Several treatment centers in Oklahoma offer specialist care for patients with a wide range of cancer types, including mesothelioma. If you have received this diagnosis and live in the state, choose from these excellent Oklahoma cancer centers.
Cancer Centers in Oklahoma
Oklahoma mesothelioma patients have options when it comes to cancer care. The state is home to one National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated facility and several other medical centers that treat most types of cancer.
Stephenson Cancer Center
The NCI recognizes the University of Oklahoma’s Stephenson Cancer Center as a facility that provides excellent clinical care for patients, conducts essential cancer research, and educates and reaches the community. Stephenson, located in Oklahoma City, serves a broad and diverse set of patients, including those in rural areas.[1]
Patients with mesothelioma may choose the Stephenson Cancer Center to work with multidisciplinary teams of experts. They also benefit from access to the many clinical trials conducted here.[1]
Cancer Treatment Centers of America
The Tulsa location of Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) closed in June 2021. It served the local community for 30 years, providing cutting-edge cancer treatment for patients, including those with mesothelioma. The facility transferred existing patients to other CTCA locations.[2]
Integris Cancer Institute
Mesothelioma patients in Oklahoma City can get treatment at Integris, a cancer treatment and research center. The facility is equipped and staffed to manage many types of cancer, including pleural mesothelioma. Options for treatment include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and proton therapy.[3]
Patients at Integris also have access to clinical trials and support services. These include advanced diagnostic procedures and tests, cancer rehabilitation, a wellness center, physical therapy, and integrative medicine.[3]
Physicians Treating Mesothelioma in Oklahoma
Patients with mesothelioma in Oklahoma have options for treatment provided by experts in medical oncology, surgery, and radiation therapy.
J. Matthew Reinersman, M.D.
Dr. Reinersman is a thoracic surgeon and surgical oncologist at the Stephenson Cancer Center. He is part of the lung cancer and thoracic surgery team. He has experience treating patients with lung cancer, mesothelioma, and chest wall tumors. Dr. Reinersman has pioneered robotic thoracic surgery.[4]
Jess Dylan Schwartz, M.D.
Dr. Schwartz is a thoracic surgeon at the Stephenson Cancer Center in Oklahoma City. He has experience using video-assisted and robotic surgical equipment and performing minimally invasive procedures. Dr. Schwartz treats patients with several types of thoracic cancers, including lung cancer and pleural mesothelioma.[5]
Raid Aljumaily, M.D.
Dr. Aljumaily is a medical oncologist specializing in thoracic oncology. He sees patients at the Stephenson Cancer Center’s Department of Hematology and Oncology. He treats patients with lung cancer and pleural mesothelioma and is an active cancer researcher.[6]
Clinical Trials for Mesothelioma Patients in Oklahoma
Clinical trials are tests of the safety and effectiveness of new therapies for patients. These studies help patients with mesothelioma access treatments that are not otherwise available. Right now, a few clinical trials in the state are recruiting mesothelioma patients, including these:
Chemotherapy With or Without Immunotherapy for Peritoneal Mesothelioma is a phase II trial that patients can access in Oklahoma City.[7]
- Researchers need qualified patients with peritoneal mesothelioma that have not yet been treated.
- The study is comparing standard chemotherapy to chemotherapy with immunotherapy.
- This is a large study with no results posted yet, but it is ongoing.
Study of IDE397 in Participants With Solid Tumors Harboring MTAP Deletion is a phase I trial recruiting participants at the Stephenson Cancer Center.[8]
- Researchers are looking for patients with advanced or metastatic cancer who have tried at least one type of treatment.
- They are studying the safety and dosing of a novel compound.
A clinical trial can be a great way to access newer treatments, but there are risks, too. Make sure you talk to your doctors before you decide to participate. They can help you weigh the risks and benefits.
With a diagnosis of mesothelioma in Oklahoma, you have options for treatment. This rare and challenging cancer requires expert care. Don’t settle for a general oncologist or small cancer center. You need specialist care from a leader in the state.
