Dr. Hedy Lee Kindler

About Dr. Hedy Lee Kindler

Hedy Kindler, MD, is a board-certified medical oncologist and a nationally recognized expert in mesothelioma. She serves as the Director of the Mesothelioma Program and Medical Director of Gastrointestinal Oncology at the University of Chicago Medicine.

In March 2025, she was appointed Associate Dean for Clinical Science Research in Human Subjects. She plays a key role in directing the university’s clinical trials, not just for mesothelioma cancer but for a wide range of other conditions.

For more than 25 years, Dr. Kindler has been with the University of Chicago, where she has developed one of the country’s top mesothelioma programs. She lost her own father to mesothelioma in 2001 and has since made it her life’s work to fight for better patient outcomes through personalized medicine and cutting-edge clinical trials.

Use our Free Doctor Match to connect with Dr. Kindler or another top mesothelioma expert near you.

Dr. Hedy Kindler’s Mesothelioma Treatment Approach

Dr. Kindler believes every patient deserves a treatment plan that’s tailored specifically to them. Instead of relying on a one-size-fits-all approach, she carefully studies the unique features of each person’s cancer.

This includes looking at the tumor’s genetic makeup, how the patient’s immune system is responding, and their overall health.

Dr. Kindler is also a respected leader in shaping national cancer treatment guidelines. In 2025, she helped update the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) guidelines for treating mesothelioma.

“All of us are individuals, and our tumors are individual, too. By being more precise about the biology of the tumor, we can hopefully have a better chance of that treatment actually helping the patient.”
– Dr. Hedy Lee Kindler, mesothelioma specialist

Medical Specializations

Dr. Kindler focuses on both pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the lungs, and peritoneal mesothelioma, which affects the abdominal lining. She specializes in systemic treatments like chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy.

Her areas of expertise include:

• Chemotherapy with drugs such as pemetrexed and cisplatin
• Immunotherapy and clinical trials using vaccines like CRS-207
• Personalized cancer treatment guided by tumor biology
• Quality-of-life research for mesothelioma patients before and after surgery
• Targeted therapy with bevacizumab, gemcitabine, and other medications

She also collaborates with surgeons to develop personalized treatment plans that combine medication with surgery when appropriate. This team-based approach ensures each patient receives the most effective care possible.

Dr. Hedy Lee Kindler’s Medical Background

Dr. Kindler earned her medical degree from the State University of New York (SUNY) at Buffalo in 1989. She completed her first internal medicine residency at the University of California, Los Angeles, followed by a second residency at Montefiore Medical Center at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine.

She later pursued a fellowship in oncology and hematology, where she began focusing her research on rare and aggressive cancers.

Since joining the University of Chicago, Dr. Kindler has become an integral part of its mesothelioma division, mentoring young physicians and advocating for expanded access to clinical trials. In her role as Associate Dean, she also leads efforts to design new research studies that could help improve care for mesothelioma patients across the country.

Need help preparing for your appointment with Dr. Kindler? Download our Free Checklist of Questions to Ask Your Doctor.

Highlights of Dr. Hedy Kindler’s Medical Career

Over her career, Dr. Kindler has authored more than 220 peer-reviewed publications, including academic papers, book chapters, and review articles. She has directly impacted how mesothelioma is treated.

She chairs and serves on several national committees, including ASCO and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN).

She’s an associate editor of Lung Cancer and holds editorial board positions with multiple cancer journals. From 2006 to 2010, she served two terms as president of the International Mesothelioma Interest Group (IMIG).

Awards and Accolades

Dr. Hedy Kindler is widely respected as a leader in mesothelioma care and research. Throughout her career, she has consistently been recognized for her excellence in patient care, clinical leadership, and groundbreaking contributions to cancer treatment.

Some of her top honors include:

• Best Doctors in America – Multiple years
• Castle Connolly Top Doctor – Medical Oncology, Chicago Metro Area (2024)
• Selikoff Lifetime Achievement Award – Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (2024)
• ‘Top Docs in Cook County’ by Chicago Magazine (2025)

These accolades speak to Dr. Kindler’s commitment to improving mesothelioma survival rates and quality of life for every patient. Whether through direct care, clinical research, or advocacy, she continues to set a high standard in the fight against this aggressive cancer.

Professional Affiliations

Dr. Hedy Kindler plays a key role in shaping the future of mesothelioma treatment through her involvement with top medical organizations. Her leadership in these groups helps guide treatment standards, influence new research, and improve patient outcomes.

She is an active member of the following professional organizations:

• American Association for Cancer Research (AACR)
• American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO)
• International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC)
• Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation (Meso Foundation)
• National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN)

Dr. Kindler’s ongoing work with these organizations ensures that she remains deeply connected to the most current research and treatment guidelines. This allows her to bring the latest innovations directly to her patients and contribute to the national and global conversation around mesothelioma.

Dr. Hedy Kindler’s Research and Published Works

From advancing imaging techniques to leading major clinical guidelines, Dr. Hedy Lee Kindler’s mesothelioma research continues to move the field forward. Her recent publications focus on precision medicine, treatment strategies, and innovative approaches, such as HIPEC surgery and immunotherapy.

Some of her recently published journal articles include:

• Molecular patterns of bicavitary mesothelioma. Published in Laboratory Investigation, 2025.
• Treatment of pleural mesothelioma: ASCO guideline update. Published in Journal of Clinical Oncology, 2025.
• Multisocietal consensus on the use of cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC for the treatment of diffuse malignant peritoneal mesothelioma: A GRADE approach for evidence evaluation and recommendation. Published in Journal of Surgical Oncology, 2024.
• Radiomics for differentiation of somatic BAP1 mutation on CT scans of patients with pleural mesothelioma. Published in Journal of Medical Imaging, 2024.

If you’ve been diagnosed with mesothelioma, having a doctor who’s actively involved in the latest research can make a significant difference. Experts like Hedy L. Kindler are up to date on the latest treatments and use their experience to provide patients the best care possible.

Use our Free Doctor Match to get in touch with Dr. Kindler and other specialists who can help you or a loved one.

Dr. Hedy Kindler’s Work in Cancer Treatment & Research

In addition to seeing patients, Hedy Kindler is a leader in mesothelioma research. She helps develop and test new treatments through clinical trials, which offer patients access to promising therapies that aren’t widely available yet.

Some of the innovative treatments she’s involved with include:

• CRS-207: A type of cancer vaccine that helps the immune system recognize and attack mesothelioma cells.
• Targeted therapies: These drugs, including bevacizumab, treat specific parts of cancer cells to stop their growth with fewer side effects than traditional chemotherapy.

Through her research and clinical leadership, Dr. Kindler is helping doctors better understand who is most at risk and how to treat mesothelioma more effectively. Her work gives patients hope by opening the door to newer, more personalized treatment options.

Get Expert Care From Dr. Hedy Lee Kindler

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, getting care from an experienced specialist can make a major difference in your treatment options and outcomes.

Dr. Hedy Kindler is one of the nation’s leading mesothelioma experts. She offers personalized, research-driven care and is known for giving patients access to the latest therapies through clinical trials.

Mesothelioma Hope has the tools and knowledge to connect you with Dr Hedy Lee Kindler and other top specialists and cancer centers.

Call (866) 608-8933 right now or use our Free Doctor Match to get started.