Dr Harvey Pass, director of the Division of Thoracic Surgery and Thoracic Oncology at NYU Langone Medical Center and the NYU Cancer Institute, spoke about a novel biomarker test that is believed to be the most accurate yet in detecting proteins secreted from tumors caused by exposure to asbestos. In a blinded test the proteomic assay could detect 15 of 19 cases of malignant pleural mesothelioma that were in stage 1 or stage 2, making the test about 80 percent sensitive, a measure of how accurately a test can identify disease. In addition, the specificity of the test was 100 percent.

“The goal of a new diagnostic test is to find the cancer early enough to effectively treat it”, according to Harvey I. Pass, MD.

To read the full article visit:   http://communications.med.nyu.edu/news/2011/new-test-detects-early-stage-asbestos-related-pulmonary-cancer

Mesothelioma Avastin Plus Pemetrexed-cisplatin Study
Phase: Phase III, Phase II
Type: Treatment
Status: Active
Age: 18 to 75
Sponsor: Other
Protocol IDs: IFCT-GFPC-ELCWP-0701, NCT00651456

Suberoylanilide Hydroxamic Acid Vorinostat, MK0683 Versus Placebo in Advanced Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma
Phase: Phase III
Type: Treatment
Status: Active
Age: 18 and over
Sponsor: Pharmaceutical / Industry
Protocol IDs: 2005_010, MK0683-014, NCT00128102

Phase III Randomized Study of an Electronic Tool for Monitoring Symptoms and Syndromes Associated With Advanced Cancer (E-MOSAIC) in Patients With Advanced Incurable Cancer Receiving Palliative Anticancer Treatment
Phase: Phase III
Type: Health services research
Status: Active
Age: 18 and over
Sponsor: Other
Protocol IDs: SWS-SAKK-95/06, SAKK-95/06, EU-20711, SWS-SAKK-E-MOSAIC, NCT00477919

Phase III Randomized Study of Fentanyl Sublingual Spray for Breakthrough Cancer Pain in Patients Who are Opioid Tolerant
Phase: Phase III
Type: Supportive care
Status: Active
Age: 18 and over
Sponsor: Pharmaceutical / Industry
Protocol IDs: INSYS-INS-05-001, INS-05-001, NCT00538850, NCT00538850

Phase III Study of Fentanyl Sublingual Spray for Breakthrough Cancer Pain in Patients Who are Opioid Tolerant
Phase: Phase III
Type: Supportive care
Status: Active
Age: 18 and over
Sponsor: Pharmaceutical / Industry
Protocol IDs: INSYS-INS-06-007, INS-06-007, NCT00538863

Phase III Randomized Study of Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Cytoreductive Pleurectomy Versus Talc Pleurodesis in Patients With Suspected or Proven Malignant Mesothelioma
Phase: Phase III
Type: Treatment
Status: Active
Age: 18 and over
Sponsor: Other
Protocol IDs: PAPWORTH-MESOVATS, MESOVATS, PAPWORTH-P00804, EU-20901, ISRCTN34321019, NCT00821860

NGR015: Study in Second Line for Patient With Advanced Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma Pretreated With Pemetrexed
Phase: Phase III
Type: Treatment
Status: Active
Age: 18 and over
Sponsor: Pharmaceutical / Industry
Protocol IDs: NGR015, 2009-016879-29, NCT01098266

Study of CBP501 + Pemetrexed + Cisplatin in Patients With Solid Tumors (Phase I) and Patients With Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma (Phase II)
Phase: Phase II, Phase I
Type: Treatment
Status: Active
Age: 18 and over
Sponsor: Pharmaceutical / Industry
Protocol IDs: CBP08-01, NCT00700336

Multiple Respiration-Correlated Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CT) Scans to Reduce Target Positioning Errors in Radiotherapy Treatment of Thoracic Cancer
Phase: Phase II, Phase I
Type: Diagnostic
Status: Active
Age: Over 18
Sponsor: Other
Protocol IDs: 08-080, NCT00722605

Short Neoadjuvant Hemithoracic IMRT for MPM
Phase: Phase II, Phase I
Type: Treatment
Status: Active
Age: 18 and over
Sponsor: Other
Protocol IDs: 08-0106-C, NCT00797719

Phase I/II Randomized Study of Pemetrexed Disodium and Cisplatin With Versus Without Cediranib Maleate in Patients With Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma
Phase: Phase II, Phase I
Type: Treatment
Status: Approved-not yet active
Age: 18 and over
Sponsor: NCI
Protocol IDs: SWOG-S0905, S0905, NCT01064648

Study of F-Fluorodeoxyglucose (FluGlucoScan) in Patients With Known or Suspected Cancers of Low Incidence
Phase: Phase II
Type: Diagnostic
Status: Active
Age: 15 and over
Sponsor: Other
Protocol IDs: SP-14-0038, NCT00123773

Pleurectomy/Decortication With Intraoperative Intrathoracic/Intraperitoneal Heated Cisplatin With Sodium Thiosulfate
Phase: Phase II
Type: Treatment
Status: Active
Age: 18 and over
Sponsor: Other
Protocol IDs: 04-063, NCT00165503

Phase II Study of AZD2171 in Patients With Malignant Pleural, Peritoneal, or Tunica Vaginalis Mesothelioma That is Not Amenable to Curative Surgery
Phase: Phase II
Type: Biomarker/Laboratory analysis, Treatment
Status: Active
Age: 18 and over
Sponsor: NCI
Protocol IDs: UCCRC-14203B, NCI-7103, 7103, NCT00309946

Cisplatin, Pemetrexed and Bevacizumab for Untreated Malignant Mesothelioma
Phase: Phase II
Type: Treatment
Status: Active
Age: 18 and over
Sponsor: Other
Protocol IDs: AVF3442S, NCT00295503

Phase II Randomized Study of Neoadjuvant Therapy With Pemetrexed Disodium and Cisplatin Followed By Extrapleural Pneumonectomy With or Without Postoperative Hemithoracic Radiotherapy in Patients With Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma
Phase: Phase II
Type: Biomarker/Laboratory analysis, Treatment
Status: Active
Age: 18 to 69
Sponsor: Other, Pharmaceutical / Industry
Protocol IDs: SWS-SAKK-17/04, EU-20615, EUDRACT-2006-000445-19, LILLY-SAKK-17/04, NCT00334594

Phase II Study of Bevacizumab, Pemetrexed and Carboplatin as First-Line Therapy in Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma
Phase: Phase II
Type: Treatment
Status: Active
Age: 18 and over
Sponsor: Other
Protocol IDs: ONC-2006-003, EUDRACT 2006-004429-27, NCT00407459

Phase II Study of Bortezomib and Cisplatin as First-Line Treatment in Patients With Malignant Mesothelioma
Phase: Phase II
Type: Treatment
Status: Active
Age: 18 and over
Sponsor: Other, Pharmaceutical / Industry
Protocol IDs: EORTC-08052, JJPRD-26866138CAN2012, EUDRACT-2006-000009-51, 08052, NCT00458913

Surgery Plus Intraoperative Peritoneal Hyperthermic Chemotherapy (IPHC) to Treat Peritoneal Carcinomatosis
Phase: Phase II
Type: Treatment
Status: Active
Age: 20 to 70
Sponsor: Other
Protocol IDs: WUCC-0701, NCT00454519

Tomotherapy Treatment for Mesothelioma
Phase: Phase II
Type: Treatment
Status: Active
Age: 18 and over
Sponsor: Other
Protocol IDs: LU-11-0077, NCT00469196

Phase II Study of Bortezomib in Patients With Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma
Phase: Phase II
Type: Treatment
Status: Active
Age: 18 and over
Sponsor: Other
Protocol IDs: ICORG-05-10, ICORG-05-10, EUDRACT-2005-004420-39, EU-20748, NCT00513877

Phase II Study of Pemetrexed Disodium, Cisplatin, and Vitamin B12 in Patients With Unresectable Pleural Mesothelioma
Phase: Phase II
Type: Biomarker/Laboratory analysis, Supportive care, Treatment
Status: Active
Age: 18 and over
Sponsor: Other
Protocol IDs: COL-ALIMESO, ALIMESO, INCA-RECF0441, COL-2006-04, NCT00541073

A Phase II Study of the Association of Glivec® Plus Gemzar® in Patients With Unresectable, Refractory, Malignant Mesothelioma
Phase: Phase II
Type: Treatment
Status: Approved-not yet active
Age: 18 to 75
Sponsor: Other
Protocol IDs: GIMe/01/06, NCT00551252

An Efficacy Study of Milataxel (TL139) Administered Orally for Malignant Mesothelioma
Phase: Phase II
Type: Treatment
Status: Active
Age: 18 and over
Sponsor: Pharmaceutical / Industry
Protocol IDs: TL139204, NCT00685204

Study Using Chemotherapy Followed by Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy to the Pleura in Patients With Locally Advanced But Unresectable Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma
Phase: Phase II
Type: Treatment
Status: Active
Age: 18 and over
Sponsor: Other
Protocol IDs: 08-053, NCT00715611

http://www.acor.org/support.html – Association of Cancer Online Resources (ACOR) manages a mailing list for mesothelioma patients.

http://www.alcase.org/support/suptrgroups.html – Alliance for Lung Cancer, Advocacy, Support and Education Support Groups (ALCASE) national lung cancer support groups.

http://www.aicr.org/resource.html - American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) Cancer Resource provides treatment information to cancer patients and their families.

http://www.cancercare.org/people/counseling – Cancer Care Counseling provides free professional counseling for individuals or professionally facilitated support groups.

http://www.amc.org/flash/cicl/f_cicl_aboutcicl.html – Cancer Information and Counseling Line (CICL) is a service of AMC Cancer Center to help people with cancer and their families.

http://www.hospiceworld.org/ – Hospicelink not-for-profit organization that offers information about hospice and palliative care. They can refer patients and their families to local programs.

http://www.wellness-community.org/ – National program of education, support and hope for cancer patients and their families.

The two companies, China-based Simcere Pharmaceutical Group and OSI Pharmaceuticals in the U.S., are basing the project in China. OSI specializes in the discovery and development of innovative molecular targeted therapies. The drug, called OSI-930 for now, has shown positive results in treating small and non-small cell lung cancer, colorectal, gastric and other cancers. Its effectiveness in treating these cancers has the teams working on its treatment of mesothelioma as well.

The study, which will be completed in 2010, will also involve the surgical procedure known as extrapleural pneumonectomy or pleurectomy/decortication, which includes the resection of the lung, the lining of the lung (pleura), the covering of the heart (pericardium), and the muscle that separates the chest and abdomen (diaphragm). The chemotherapy drugs will be administered immediately following the surgery.
 

Alfacell Corporation (Nasdaq: ACEL) announced that a paper published in Cell Cycle (2008; Vol. 7, Issue 20) reports that ONCONASE (ranpirnase) targets small interfering RNA (siRNA), likely within the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC) of the RNA interference (RNAi) mechanism.

The paper is the result of research conducted by collaborators at the Brander Cancer Research Institute and Department of Pathology at New York Medical College and Alfacell. The study demonstrated that silencing the glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) gene (an abundant and ubiquitously expressed housekeeping gene) in human lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells by siRNA was effectively prevented by ONCONASE. While transfection of cells with GAPDH siRNA reduced expression of this protein by nearly 70 percent, the expression was restored in the cells exposed to ONCONASE for 48 or 72 hours. The data thus provide evidence that one of the targets of ONCONASE (ranpirnase) is siRNA.

"This data provide further evidence of the impact of ONCONASE on the RNAi mechanism," said Kuslima Shogen, Alfacell’s chief executive officer. "Furthermore, the data may provide the explanation for the preferential effectiveness of ONCONASE toward tumor cells as well as its ability to sensitize cells to other antitumor agents. As seen in our Phase III clinical trial results, ONCONASE has demonstrated significant efficacy in patients with malignant mesothelioma that failed prior chemotherapy."
 

Treatment Centers for Patients with Mesothelioma

UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center
1824 6th Avenue South
Birmingham, AL
1-(800)-UAB-0933

UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center is one of the nation’s leading cancer research and treatment centers, and is the only National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center located in a six-state area that includes Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas, South Carolina and Georgia. UAB’s cancer services are routinely recognized as being among the nation’s best.

Arizona Cancer Center
1515 North Campbell Ave.
Tucson, AZ 85724-5024
1-(800)-622-COPE

Arizona Cancer Center is one of 40 centers in the nation and the only one headquartered in and serving the entire state of Arizona that has been designated by the National Cancer Institute as a Comprehensive Cancer Center, the NCI’s highest ranking. That designation is reserved for centers focusing on patient care as well as basic and clinical research, prevention, education, outreach and training.

Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center
101 The City Drive, Bldg, 23
Route 81
Orange, CA 92868
1-(714)-456-8200

Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center is located on the UC Irvine Medical Center campus. The Comprehensive Cancer Center is affiliated with the School of Medicine at the University of California, Irvine. As a university-based facility, the cancer center offers the expertise of a scientific community that is internationally renowned for its work in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

Dr. David Jablons
UCSF Cancer Center
1600 Divisadero Street
San Francisco, CA 94115
1-(415)-885-3882

UCSF Cancer Center‘s long tradition of excellence in cancer research includes, notably, the Nobel Prize-winning work of J. Michael Bishop and Harold Varmus, who discovered cancer-causing oncogenes. Their work opened new doors for exploring genetic mistakes that cause cancer, and formed the basis for some of the most important cancer research happening today.

Dr. Kim Kerstine
City of Hope/Beckman Research Institute
1500 East Duarte Road
Duarte, CA. 91010
1-(800)-826-HOPE

City of Hope/Beckman Research Institute is a national cancer institute (NCI)-designated comprehensive cancer center that offers a full complement of services designed to address all aspects of cancer, from understanding its origins, to developing new therapies and testing them in patient clinical trials, to delivering superior patient care and providing support and education to patients, their families and the public.

Dr. Robert Cameron
UCLA Surgery
10833 Le Conte Ave
Los Angeles, CA. 90095
1-(310)-794-7333

UCLA Surgery’s Thoracic Surgery website provides information on general thoracic surgery, lung diseases, lung cancer, metastatic tumors (sarcomas, colon cancer, etc.), lung volume reduction surgery (emphysema surgery), minimally-invasive and robotic-assisted lung surgery, esophageal diseases, esophageal cancer, acid reflux surgery, achalasia and esophageal motility disorders, hiatal hernia repair, minimally-invasive and robotic-assisted esophageal surgery, pleural diseases, mesothelioma, lung-sparing surgery, biologic therapy, chest wall diseases, sarcomas, pectus Excavatum, pectus Carinatum, chest wall reconstruction, mediastinal diseases, thymoma, neurogenic tumors, minimally-invasive and robotic-assisted surgery, minimally invasive thoracic surgery, robotic-assisted thoracic surgery, surgical adjuvant therapy, immunology, biologic therapy and anti-angiogenic therapy.

Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center
8-684 Factor Building
Los Angeles, CA. 90095-1781
1-(310)-825-5268

Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center is a renowned cancer research and cancer diagnosis, treatment and prevention center, specializing in mesothelioma. Located at the University of California Los Angeles.

Rebecca and John Moores UCSD Cancer Center
3855 Health Sciences Drive
La Jolla, CA. 92093
1-(858)-822-1222

Rebecca and John Moores UCSD Cancer Center focuses on research, outreach and prevention, and offers clinical trials focusing in on the treatment of mesothelioma. Located in San Diego, California.

USC/Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center
1441 Eastlake Avenue
Los Angeles, CA. 90033
1-(800)-USC-CARE

USC/Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center is a leader in cancer research, with nearly 200 members investigating the complex origins and progression of cancer, developing prevention strategies and searching for cures. USC Norris is part of the Keck School of Medicine and is designated by the National Cancer Institute as one of the nation’s 40 comprehensive cancer centers.

University of Colorado Cancer Center
1665 N. Ursula St.
Aurora, CO. 80045
1-(800)-473-2288

University of Colorado Cancer Center is the Rocky Mountain region’s only National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center.Headquartered on the Anschutz Medical Campus, UCCC is a consortium of three state universities and five institutions.

Yale Cancer Center
333 Cedar Street
New Haven, CT. 06520-8028
1-(203)-785-4095

Yale Cancer Center is southern New England’s only cancer center designated as a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute- and one of only 40 in the nation. The significance of this designation has profound implications for those who choose Yale as the place where they will be cared for and receive treatment for their cancer. National Cancer Institute cancer centers are national leaders in cancer research, prevention, detection, and treatment. This provides patients at Yale Cancer Center with novel treatment options and expert care.

Dr. Paul Sugarbaker
Washington Cancer Institute
106 Irving Street NW, Suite 3900N
Washington, D.C.20010
1-(202)-877-3908

Washington Cancer Institute at the Washington Cancer Institute at Washington Hospital Center offers advanced services to include specialty treatment programs for gastric cancer, pseudomyxoma peritonei, hepatobiliary (primary and metastatic liver cancer), pancreas cancer, as well as primary peritoneal surface malignancies such as abdominopelvic sarcoma. The center provides services for the following areas: appendix, colorectal with peritoneal carcinomatosis (cancers that spread to the intra-abdominal surfaces), and peritoneal mesothelioma

Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center
38 Reservoir Road NW
Washington, D.C.20057
1-(202)-784-4000

Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center clinicians are dedicated to providing the best professional care, delivered with compassion, for all patients. Lombardi’s internationally-renowned physicians treat virtually every type of cancer, including breast, lung, colorectal, prostate, head and neck, and cancers of the blood. Along with cutting-edge cancer care, we offer a program of innovative clinical trials and a full range of supportive care services to improve our patients’ health and quality of life, and Lombardi specializes in the care of malignant mesothelioma.

Dr. Larry Robinson
Moffitt Cancer Center Institute
12902 Magnolia Dr
Tampa, FL. 33612
1-(813)-972-8412

Moffitt Cancer Center Institute is an ambitious partnership between patients, doctors and researchers to improve all aspects of cancer prevention and care. Patients participate by donating information and tissue. Researchers use the information to learn about all issues related to cancer and how care can be improved. Clinicians use the information to better educate and care for patients.

Dr. Hedy Lee Kindler
University of Chicago Hospitals
5841 S. Maryland Avenue
Chicago, IL. 60637
1-(773)-702-0360

University of Chicago Hospitals has been a pioneer in the study and treatment of malignant mesothelioma–a rare disease that affects 2,500 to 3,000 people in the United States each year. Their program is comprised of a dedicated team of medical oncologists, surgeons, nurses, pathologists, imaging specialists, and scientists who understand the unique characteristics of this disease. The University of Chicago Hospitals use a team approach with weekly mesothelioma program meetings. Their comprehensive and multidisciplinary focus is a direct reflection of our clinical interest in mesothelioma and their expertise is in developing novel treatment protocols that extend lives.

Robert H. Lurie Cancer Center
Northwestern University
675 N. St. Clair, Galter Pavilion – 21st Floor
Chicago, IL. 60611
1-(312)-908-5250

Robert H. Lurie Cancer Center is committed to being a national leader in the battle to overcome cancer. To this end, Chicago’s Lurie Cancer Center is dedicated to scientific discovery, advancing medical knowledge, providing compassionate, state-of-the-art cancer care, and training the next generation of clinicians and scientists

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
44 Binney Street
Boston, MA. 02115
1-(800)-320-0022

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute offers care for mesothelioma; malignant patients at Dana-Farber is provided through the Thoracic Cancer Treatment Center. Read about services and clinical research, and see a list of medical staff.

Dr. David J. Sugarbaker
Brigham and Women’s Hospital
75 Francis Street
Boston, MA. 02115
1-(617)-732-6824

Brigham and Women’s Hospital is world-renowned in virtually every area of adult medicine. As a teaching hospital of Harvard Medical School, their leadership in patient quality and safety, development of state-of-the-art treatments and technologies, and robust research programs have improved the health of people around the world. They offer extensive information on the treatment of mesothelioma.

Dr. Mark Krasna
University of Maryland Greenebaum Cancer Center
22 S Greene Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
1-(410)-328-6366

University of Maryland Greenebaum Cancer Center offers modern therapy of mesothelioma, with surgery and chemotherapy as central stage treatment options.. The Cancer Center offers patients hope, with a better understanding of its cellular and molecular pathogenesis novel treatment approach.

Dr. Mark Krasna
Johns Hopkins Oncology Center
401 North Broadway
Baltimore, MD 21231
1-(410)-614-3891

Johns Hopkins Oncology Center is a fully accredited, not-for-profit, regional teaching hospital. Located at 1200 Old York Road (Route 611) in Abington, PA, AMH has been providing comprehensive, high-quality services for people in Montgomery, Bucks and Philadelphia counties for more than 90 years.

Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute
4100 John R
Detroit, Michigan 48201
1-(800)-KARMANOS

Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute is a fully accredited, not-for-profit, regional teaching hospital. Located at 1200 Old York Road (Route 611) in Abington, PA, AMH has been providing comprehensive, high-quality services for people in Montgomery, Bucks and Philadelphia counties for more than 90 years.

Dr. Gregory Kalemkerian
University Michigan Cancer Center
1500 E. Medical Center Drive
Ann Arbor, MI. 48109
1-(734)-936-5281

University Michigan Cancer Center is a fully accredited, not-for-profit, regional teaching hospital. Located at 1200 Old York Road (Route 611) in Abington, PA, AMH has been providing comprehensive, high-quality services for people in Montgomery, Bucks and Philadelphia counties for more than 90 years.

Mayo Clinic Cancer Center
200 First Street SW
Rochester, MN. 55905
1-(507)-284-2111

Mayo Clinic Cancer Center is a fully accredited, not-for-profit, regional teaching hospital. Located at 1200 Old York Road (Route 611) in Abington, PA, AMH has been providing comprehensive, high-quality services for people in Montgomery, Bucks and Philadelphia counties for more than 90 years.

University of Minnesota Cancer Center
420 Delaware St. SE
Minneapolis, MN. 55455
1-(612)-624-8484

University of Minnesota Cancer Center is a fully accredited, not-for-profit, regional teaching hospital. Located at 1200 Old York Road (Route 611) in Abington, PA, AMH has been providing comprehensive, high-quality services for people in Montgomery, Bucks and Philadelphia counties for more than 90 years.

Comprehensive Cancer Center
Wake Forest University
Medical Center Boulevard
Winston-Salem, NC. 27157
1-(800)-446-2255

Comprehensive Cancer Center is one of the nation’s oldest NCI-designated cancer centers (1974). CCCWFU recently celebrated its 30th year of delivering quality patient care, providing education and outreach to individuals at risk for developing the disease, and achieving excellence in basic science research.

Dr. David Harpole
Duke University Medical Center
Trent Drive
Durham, NC. 27706
1-(919)-668-8413

Duke University Medical Center is one of only 40 centers in the country designated by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) as a “comprehensive cancer center,” Duke combines cutting-edge research with compassionate care. Their team of nationally recognized physicians and staff treat more than 7,000 new patients per year, giving them the extensive experience that yields better results. The Duke Comprehensive Cancer Center is ranked as one of the top 10 cancer hospitals in the country, according to U.S.News & World Report’s “America’s Best Hospitals” survey.

UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center
Manning Drive
Chapel Hill, NC. 27599-7295
1-(919)-966-3036

UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, with support from the state of North Carolina for the construction of the N.C. Cancer Hospital and through the University Cancer Research Fund, treats cancer patients, conducts research into the causes of cancer and searches for new treatments, develops and directs statewide programs in cancer prevention, and trains future physicians, nurses, scientists and public health professionals.

Dr. Brian W. Loggie
Creighton University Medical Center
2500 California Plaza
Omaha, NE 68178
1-(402)-280-4100

Creighton University Medical Center is an academic medical center, teaching tomorrow’s health care professionals while striving for excellence in mesothelioma and cancer diagnosis and treatment. Driven by their passion for patient care, teaching and research, the Creighton University Medical Center provides advanced care for some of the region’s sickest patients, smallest babies and most complex injuries and illnesses. They raise the bar for clinical experience with their expertise in trauma, cardiac care, cancer care, specialized surgery, transfusion-free medicine and high-risk obstetrics.

Norris Cotton Cancer Center
1 Medical Center Drive
Lebanon, NH. 03756
1-(800)-639-6918

Norris Cotton Cancer Center at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center is one of the nation’s premier facilities for cancer treatment and research. It is one of only 40 National Cancer Institute designated comprehensive cancer centers in the United States, and is rated by US News & World Report as one of the top 50 hospitals for cancer care nationally.
The Cancer Center provides a positive environment for treatment, cure, and recovery for patients with all forms of cancer. Patients receive technologically advanced cancer treatments and access to clinical trials of new treatments. Each patient is seen as an individual, and a specific treatment plan is developed by specialists who work directly with the patient, family, and referring physician. The Cancer Center is also a leader in improving the comfort and quality of life of patients.

Dr. Claire F. Verschraegen
UNM Cancer Treatment Center
900 Camino de Salud NE
Albuquerque, NM. 87131
1-(505)-272-4551

UNM Cancer Treatment Center is the Official Cancer Center of the State of New Mexico, and the only National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center in the state. The UNM Cancer Center offers an unmatched depth and breadth of cancer care in New Mexico.They are home to the state’s largest and most experienced team of cancer specialists, with more than 85 board-certified cancer physicians, representing every area of oncology, and more than 120 cancer researchers. UNM Cancer Treatment Center has been recruited from prestigious institutions from all over the world.

Cancer Research Center
Albert Einstein College of Medicine
1300 Morris Park Avenue
Bronx, NY. 10461
1-(718)-430-2302

Albert Einstein College of Medicine Cancer Research Center was among the first cancer centers on medical school campuses to be funded by the National Cancer Institute in 1972 following passage of the National Cancer Act the previous year. AECC has had continuous center funding by the National Cancer Institute since that time. The goal of AECC is to foster basic, clinical, and translational research that addresses all aspects of the cancer problem. There are programs to cover Epidemiology along with Cancer Control and Prevention. AECC members are involved in cancer-relevant research or collaborative projects with other members whose work has a cancer focus. All AECC members are supported through approved national peer-reviewed funding mechanisms. There are currently over 140 AECC members who represent a broad spectrum of basic and clinical departments.

Dr. Harvey Pass
NYU Comprehensive Cancer Center
530 First Avenue, Suite 9V
New York, NY 10016
1-(212)-263-7417

NYU Comprehensive Cancer Center‘s mission is to discover the origins of human cancer and to use that knowledge to eradicate the personal and societal burden of cancer in our community, the nation and the world. The NYU Cancer Institute takes a multidisciplinary approach to patient care and features a translational research program that brings together laboratory scientists and clinical researchers. The result: the latest advances in cancer care are delivered in a caring and compassionate setting.

Dr. Robert N. Taub, MD
NY Presbyterian Medical Center
161 Fort Washington Avenue
New York, NY 10032
1-(212)-305-4076

NY Presbyterian Medical Centerrecently established a Mesothelioma Center, unique in this area, to provide comprehensive diagnosis and treatment for this uncommon cancer. Mesothelioma originates in the membrane lining the abdominal cavity or the chest cavity, and is often seen in older patients who have been exposed to asbestos. Other causes, such as radiation and certain viruses, have sometimes been implicated. NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital offers patients the latest tools for the assessment of mesothelioma. Under the aegis of the Mesothelioma Center, more than 100 newly diagnosed patients with mesothelioma are cared for and followed each year from all over the country. (The total number of new cases in the U.S. is less than 3,000 per year). Most patients are seen or treated by a surgeon, medical oncologist, and radiotherapist during their course, as well as a highly specialized nursing staff and psychiatry liaison.

Drs. Valerie Rusch and Raja Flores
Memorial Sloan-Kettering
1275 York Avenue
New York, NY 10021
1-(212)-639-2806

Memorial Sloan-Kettering‘s team of mesothelioma experts makes treatment recommendations on an individual basis, taking into account the stage of the cancer, the patient’s general health, and, for patients with pleural mesothelioma, how well the lungs function. Patients who are otherwise in overall good health and who have early-stage mesothelioma may be treated with chemotherapy, followed by surgery and radiation. Patients who cannot tolerate surgery or who have more advanced disease are generally treated with chemotherapy alone. Memorial Sloan-Kettering is researching novel treatments for mesothelioma, and participation in a clinical trial may be offered.

Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center
622 West 168th Street
New York, NY 10032
1-(212)-305-9327

Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center of Columbia University is dedicated to the cure of cancer through innovative research, training of researchers and clinicians, and outstanding patient care. The HICCC has been a National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated cancer center for over 30 years, and is one of only 39 NCI-designated cancer centers in the nation. In partnership with NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, the cancer center is ranked as one of the top hospitals in the United States. The internationally-recognized researchers and clinicians of the HICCC bring together the best approaches for prevention, diagnosis and treatment of all types of cancer.

Roswell Park Cancer Institute
Elm and Carlton Streets
Buffalo, NY. 14263
1-(212)-ROSWELL

Roswell Park Cancer Institute identified cancer research as the core element of its mission. Groundbreaking research by RPCI scientists has led to greater understanding of cancer and to major advances in diagnosis and treatment.

Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital
The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center

300 W. 10th Avenue
Columbus, OH 43210
1-(800)-293-5066

Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital is one of the nation’s leading comprehensive cancer centers, finding groundbreaking discoveries that are changing the way the world diagnoses, treats and prevents cancer. They are the only freestanding cancer hospital in the Midwest, and their cancer experts offer leading-edge cancer treatments tailored to individual patients because no two cancers, or two patients, are alike.

Case Western Reserve University Hospitals
Wearn 152, 11000 Euclid Avenue
Cleveland, OH. 44106
1-(216)-844-8797

The Case Comprehensive Cancer Center (Case CCC) based at Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) is a partnership organization supporting all cancer related research efforts at CWRU, University Hospitals Case Medical Center, and the Cleveland Clinic. Located in Cleveland, Ohio, the Case CCC serves the cancer research and clinical needs of an urban manufacturing and rural agricultural region containing 3.8 million people in Northern Ohio.

Dr. David P. Mason
Cleveland Clinic Foundation
9500 Euclid Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44195
1-(216)-444-4053

Cleveland Clinic Foundationwas founded in 1921 by four renowned physicians with a vision of providing outstanding patient care based upon the principles of cooperation, compassion and innovation. U.S. News & World Report consistently names Cleveland Clinic as one of the nation’s best hospitals in its annual “America’s Best Hospitals” survey.

Dr. Daniel Sterman
University of Pennsylvania Cancer Center
3400 Spruce Street
Philadelphia, PA. 19104
1-(215)-614-0984

University of Pennsylvania Cancer Centerprovides the full spectrum of treatment of mesothelioma and rare cancers as well as follow-up care. The goal of their cancer treatment center is to eliminate cancer and prevent or reduce the chance of recurrence in the future. They offer various types of cancer therapy, alone or in combinations, depending on the type of cancer as well as other factors, such as stage of tumor, and your medical condition. Your physicians at the University of Pennsylvania will recommend the best combination of treatments for your individual condition and assist in making the choice that’s right for you.

Dr. Joseph S. Friedberg
UPenn at Presybterian
39th and Market Streets
Philadelphia, PA. 19104
1-(215)-662-9195

The Abramson Cancer Center at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center offers patients the latest advances in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Their doctors work closely with other cancer specialists to provide comprehensive, integrated care. Other caregivers who may become involved in your care are doctors and nurses in surgical oncology, radiation oncology, gynecologic oncology, urology, radiology and pathology.

Fox Chase Cancer Center
333 Cottman Avenue
Philadelphia, PA. 19111
1-(888)-FOX-CHASE

Fox Chase Cancer Center‘s surgeons, Walter J. Scott, MD, FACS and Abraham “Avi” Lebenthal, MD, offer an individualized tailored surgical approach to the treatment of mesothelioma that integrates the patient functional status and stage. Surgery is often augmented by adjuvant Radiation followed by chemotherapy.

University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute
5115 Centre Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15232
1-(800)-237-4PCI

University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute is the only National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center in western Pennsylvania. With more than 625 research faculty members specializing in disciplines ranging from cancer prevention and early detection to novel therapeutic discovery, survivorship, and end of life care, UPCI maintains a broad strategic vision and comprehensive approach to understanding and defeating cancer. In 2007, UPCI received nearly $200 million in research grants, and was ranked 11th nationally in funding from the National Cancer Institute.

Dr. David C. Rice
The University of Texas
MD Anderson Cancer Center
1515 Holcombe Blvd
Houston, TX 77030
1-(713)-794-1477

At the University of Texas, the MD Anderson Cancer Center‘s mission is to eliminate cancer in Texas, the nation, and the world through outstanding programs that integrate patient care, research and prevention, and through education for undergraduate and graduate students, trainees, professionals, employees and the public.

Dr. J Michael DiMaio
UT Southwestern Medical Center
5323 Harry Hines Blvd
Dallas, TX. 75390-8879
1-(214)-645-7731

The Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center at UT Southwestern Medical Center is one of the premier centers in the nation for the study and treatment of cancer. Their commitment to furthering the science of cancer research has enabled the cancer program to achieve dramatic results in UT Southwestern laboratories and health-care facilities.
Established in 1989 through a generous gift from Dallas philanthropist Harold C. Simmons, the Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center offers a broad-based collection of cancer programs, each providing a wide range of patient-care services. The program receives significant support from the most prestigious cancer research institutions in the nation: the National Cancer Institute, the American Cancer Society, the National Institutes of Health, the Susan G. Komen Foundation, the Lance Armstrong Foundation and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Dr. Roy Smythe
Scott & White
2401 South 31st Street
Temple, TX 76508
1-(254)-724-2595

Scott & White is committed to patient care, education and research, which has earned their health system a reputation for excellence in cancer, orthopedics and cardiovascular care. Their dedicated physicians have built a nationally-acclaimed health care organization, recognized by organizations including U.S. News & World Report and Newsweek. And for the tenth year, Scott & White Memorial Hospital is listed among the “Top 100 Hospitals” in America for cardiovascular care.

San Antonio Cancer Institute
7703 Floyd Curl Drive
San Antonio, TX. 78229
1-(210)-616-5590

San Antonio Cancer Therapy and Research Center’s total patient care system consists of break-through researchers, state-of-the-art tools and technology and multidisciplinary clinical care, delivered through a team of world-class physicians, laboratory scientists and other medical professionals. The total patient care system allows the center to seamlessly translate the latest research findings more efficiently and directly to patients. They treat the cancer, and care for the patient. Their team of scientists and doctors are committed to conquering cancer one patient at a time.

Vermont Cancer Center
89 Beaumont Avenue
Burlington, VT 05405
1-(802)-656-4414

Vermont Cancer Center is a not-for-profit comprehensive clinical and research cancer center; the only such organization in the state of Vermont. Founded in 1974, the Vermont Cancer Center is located within the University of Vermont (UVM) College of Medicine and enjoys a clinical partnership with Fletcher Allen Health Care, Vermont’s academic medical center with UVM. The Vermont Cancer Center is committed to innovative cancer research, life-saving prevention and treatment programs, public education and scientific collaboration, and serves to influence standards of cancer prevention, screening, diagnosis and care across Vermont and northern New York.

Dr. Eric Vallieres
University of Washington Medical Center
1959 NE Pacific
Seattle, WA 98195
1-(206)-598-4477

University of Washington Medical Center is a fully accredited, not-for-profit, regional teaching hospital. Located at 1200 Old York Road (Route 611) in Abington, PA, AMH has been providing comprehensive, high-quality services for people in Montgomery, Bucks and Philadelphia counties for more than 90 years.

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center
1100 Fairview Avenue N
Seattle, WA 98109
1-(206)-667-5000

The Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, together with its clinical and research partners, the University of Washington, Seattle Children’s and the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, comprise the Fred Hutchinson/University of Washington Cancer Consortium. The Consortium is among 40 National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer centers nationwide. Their interdisciplinary teams of world-renowned scientists and humanitarians work together to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer, HIV/AIDS and other diseases. Their researchers, including three Nobel laureates, bring a relentless pursuit and passion for health, knowledge and hope to their work and the world.

Seattle Cancer Care Alliance
825 Eastlake Avenue E
Seattle, WA 98109
1-(206)-288-1024

Seattle Cancer Care Alliance unites the doctors from Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, UW Medicine, and Seattle Children’s to form a world-class treatment center that provides advanced therapies and clinical studies for cancers and other related diseases.

University of Michigan
Comprehensive Cancer Center
600 Highland Avenue
Madison, WI 53792-6164
1-(800)-622-8922

Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Michigan is one of only 40 U.S. centers to earn the National Cancer Institute’s “Comprehensive” designation by meeting strict guidelines for extensive, interactive and innovative clinical and laboratory research; participation in NCI testing of new therapies; significant cancer prevention and control research; provision of patient education, community service and outreach as well as training for health professionals. The Cancer Center is also a founding member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, a consortium of 21 premiere cancer centers formed to develop national guidelines to ensure consistent, high-quality and cost-effective cancer care.