- Specialty Pleural Mesothelioma
-
H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center
Address:12902 USF Magnolia Drive
Tampa, FL 33612
Telephone: (888) 663-3488 - Procedure Pleural Mesothelioma Surgery
Dr. Jacques Fontaine
Thoracic Surgeon
Dr. Jacques Fontaine is one of the most respected thoracic surgeons in the country. He currently treats pleural mesothelioma patients at Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Florida. Dr. Fontaine is an expert in using minimally invasive robotic surgery to treat mesothelioma. Learn more about Dr. Fontaine and get our help connecting with him today.
or call (866) 608-8933
Overview
About Dr. Jacques Pierre Fontaine
As a specialized thoracic surgeon, Dr. Jacques Fontaine treats patients with pleural mesothelioma. This type of cancer is found in the lining of the lungs and accounts for the majority of mesothelioma cases. He can also treat lung and esophageal cancer.
Dr. Fontaine is best known for his expertise in robotic surgery and is one of the few thoracic surgeons in the nation who specializes in it. He also has extensive experience performing surgical procedures for pleural mesothelioma, including extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP) and pleurectomy/decortication (P/D).
Dr. Fontaine currently works at the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Florida. Since 2011, he has worked with Moffitt’s pulmonologists, oncologists, and researchers to develop innovative treatment approaches that help patients live longer, more comfortable lives.
“We are lucky enough to be in a league of our own at Moffitt Cancer Center. Our surgeons are ultra-specialized in doing cancer surgery on one specific body part. I do the same surgery over and over again for cancer on one specific body part, and we all work together that way.”
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Dr. Fontaine’s Medical Specializations
Jacques Fontaine, MD, is a top-rated doctor specializing in thoracic oncology. In 2013, he was named the director of the Mesothelioma Research and Treatment Center at Moffitt Cancer Center.
Dr. Jacques Fontaine is considered an expert in robotic surgery at Moffitt Cancer Center. He uses the da Vinci® Surgical System to perform minimally invasive surgical and diagnostic procedures.
These surgeries involve the use of robots to perform EPP and P/D, which attempt to control mesothelioma tumors by removing the lung lining and, in some cases, the infected lung.
“The surgery involves me as a human surgeon controlling instruments using a very precise tool called a robot. Compared to traditional surgical techniques, cuts are smaller, there is less pain, faster recovery, and less chance of complications.”
Dr. Fontaine also strongly believes in clinical research to improve mesothelioma treatment. He is an advocate for the trials performed through Moffitt’s Experimental Therapeutics Program and often encourages his patients to participate in clinical studies when appropriate.
Some of Dr. Jacques Fontaine’s career highlights include:
- Completing a fellowship in thoracic surgery at Harvard University
- Serving as chief resident of thoracic surgery at Brigham and Women’s Hospital
- Working under renowned mesothelioma specialist Dr. David Sugarbaker
- Receiving recognition as the top thoracic disease doctor in the Tampa Bay Area for three years
Multimodal Treatment Philosophy
Dr. Fontaine firmly believes in the use of multimodal treatment, or using surgery, chemotherapy, and/or radiation together to combat mesothelioma.
As a thoracic surgeon with specialized skills in advanced surgical techniques, he collaborates with chemotherapy and radiation specialists to ensure patients receive the best possible care.
“Collaboration is the key to the treatment of lung cancer, esophageal cancer, or mesothelioma. Sometimes surgery is not enough.
The combination of chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery is the key to the best chance of a cure. You need all three under one roof. And that’s what we do here at Moffitt Cancer Center.”
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Dr. Jacques Fontaine’s Medical Background
Dr. Jacques Fontaine attended medical school at McGill University in Montreal, Quebec, followed by training in general surgery at Boston University.
Dr. Fontaine completed his specialization in thoracic surgery at Harvard University, where he graduated as the top thoracic resident at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. During this time, Dr. Fontaine worked alongside the acclaimed late mesothelioma specialist Dr. David Sugarbaker and developed an interest in this cancer.
After his extensive schooling, Dr. Fontaine was recruited by Brown University Medical School to join their Department of Thoracic Surgery.
Today, he brings a passion for problem solving married with a deep calling to help people with mesothelioma. A cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming, but he emphasizes the importance of hope — and walks alongside his patients during their journey.
“Patients can have hope by saying, ‘I may not get cured of this cancer, but I can live with this cancer — and I’m going to do everything I can to have the best quality of life and get the most enjoyment out of my life with whatever time I have.”
Dr. Jacques Fontaine’s multicultural background contributes to his success. He is fluent in Arabic, English, French, and Spanish, allowing him to effectively communicate with patients and colleagues of diverse backgrounds.
Awards & Honors
Dr. Jacques Fontaine is among the nation’s top thoracic surgeons and specialists. He was named Tampa Magazine‘s top thoracic surgeon in 2018, 2019, and 2021, highlighting his ongoing commitment to the field and his patients.
Professional Affiliations
Dr. Fontaine holds several licenses and board certifications in his field.
These professional affiliations include:
- American College of Chest Physicians (FACCP) Fellow
- American College of Surgeons (ACS) Fellow
- Board certification by the American Board of Surgery and the American Board of Thoracic Surgery
- Royal College of Surgeons of Canada (FRCA) Fellow
Dr. Jacques Fontaine’s Research and Publications
Dr. Jacques Fontaine has contributed to many scientific publications analyzing emerging treatment methods and their effects on cancers like mesothelioma.
Over the last decade, he has studied robotic surgery across different cancer stages and surgical procedures for treating mesothelioma, lung cancer, and esophageal cancer.
Other clinical research Dr. Jacques Fontaine has been involved with:
- Impact of histology classification on pathologic treatment response and overall survival in distal esophageal cancer patients: a propensity matched analysis. Published in Disease of the Esophagus, September 2020.
- Outcomes of 350 Robotic-assisted Esophagectomies at a High-volume Cancer Center: A Contemporary Propensity-score Matched Analysis. Published in Annals of Surgery, November 2020.
- Pretreatment CT and 18 F-FDG PET-based radiomic model predicting pathological complete response and loco-regional control following neoadjuvant chemoradiation in oesophageal cancer. Published in the Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Oncology, December 2020.
These studies have helped confirm that robotic surgery is a safe and feasible treatment for patients.
Additionally, his research has shown that this technique may be the most effective at removing large tumors with minimal damage and discomfort.
Get in Touch with Dr. Jacques Fontaine and Other Mesothelioma Specialists
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, help is available. Specialists like Dr. Jacques Fontaine can develop a custom treatment plan for your situation — giving you the best chance to fight your cancer.
Our Patient Advocates can help you:
- Find a specialist near you
- Understand your treatment options
- Determine how to pay for treatments
Call us at (866) 608-8933 now or get started with our Free Doctor Match service.
Mesothelioma Hope has no affiliation with and is not endorsed or sponsored by Dr. Jacques Fontaine. Any contact information listed is for informational purposes only. You have the right to contact Dr. Jacques Fontaine directly.
Written by:Jenna Tozzi, RNJenna Tozzi, RN, is the Chief Patient Care Advisor for Mesothelioma Hope. With more than 15 years of experience as an adult and pediatric oncology nurse navigator, Jenna provides exceptional guidance and support to cancer patients and their loved ones. Jenna has been featured in Oncology Nursing News and is a member of the Academy of Oncology Nurse & Patient Navigators & the American Nurses Association.
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