Iowa residents who received a mesothelioma diagnosis after asbestos exposure face a difficult illness. Finding the best treatment is essential for this rare cancer. Iowa is home to one of the nation’s best cancer centers and a great treatment option for residents with mesothelioma.
Iowa Cancer Treatment Centers
If you live in Iowa, you do not have to travel far to access excellent cancer care. In addition to one facility recognized by the National Cancer Institute (NCI), there are other cancer centers with specialists and multidisciplinary teams prepared to take on mesothelioma.
Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center
The University of Iowa Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center received an NCI designation in 2001. It is considered a comprehensive cancer center because it offers specialist treatment and conducts important cancer research. For mesothelioma patients, there are many benefits of choosing Holden for care:[1]
- The Cancer Surgery Clinic brings together surgeons and other specialists to treat cancer with surgical procedures. Thoracic surgeons work in this clinic and can perform important surgeries for pleural mesothelioma patients.
- Holden offers the most extensive and advanced radiation treatments in the state.
- Holden has a Stem Cell Transplant and Cellular Therapy Program to provide advanced genetic therapies.
- Patients with mesothelioma may benefit from immunotherapies, which are available here.
- The Lung Cancer Program excels at treating patients with a multidisciplinary approach.
- Genetic counseling is available to help patients and their relatives understand family history and cancer.
- Supportive services at Holden include side effect treatment, physical and occupational therapy, pulmonary rehabilitation, and speech and swallowing therapy.
Another option for cancer care in Iowa is the John Stoddard Cancer Center in Des Moines. It offers multidisciplinary care for a range of cancers along with support services and advanced treatment technologies. The lung cancer program is outstanding and can help anyone with asbestos-related cancer.[2]
Physicians Treating Mesothelioma in Iowa
Patients in Iowa living with cancer are in good hands with the treatment specialists in the state. True specialists in mesothelioma are difficult to find, but several cancer specialists can treat patients with peritoneal or pleural mesothelioma.
James Howe, M.D.
Dr. Howe is a surgical oncologist and part of the Cancer Surgery Clinic at Holden. He specializes in treating gastrointestinal cancers, which include peritoneal mesothelioma. Dr. Howe works as part of a multidisciplinary team of experts to give patients the best options for comprehensive care.[3]
Carlos H. Chan, M.D.
Dr. Chan is a surgical oncologist at University of Iowa Health Care and Carver College of Medicine in Iowa City. He treats pancreatic and gastrointestinal cancers, including peritoneal mesothelioma. He offers patients cytoreductive surgery with HIPEC.[4]
Muhammad Furqan, M.D.
Dr. Furqan is a medical oncologist at the Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center. He specializes in lung cancer treatment and research.[fotnote num=”5″]
Kalpaj R. Parekh, MBBS
Dr. Parekh is a cardiothoracic surgeon and researcher specializing in lung transplant complications at the University of Iowa. He is skilled in lung transplant surgery, robotic surgery, and thymectomy.[6]
Accessing Clinical Trials in Iowa
If you have a difficult cancer like mesothelioma, chances are your prognosis is not good. You may find hope in participating in a clinical trial. These are studies of new treatments that are not yet approved or available to most people.
Your medical team can help determine if you qualify to enroll in any clinical trials. There are currently two trials in Iowa looking for participants with mesothelioma:
- A Study of SGN-BB228 in Advanced Melanoma and Other Solid Tumors. This is a study of a new drug called SGN-BB228. Researchers are recruiting patients with solid tumors that are difficult to treat or are widespread. Mesothelioma patients may qualify. The trial aims to determine how much of the medication to use, followed by a study of its effectiveness and safety.[7]
- Integrated Cancer Repository for Cancer Research (iCaRe2). Researchers conducting this study need participants with a wide range of cancers. They are collecting data and tissue samples from patients to help make advancements in screening, early diagnosis, prevention, and personalized treatment of cancer. While this is not a trial to test a treatment, it is an important way to contribute to the development of cancer care.[8]
If you live in Iowa and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, make finding the best treatment a priority. This rare cancer requires a team of specialists for excellent care and a better prognosis. Iowa’s Holden Cancer Center is a great choice where you will receive cutting-edge treatments and be able to access clinical trials.
