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center is dedicated to holistic and supportive cancer care for all patients.

In addition to medical treatment, the center provides services to help patients and their families cope with the emotional, mental, and physical challenges of a mesothelioma diagnosis.

Some of its support services include:

Diet and nutrition counseling
Insurance coordination
Mental health and wellness programs
Pain management
Support groups

Mesothelioma patients are paired with an advocate who helps guide them through each step of their cancer journey.

Clinical Trials & Research at University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center

University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center is deeply involved in advancing mesothelioma treatment through clinical research.

Its team of oncologists and cancer researchers conducts clinical trials specifically focused on mesothelioma. These studies help patients access new treatments that could possibly help them live longer.

Clinical trials at UNM are currently exploring:

Combinations of immunotherapy checkpoint inhibitors to stimulate the immune response against mesothelioma tumors
Less invasive chemotherapy drug regimens that reduce side effects while effectively killing cancer cells
Targeted therapies focusing on specific genetic markers in pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma

Join a Clinical Trial

We can help you get started by matching you with the right trial. Give us a call at (866) 608-8933 to speak with our oncology nurse navigator Liz Logan.

Paying for Treatment at University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center

Mesothelioma treatment can be expensive, but financial compensation is available to help patients and their families manage the costs.

Many patients pursue these compensation options to pay for treatments:

Asbestos trust funds: Bankrupt asbestos companies set up trust funds to pay victims harmed by their products. Total payouts range from $300,000 to $400,000 on average, and most claims are processed in 90 days or less.
Mesothelioma settlements: Specialized law firms can help victims file lawsuits for compensation. The average settlement is $1 million to $1.4 million, although some families have received more than this.
VA disability benefits: Veterans exposed to asbestos during military service may qualify for tax-free monthly payments from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Married veterans can receive up to $4,044.91 per month, along with access to VA health care.

Get a Free Case Review today to see what you may qualify for — it only takes a few minutes over the phone.

Get in Touch With University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center

Choosing where to get health care treatment is one of the most important decisions after a mesothelioma diagnosis.

University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center provides state-of-the-art therapies grounded in the latest research, expert care, and a team-based approach.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, the UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center in Albuquerque offers the care you need close to home.

Contact Mesothelioma Hope today to connect with this hospital today and start accessing specialized treatment.