Illinois Mesothelioma Treatment

Mesothelioma patients in Illinois have access to some of the best doctors and treatment centers in the country. You may also qualify for asbestos compensation to help cover your medical bills and other expenses. Discover the top treatment options available in Illinois and get support in your fight against mesothelioma.

Fact-Checked and Updated by: Laura Wright

Last updated: July 11, 2025

Illinois Mesothelioma Treatment Centers

Getting care from experts who understand this rare cancer can make all the difference. Illinois is home to top mesothelioma centers that offer specialized treatment options and a range of support services for patients and families.

These Illinois cancer centers can provide the care and guidance you need after a mesothelioma diagnosis:

City of Hope Chicago

2520 Elisha Avenue
Zion, IL 60099

Endeavor Health Cancer Center

120 Spalding Drive Suite 111
Naperville, IL 60540

Marion VA Medical Center

2401 West Main Street
Marion, IL 62959

Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center

675 North Saint Clair Street
Floor 21, Suite 100
Chicago, IL 60611

RUSH MD Anderson Cancer Center

1520 West Harrison Street
Joan and Paul Rubschlager Building
Chicago, IL 60607

Simmons Cancer Institute at SIU

315 West Carpenter Street
Springfield, IL 62702

University of Chicago Comprehensive Cancer Center

5814 South Maryland Avenue
MC 1140, H212
Chicago, IL 60637

Illinois Mesothelioma Doctors

Some of the best mesothelioma doctors in the United States can be found at cancer centers in Illinois.

Top Illinois mesothelioma specialists include:

Dr. Bilal F. Anouti – Medical oncologist at Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center
Dr. Marta Batus – Medical oncologist at RUSH MD Anderson Cancer Center
Dr. Darren Bryan – Thoracic surgeon at University of Chicago Comprehensive Cancer Center
Dr. Young Kwang Chae – Medical oncologist at Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center
Dr. Traves D. Crabtree – Thoracic surgeon at Simmons Cancer Institute at SIU
Dr. Jessica Donington – Thoracic surgeon at University of Chicago Comprehensive Cancer Center
Dr. Mary J. Fidler – Medical oncologist at RUSH MD Anderson Cancer Center
Dr. Andrew Howard – Radiation oncologist at University of Chicago Comprehensive Cancer Center
Dr. Hedy Lee Kindler – Medical oncologist at University of Chicago Comprehensive Cancer Center
Dr. Michael J. Liptay – Illinois mesothelioma surgeon at RUSH MD Anderson Cancer Center
Dr. Renuka Malik – Radiation oncologist at University of Chicago Comprehensive Cancer Center
Dr. Gaurav Marwaha – Radiation oncologist at RUSH MD Anderson Cancer Center
Dr. Nisha Mohindra – Medical oncologist at Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center
Dr. Mecker Moller – Surgical oncologist at University of Chicago Comprehensive Cancer Center
Dr. Sam Pappas – Surgical oncologist at RUSH MD Anderson Cancer Center
Dr. Evan Pisick – Medical oncologist at City of Hope Chicago
Dr. Helen J. Ross – Illinois mesothelioma oncologist at RUSH MD Anderson Cancer Center
Dr. George Salti – Surgical oncologist at Endeavor Health Cancer Center
Dr. Benjamin J. Seides – Pulmonologist at Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center
Dr. Emily Sturm – Surgical oncologist at Simmons Cancer Institute at SIU

Use our Free Doctor Match to connect with specialists at an Illinois mesothelioma cancer center.

Illinois Mesothelioma Treatment Options

Illinois patients can access a range of mesothelioma treatments provided by leading specialists.

Mesothelioma treatments available in Illinois include:

Surgery: Depending on their type and stage of mesothelioma, patients may qualify for surgery to remove tumors and potentially increase their life expectancy.
Chemotherapy: This treatment helps destroy tumors and kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy can be used as a primary treatment for mesothelioma or in combination with surgery or radiation therapy.
Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy drugs help the body’s immune system identify and destroy cancer cells.
Palliative care: Focused on relieving symptoms and improving quality of life, palliative care can include minor surgeries, pain management, emotional support, and other therapies.
Radiation therapy: High-energy radiation is used to damage the DNA of cancer cells and shrink tumors.
Clinical trials: Eligible patients can access emerging treatments being tested in mesothelioma clinical trials.

Mesothelioma Patient Care Teams in Illinois

Illinois mesothelioma patient care teams are made up of multidisciplinary professionals who are dedicated to providing comprehensive medical treatment and support.

Mesothelioma patient care teams typically include:

Medical oncologists
Nurses
Nutritionists
Palliative care specialists
Pathologists
Pulmonologists
Radiation oncologists
Social workers
Surgical oncologists
Thoracic surgeons

These individuals work together to:

Develop personalized treatment plans
Offer symptom management and palliative care
Provide emotional support and cancer care education

Download our Free Checklist of Questions to Ask Your Doctor to help guide your next appointment and ensure you get the information you need.

Illinois Mesothelioma Treatment Research and Clinical Trials

Top research centers in Illinois are studying new and more effective mesothelioma treatments to help patients live longer.

Some of these research centers include:

City of Hope Chicago
Endeavor Health Cancer Center
Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center
Simmons Cancer Institute at SIU Medicine
University of Chicago Comprehensive Cancer Center
University of Illinois Cancer Center

All of these institutions are dedicated to advancing cancer research and improving survival outcomes for patients.

Mesothelioma Clinical Trials in Illinois

Several cancer research centers are conducting clinical trials for mesothelioma at no cost to patients. The goal of these trials is to identify better, more effective treatment options to improve patients’ quality and length of life.

Some of these active trials include:

Additional Chemotherapy After Surgery for Peritoneal Mesothelioma: Referred to as the ICARuS trial, this study is testing whether chemotherapy administered intravenously or directly into the abdominal cavity after cytoreductive surgery with HIPEC can help peritoneal mesothelioma patients live longer.
Immunotherapy Before Surgery for Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma: This phase II trial is studying whether giving Opdivo® and Yervoy® before surgery is safe and effective for patients with stage 1-3 mesothelioma.
Volrustomig (MEDI5752) Plus Chemotherapy for Pleural Mesothelioma: Known as the eVOLVE-Meso trial, this study is testing an investigational drug known as MEDI5752 with carboplatin and pemetrexed in patients with inoperable pleural mesothelioma.

Contact our registered nurses for help accessing new treatments and clinical trials in Illinois.

Scope of Asbestos-Related Diseases in Illinois

According to data from the Environmental Working Group, there were 12,067 asbestos-related deaths in Illinois between 1999 and 2017, including those from mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis.

Some notable Illinois asbestos exposure sites include:

BorgWarner Inc. in Chicago
Caterpillar Manufacturing Plant in Peoria
Edison Powerhouse in Springfield
General Motors Plant in Chicago
Monsanto Chemical in Sauget
Mueller Foundry in Decatur
Republic Steel Mill in Chicago
Shell Oil in Wood River
Southern Illinois Power Co-Op in Marion
U.S. Steel Mill in Joliet

Fortunately, Illinois residents diagnosed with mesothelioma have access to advanced treatment options at state-of-the-art hospitals and cancer centers.

Cost of Illinois Mesothelioma Treatment

On average, it can cost well over $400,000 a year to treat mesothelioma, and insurance usually doesn’t cover everything.

Some potential expenses to consider include:

Alternative treatments
Blood work
Chemotherapy drugs
Hospital stays
Immunotherapy infusions
Medications
Multiple imaging scans
Radiation therapy
Surgery

This doesn’t include travel, transportation, or hotel stays during treatment.

Financial Compensation for Illinois Mesothelioma Treatment

Mesothelioma compensation can help you afford quality care if you qualify. Learn more about how to pursue compensation from lawsuits, trust fund claims, and veterans benefits below.

Mesothelioma Lawsuits

Mesothelioma patients in Illinois may pursue legal action against companies responsible for their asbestos exposure. A successful mesothelioma lawsuit can provide compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Our legal partners have secured over $1.4 billion for Illinois mesothelioma victims, including:

$34.1 million for a roofer in Wood River
$12.4 million for a laborer from St. Charles
$6.7 million for a union electrician in Evergreen Park
$5.1 million for a U.S. Air Force veteran and mechanic from Mascoutah
$4.9 million for a union auto worker in Congerville
$24.4 million for a Chicago janitor exposed to asbestos in talcum powder

Get a Free Case Review today to see if our partner law firm can help you or a loved one access compensation for mesothelioma.

Asbestos Trust Fund Claims

Mesothelioma patients in Illinois may be eligible to file claims with asbestos trust funds that were created to compensate victims and their families.

Did You Know?

Over $30 billion is already set aside and currently available in asbestos trust funds. These funds offer financial relief to help cover treatment costs, lost income, and other expenses for those affected by mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases.

We can help you determine where you may have been exposed to asbestos and file trust fund claims on your behalf. Contact us now to get started.

Veterans Benefits

Former service members with mesothelioma can apply for veterans benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to cover the costs of cancer treatment.

Eligible veterans may receive free or discounted medical care, tax-free disability compensation of nearly $4,000 a month, VA pensions, and other forms of financial assistance.

Get Help Finding Illinois Mesothelioma Treatment

If you or a loved one lives in Illinois and has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you have options. Treatment from specialists may help you improve your length and quality of life.

Mesothelioma Hope can connect you with doctors at top Illinois mesothelioma treatment centers.

We can also help you:

Better understand your diagnosis
Enroll in clinical trials
Find support groups and peer mentors
File legal claims for mesothelioma compensation

Call (866) 608-8933 to speak with a Patient Advocate or get matched with a doctor now.

Written by:Laura Wright

Lead Editor

Laura Wright is a journalist and content strategist with more than 17 years of professional experience. She attended college at the University of Florida, graduating magna cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in journalism in 2008. Her writing has been featured in The Gainesville Sun and other regional publications throughout Florida.

ReferencesLast modified: 11 Jul 2025

Asbestos Nation. (n.d.). Asbestos deaths in Illinois. Retrieved October 31, 2024, from https://www.asbestosnation.org/facts/asbestos-deaths/il/
Loyola Medicine. (n.d.). About us. Retrieved October 31, 2024, from https://www.loyolamedicine.org/about-us/
Northwestern Medicine. (n.d.). About the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center. Retrieved October 31, 2024, from https://www.cancer.northwestern.edu/about/about-lurie/
Rush University System for Health. (n.d.). Rush Cancer Center. Retrieved October 31, 2024, from https://www.rush.edu/locations/rush-cancer-center
Simmons Hanly Conroy. (n.d.). Illinois Mesothelioma Lawyers. Retrieved October 31, 2024, from https://www.simmonsfirm.com/mesothelioma/lawyer/illinois-mesothelioma-lawyer/
UChicago Medicine. (n.d.). About us. Retrieved October 31, 2024, from https://www.uchicagomedicine.org/about-us
VA Marion Health Care System. (n.d.). About us. Retrieved October 31, 2024, from https://www.va.gov/marion-health-care/about-us/

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