Mesothelioma patients in Alaska may have to travel for specialized treatment. Anchorage is the state’s largest city and home to several cancer treatment facilities. Surgeons, radiologists, and oncologists here who can treat this difficult cancer accept patients from all over the state.
Cancer Treatment Centers in Alaska
Alaska does not have any cancer centers designated by the National Cancer Institute as comprehensive cancer centers. However, there are a few highly-regarded facilities that treat a range of cancers, including mesothelioma.
Alaska Regional Hospital in Anchorage has an oncology department serving patients with a variety of cancer types. This includes mesothelioma, and patients benefit from the expertise of a diverse staff of physicians, nurses, oncologists, radiologists, surgeons, and more.[1]
- The Cancer Care Center is an approved Community Hospital Cancer Program as accredited by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer.
- The accreditation means that the program focuses on prevention, early diagnosis, optimal treatments, rehab and ongoing screenings for recurrences, support services, and care for patients at the end of life.
- The Center offers community resources throughout the Anchorage area, including financial resources and support groups for patients.
- The Center houses a thoracic surgery department, which performs advanced procedures for pleural mesothelioma patients. This includes robotic surgeries.
Providence Health and Services, which has locations in Anchorage, Eagle River, Kodiak Island, Mat-Su, Seward, and Valdez, is home to the Providence Cancer Center.[2]
- Services offered here include financial counseling, genetic counseling, access to clinical trials, oncology research, chemotherapy infusion centers, and radiation oncology.
- Additional support services include nutrition, palliative care, spiritual care, a family center, and a resource center.
- Among the many cancers treated here is malignant mesothelioma.
- Treatment is highly individualized for all patients at the Cancer Center.
- Treatment teams are multidisciplinary, including oncologists, surgeons, radiation specialists, and nurses.
Physicians and Surgeons Treating Mesothelioma in Alaska
Patients in Alaska who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma can rely on several experts in the state to treat this difficult cancer. Most of the specialists work in Anchorage. Some are in private practice but have privileges at local hospitals.
Doctors who treat mesothelioma in Alaska include medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, thoracic surgeons, pulmonologists, and more.
Finding Clinical Trials in Alaska
Your medical team can help you find clinical trials for which you meet the qualifications. A clinical trial studying the safety and effectiveness of a novel treatment is a great way for patients with difficult cancers like mesothelioma to access treatments not yet approved for general use.
In Alaska, there is currently one trial enrolling mesothelioma patients. The phase II Nivolumab and Ipilimumab in Treating Patients with Rare Tumors trial is working with peritoneal mesothelioma patients. Researchers are combining two immunotherapy drugs to determine outcomes and side effects.[3]
Alaska is a big state, and finding expert cancer care may mean traveling to the big city. Anchorage has several options for anyone diagnosed with mesothelioma. Expert teams of specialists can provide the best care in the state.
