Getting a diagnosis of mesothelioma means making important treatment decisions. Because this disease is so rare, it is best to get care from a major cancer center. New Mexico mesothelioma treatment and doctors are limited but can be found in both Albuquerque and Santa Fe.
Cancer Treatment Centers in New Mexico
If you live in New Mexico and have received a mesothelioma diagnosis, you have options for treatment right in your home state. There are a couple of excellent cancer facilities that can treat a range of cancer types, including one recognized by the National Cancer Institute (NCI).
University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center
This cancer center, located in Albuquerque, is recognized by the NCI as a Comprehensive Cancer Center. The designation means that it excels in patient care and conducts important cancer research that directly brings new treatments to patients.
For patients with a mesothelioma diagnosis or who still need a diagnosis, the University of New Mexico has a lot to offer:[1]
- Multidisciplinary teams work with patients to create detailed and individualized treatment plans. Experts on the teams include oncologists, radiologists, surgeons, pathologists, nurses, and others.
- The Cancer Center has a Da Vinci Surgical robot, which makes mesothelioma surgeries more precise and leads to shorter recovery times.
- The Lung Cancer Program includes medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and an experienced thoracic surgeon.
- This is the only program in New Mexico that offers cytoreductive surgery with HIPEC, the most effective treatment for peritoneal mesothelioma.
- A clinical trial program that advances cancer research but also provides patients with the opportunity to participate and receive cutting-edge treatments.
- The Cancer Center provides genetic assessments to shed light on family history and risk, for prevention, and to tailor treatments.
- Patients and their families benefit from several support services during and after treatment, including a pharmacy, nutrition services, financial support, social work, psychology, chaplain services, and interpreters.
Christus St. Vincent Regional Cancer Center
Located in Santa Fe, this cancer center is not NCI-designated and is smaller than the University of New Mexico’s cancer center. However, the Christus St. Vincent Regional Cancer Center does provide excellent care for a wide range of cancer types. This facility may be ideal for local mesothelioma patients opting not to have surgery.[2]
The center offers a range of other treatments, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, hormone therapy, and precision and targeted therapies. Patients here can also access clinical trials for novel treatments under investigation.[2]
Supportive services help patients cope with cancer, treatment, and the consequences of living with mesothelioma: advance care planning, social work, holistic health care, wellness programs, and survivorship programs.[2]
Mesothelioma Specialists in New Mexico
The state’s leading experts in treating complicated cancers like mesothelioma are at the University of New Mexico’s Comprehensive Cancer Center in Albuquerque.
Atul Kumar, M.D., Ph.D.
Dr. Kumar is a thoracic oncologist at the University of Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center. He specializes in treating lung cancer, including lung cancer caused by asbestos. His particular focus is on cultural health disparities in cancer screening and treatment.[3]
Ursa Brown-Glaberman, M.D.
Dr. Brown-Glaberman leads the gastrointestinal cancer program at the University of New Mexico. She is a medical oncologist and specializes in treating gastrointestinal cancers. She leads the team in developing treatment plans for all patients with these types of cancers, including peritoneal mesothelioma.[4]
Bridget Fahy, M.D.
Dr. Fahy is also a part of the gastrointestinal team. She is a surgical oncologist with expertise in procedures used to manage gastrointestinal cancers, including peritoneal mesothelioma. She is one of few surgeons Board-certified in hospice and palliative medicine.[5]
Alissa Greenbaum, M.D.
Dr. Greenbaum is a surgical oncologist specializing in gastrointestinal cancers, including peritoneal surface malignancies like peritoneal mesothelioma. She researches Native American health, cancer screening, and patient outcomes after surgery for peritoneal and gastrointestinal cancers.[6]
Clinical Trials for Mesothelioma in New Mexico
A clinical trial is an investigation of a novel therapy, drug, or other treatment that has gone through extensive laboratory testing. These trials recruit human participants, who must meet certain requirements to qualify. For a mesothelioma patient, a clinical trial is an opportunity to try a new treatment that may provide greater benefits than what is already available.
Unfortunately, there are currently no clinical trials with locations in New Mexico that are recruiting mesothelioma patients. This could change at any time, so tell your medical team if you are interested in any studies that open up for patients with mesothelioma.
If you have been diagnosed with any type of mesothelioma, take immediate steps to seek expert care. Cancer specialists in New Mexico can help you make the best decisions about treatment and ongoing care.
