Dr. David Bartlett

About Dr. David Bartlett, Pittsburgh Mesothelioma Specialist

David Bartlett, MD, is a board-certified surgical oncologist who specializes in treating cancers that develop within the abdominal cavity, including peritoneal mesothelioma, which forms in the lining of the abdomen.

Dr. Bartlett works with a team of specialists to create personalized treatment plans for patients with mesothelioma and other aggressive cancers. His expertise includes cytoreductive surgery, hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), and other advanced procedures.

Dr. Bartlett has helped improve mesothelioma treatment through both patient care and cancer research. His goal is to help patients access specialized therapies that may improve their survival and quality of life.

Use our Free Doctor Match to connect with Dr. Bartlett and learn more about mesothelioma treatment options in Pennsylvania.

What Health Conditions Does Dr. David Bartlett Treat?

Dr. Bartlett specializes in treating cancers that affect the abdomen and gastrointestinal system.

His primary areas of care include:

• Peritoneal mesothelioma
• Abdominal sarcomas
• Appendix cancer
• Bile duct cancer
• Colorectal cancers with peritoneal spread
• Gastric cancer
• Liver cancer
• Other abdominal cancers affecting the peritoneal cavity

He’s particularly well known for treating patients whose mesothelioma has spread throughout the abdominal cavity and who require highly specialized surgery.

Dr. David Bartlett’s Approach to Mesothelioma Treatment

Dr. Bartlett specializes in multimodal mesothelioma care, combining surgery with regional chemotherapy and newer treatments as needed.

He may use mesothelioma treatments such as:

• Cytoreductive surgery with HIPEC: Removal of visible tumors followed by heated chemotherapy delivered directly into the abdomen to target remaining cancer cells
• Personalized treatment planning: Care tailored to a patient’s diagnosis, disease stage, and overall health
• Regional chemotherapy delivery: Specialized treatments like pressurized intraperitoneal aerosol chemotherapy (PIPAC) that deliver medicine directly into the abdominal cavity
• Clinical trials: Access to emerging therapies and innovative treatment strategies

For patients with peritoneal mesothelioma, using these options may help extend survival while improving quality of life.

“My approach to patient care is really to listen to the patients, to do my best to put myself in their shoes, and to really figure out what the best and most appropriate treatment for them is.”
– Dr. David Bartlett, Pittsburgh mesothelioma specialist

Not sure what to ask during a mesothelioma consultation? Download our Free Checklist of Questions to Ask Your Doctor to help guide the conversation.

Dr. David Bartlett’s Medical Background

David Bartlett has spent decades building expertise in surgical oncology, cancer research, and the treatment of complex abdominal cancers.

He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Missouri before receiving his medical degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston Medical School.

After medical school, Dr. Bartlett completed a general surgery residency at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. He then pursued advanced fellowship training in surgical oncology at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York, one of the nation’s leading cancer centers.

In addition to his clinical training, Dr. Bartlett completed research fellowships focused on cancer biology and innovative cancer treatments. His combined experience in surgery, research, and academic medicine helped establish the foundation for his work with peritoneal mesothelioma patients.

Dr. Bartlett’s Work Experience

Dr. Bartlett has held leadership roles in cancer care, research, and medical education while helping advance treatment approaches for patients with mesothelioma.

His experience includes:

• Chair of the Allegheny Health Network Cancer Institute
• Former Vice Chairman of Surgical Oncology and Gastrointestinal Services at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC)
• Professor of Surgery at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
• Leadership of multidisciplinary cancer treatment and research programs
• Development of innovative treatments for peritoneal and regional cancer

His experience in surgical oncology and peritoneal surface malignancies has helped expand treatment options for patients, particularly through advances in cytoreductive surgery with HIPEC.

Highlights of Dr. David Bartlett’s Medical Career

Dr. Bartlett is widely recognized for helping develop innovative surgical techniques for patients with cancers affecting the abdominal cavity.

One of his most significant contributions has been studying regional intraperitoneal chemotherapy approaches that allow cancer-fighting drugs to be delivered directly where tumors are located.

His work has helped expand treatment options for patients with malignant peritoneal mesothelioma and other hard-to-treat abdominal cancers.

He has also conducted research through the National Cancer Institute and has spent decades studying new ways to improve cancer outcomes through surgery, targeted therapies, and immunotherapy.

Awards and Accolades

Dr. Bartlett has received numerous honors throughout his career.

His notable awards and honors include:

• ACES Award for Excellence in Patient Care
• American Society of Peritoneal Surface Malignancies Person of the Year Award
• Leo H. Criep Award for Excellence in Patient Care
• Pittsburgh’s Best Doctors
• PNC Elsie Hillman Distinguished Scholar Award

These distinctions reflect decades of contributions to cancer research, surgical innovation, and patient-centered care.

Professional Affiliations

Dr. Bartlett remains active in several professional organizations dedicated to advancing cancer treatment and surgical oncology.

His affiliations include:

• American College of Surgeons (ACS)
• American Medical Association (AMA)
• American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO)
• American Society of Peritoneal Surface Malignancies (ASPSM)
• Society of University Surgeons (SUS)
• Society of Surgical Oncology (SSO)
• Society of Laparoendoscopic Surgeons (SLS)

Through these organizations, Dr. Bartlett collaborates with fellow specialists to help improve standards of care and advance cancer treatment research.

Dr. David Bartlett’s Work in Cancer Treatment & Clinical Trials

Dr. Bartlett is actively involved in clinical trials and cancer research focused on improving treatment options for patients with peritoneal mesothelioma.

His research has focused on:

• Cytoreductive surgery to remove visible tumors
• HIPEC after surgery to kill remaining cancer cells
• New treatments for advanced mesothelioma
• Regional chemotherapy to directly fight mesothelioma cells
• Survival rates after mesothelioma treatment

His research has helped doctors better understand how surgery and chemotherapy can work together to treat peritoneal mesothelioma and improve life expectancy.

Use our Free Doctor Match to connect with Dr. Bartlett and learn whether a clinical trial may be right for you or a loved one.

Dr. David Bartlett’s Mesothelioma Research and Published Works

Dr. Bartlett has authored and co-authored numerous publications involving mesothelioma, peritoneal malignancies, and surgical oncology.

Notable research includes:

• Consensus Guideline for the Management of Peritoneal Mesothelioma. Published in Cancer, February 2025.
• The Chicago Consensus on Peritoneal Surface Malignancies: Management of Peritoneal Mesothelioma. Published in Cancer, September 2020.
• Treatment Factors Associated with Long-Term Survival After Cytoreductive Surgery and Regional Chemotherapy for Patients with Malignant Peritoneal Mesothelioma. Published in Surgery, June 2013.
• Analysis of Factors Associated with Outcome in Patients with Malignant Peritoneal Mesothelioma Undergoing Surgical Debulking and Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy. Published in Journal of Clinical Oncology, December 2003.

His publications have helped guide treatment strategies for patients with malignant peritoneal mesothelioma and related cancers.

Get Connected With Dr. David Bartlett

A mesothelioma diagnosis can bring uncertainty, difficult treatment decisions, and emotional challenges for patients and families.

Dr. David Bartlett is recognized for his expertise in malignant peritoneal mesothelioma and his commitment to advancing cancer treatment through research and innovation.

At Mesothelioma Hope, we help connect patients with experienced mesothelioma doctors, treatment centers, and support resources.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, our Patient Advocates are here to help. Call (866) 608-8933 or use our Free Doctor Match to connect with Dr. Bartlett and learn more about your treatment options.