Washington Cancer Institute

Washington Cancer Institute is a top mesothelioma hospital in the heart of Washington, D.C. It is the city’s largest provider of cancer care, and it operates on a patient-focused philosophy. Those diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma can get the highest-quality treatments at the Washington Cancer Institute. We can help connect patients to mesothelioma hospitals near them.

About Washington Cancer Institute

The Washington Cancer Institute is part of MedStar Washington Hospital Center, one of the largest hospitals in the United States. Many patients with mesothelioma come here to receive world-class care.

MedStar Washington Hospital Center is consistently recognized on U.S. News and World Report’s “Best Hospitals” list among many other awards and honors. Founded in 1992, it has earned a reputation as the leading cancer center in Washington, D.C.

The staff at Washington Cancer Institute takes a personalized, patient-centered approach to caring for mesothelioma patients. The center specializes in the most advanced techniques in medical, surgical, and radiation oncology.

Learn how to find the best mesothelioma cancer centers and treatments in our Free Mesothelioma Guide, shipped overnight to you.

Asbestos and Mesothelioma at Washington Cancer Institute

Those with asbestos-related cancers like mesothelioma can expect a wide range of cutting-edge therapies at the Washington Cancer Institute.

Regarding mesothelioma, the Washington Cancer Institute is best known for its treatment of peritoneal mesothelioma.

Before his retirement in 2021, Dr. Paul Sugarbaker pioneered the successful treatment of peritoneal mesothelioma with the Sugarbaker Procedure — a combination of cytoreductive surgery and targeted heated chemotherapy (HIPEC).

Asbestos lung cancer patients can also see an experienced team of lung specialists at the Center for Comprehensive Lung Health.

Mesothelioma Doctors at Washington Cancer Institute

Radiation Oncology Specialists

Pamela Randolph-Jackson, MD
Adedamola B. Omogbehin, MD

Thoracic Surgery Specialists

Marc Margolis, MD

Surgical Oncology Specialists

Chukwuemeka Ihemelandu, MD
Mark Alan Steves, MD

Dr. Sugarbaker was previously the director of the Center for Surgical Oncology at the Washington Cancer Institute before he retired. Dr. Sugabaker was the leading surgeon in treating peritoneal mesothelioma and passed on his knowledge to the current staff.

He is the older brother of the prominent surgeon for pleural mesothelioma patients, the late Dr. David Sugarbaker.

Looking to find top mesothelioma doctors? Use our Free Doctor Match now.

Mesothelioma Treatment Options at Washington Cancer Institute

The Washington Cancer Institute takes a multidisciplinary approach to treating mesothelioma.

Patients with mesothelioma will consult with a group of experts to determine the most appropriate treatment.

Multiple treatments may be used, including:

Chemotherapy
Radiation
Surgery
Supportive care

Did You Know?

The Washington Cancer Institute launched the Peritoneal Surface Malignancies program in 1993 to better serve those with peritoneal mesothelioma and other complex cancers of the abdomen and pelvis.

While peritoneal mesothelioma used to have a poor health outlook, many patients treated at the Washington Cancer Institute now live full, active lives.

Surgery

The Washington Cancer Institute has several types of surgery for peritoneal mesothelioma and other abdominal cancers.

These cancer surgeries include:

Cytoreductive Surgery with HIPEC: As much of the tumor is removed as possible. Parts of organs like the liver, gallbladder, spleen, pancreas, or female reproductive organs may also need to be removed. Then, the surgery site is bathed in warm chemotherapy (HIPEC) to kill unseen cancer cells. This surgery is commonly used to treat peritoneal mesothelioma.
Peritonectomy: This surgery strips away the peritoneum (abdominal lining) to remove tumors.

Cytoreductive surgery with HIPEC is far and away the most commonly used surgery for peritoneal mesothelioma since it can help patients live longer.

Did You Know?

In 2022, Dr. Sugarbaker and the Washington Cancer Institute reported that roughly 80% of patients lived 5 years or more if they received cytoreduction with HIPEC and additional chemotherapy.

A prospective review of patients with peritoneal mesothelioma treated using cytoreduction with HIPEC revealed a median survival of 53 months (nearly 4 and a half years). Some patients can live for 15 years or more with this treatment.

Chemotherapy

Depending on the type of cancer and how far it extends, patients may need chemotherapy before or after surgery.

Chemotherapy may be administered:

Before surgery: If the tumor is growing quickly, chemotherapy may be needed before surgery. It’s typically taken at home for 2 months beforehand, with a month to recover before the surgery.
After surgery: Some patients may need chemotherapy following surgery, but only if the cancer is considered high-grade.

Doctors give HIPEC immediately after cytoreductive surgery while still in the operating room.

“We definitely can, as a result of our perioperative and then postoperative, long-term chemotherapy, control peritoneal metastases.”
— Dr. Paul Sugarbaker, former Washington Cancer Institute surgical oncologist

Doctors heat chemotherapy drugs to make them more powerful and then soak the surgical site in the abdomen directly. HIPEC kills any remaining cancer cells without significantly affecting the rest of the body.

Download our list of questions to ask a mesothelioma doctor so you can get the answers you need about top treatments.

Mesothelioma Patient Care Experience at Washington Cancer Institute

At the Washington Cancer Institute, patients can expect to receive a personalized approach when being treated for mesothelioma.

The center provides advanced care in every oncology specialty, and its multidisciplinary team works together to determine the best treatment for the patient.

Patients and their families can also find comprehensive nurse navigators and social work services to support them before, during, and after mesothelioma treatment.

Research at the Washington Cancer Institute

The Washington Cancer Institute is committed to providing state-of-the-art and emerging technologies that deliver the latest, safest, and most effective cancer treatments. The center includes new therapies offered through clinical trials to qualifying patients.

Experts at the Washington Cancer Institute encourage peritoneal mesothelioma patients to participate in clinical trials that they may be eligible for.

Seeking Treatment at Washington Cancer Institute

The Washington Cancer Institute is a world-renowned center for peritoneal mesothelioma treatment. Its staff is dedicated to providing the most comprehensive and patient-centered care by using the most up-to-date and effective treatments.

This center also strives for excellence in clinical care by promoting a healing environment and providing compassion and support before, during, and after treatment.

Call (866) 608-8933 now for help getting care from top mesothelioma cancer centers like the Washington Cancer Institute. Our team is standing by to find the best doctors and hospitals near you.