Iowa Mesothelioma Treatment Centers
Getting care from experts who understand this rare cancer can make all the difference. Iowa is home to top mesothelioma centers that offer specialized treatment options and a range of support services for patients and families.
These Iowa cancer centers can provide the care and guidance you need after a mesothelioma diagnosis:
June E. Nylen Cancer Center
230 Nebraska St
Sioux City, IA 51101
University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics
200 Hawkins Dr
Iowa City, IA 52242
Iowa Mesothelioma Doctors
If you or a family member has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, it is best to consult with an Iowa mesothelioma doctor who understands this rare cancer.
Some of the state’s top specialists include:
Dr. Gerald H. Clamon
Medical oncologist at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics
Dr. James Howe
Surgical oncologist at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics
Dr. Donald B. Wender
Iowa mesothelioma oncologist and Medical Director of June E. Nylen Cancer Center
Use our Free Doctor Match service to get connected with an Iowa mesothelioma doctor today.
Types of Iowa Mesothelioma Treatment
Mesothelioma treatment plans vary by each patient depending on the stage of their cancer, their age, and their overall health.
Cancer treatment options available in Iowa for mesothelioma 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 Iowa
Iowa mesothelioma patient care teams are made up of multidisciplinary professionals who are dedicated to providing comprehensive medical treatment and support services.
These patient teams typically include:
- Medical oncologists
- Nurses
- Nutritionists
- Palliative care specialists
- Pathologists
- Pulmonologists
- Radiation oncologists
- Social workers
- Surgical oncologists
- Thoracic surgeons
They work together to:
- Develop personalized treatment plans
- Offer symptom management and palliative care
- Provide emotional support and cancer care education
Meeting with a specialist to discuss your treatment options? Use our free checklist to make sure you leave with all the information you need.
Iowa Mesothelioma Treatment Research and Clinical Trials
Top research centers in Iowa are studying new and more effective mesothelioma treatments to help patients live longer.
Some of these research centers include:
- Cedar Rapids Oncology Project
- Iowa Oncology Research Association in Des Moines
- University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City
All of these institutions are dedicated to advancing cancer research and improving survival outcomes for patients.
Mesothelioma Clinical Trials in Iowa
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.
As of March 2025, there are two clinical trials recruiting patients in Iowa:
- A Study of SGN-BB228 in Advanced Melanoma and Other Solid Tumors. Researchers are testing a new drug known as SGN-BB228 to see how safe and effective it is for patients with solid tumors that are hard to treat or have spread throughout the body.
- Integrated Cancer Repository for Cancer Research (iCaRe2). This ongoing project is collecting specimens from adult patients, including those diagnosed with mesothelioma, to support various cancer research initiatives.
Contact our registered nurses for help accessing new treatments and clinical trials in Iowa.
Scope of Asbestos-Related Diseases in Iowa
According to data from the Environmental Working Group, there were 2,765 asbestos-related deaths in Iowa between 1999 and 2017, including those from mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis.
Some notable Iowa asbestos exposure sites include:
- Allied Chemical in Dubuque
- Goodyear Tire & Rubber in Des Moines
- Interstate Power Plant in Clinton
- Iowa Power Company in Cedar Rapids
- John Deere Tractor Plant in Waterloo
- Midwest Power in Sioux City
- Monroe Plastics in Albia
- Northwestern Bell in Des Moines
- Quaker Oats Company in Cedar Rapids
- Union Pacific Railroad in Clinton
Fortunately, Iowa residents diagnosed with mesothelioma have access to advanced treatment options at state-of-the-art hospitals and cancer centers.
Cost of Iowa 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
The average cost above doesn’t include travel, transportation, or hotel stays during treatment.
Financial Compensation for Iowa Mesothelioma Treatment
Mesothelioma compensation can help you afford quality care if you qualify. Learn more about how to get compensation from lawsuits, trust fund claims, and veterans benefits below.
Mesothelioma Lawsuits
Mesothelioma patients in Iowa 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 $190 million for Iowa mesothelioma victims, including:
- $6.37 million for an asbestos mixer in Spirit Lake
- $4.96 million for a union asbestos worker in Sioux City
- $4.83 million for a machinist mate & U.S. Navy veteran in Cedar Rapids
- $3.59 million for a mechanic’s helper & gas attendant in Davenport
- $2.85 million for a union plumber & pipefitter in Des Moines
Request a Free Case Review today to see if our partner law firm can help you or a loved one get financial assistance.
Get a Free Mesothelioma Case Review
Asbestos Trust Fund Claims
Mesothelioma patients in Iowa may be eligible to file claims with asbestos trust funds that were created to compensate victims and their families.
Over $30 billion is already set aside and currently available in asbestos trust funds.
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, disability compensation of nearly $4,000 a month, VA pensions, and other forms of financial assistance.
Get Help Finding Iowa Mesothelioma Treatment
If you or a loved one lives in Iowa 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 Iowa 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.
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