South Dakota mesothelioma treatment and doctors are limited simply because of the low population density here. If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, consider the few cancer centers in the state that can help you. Alternatively, you may want to travel to a neighboring state for more options.
South Dakota Cancer Centers
South Dakota is home to a couple of facilities that draw patients from all over the state for cancer care. These facilities are equipped to treat mesothelioma patients but do not necessarily have specialists on staff. Some treatment centers in Nebraska and Minnesota are not too far away and provide more care choices.
Sanford Cancer Center
Located in Sioux Falls, this treatment center is one of the biggest in the state, with the most cancer professionals and treatment options. If you have mesothelioma, you may benefit from several services here:[1]
- Sanford’s teams of specialists treat lung cancer and gastrointestinal cancers, which means they can help patients with both pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma.
- Each patient works with a multidisciplinary clinic, either in lung cancer or gastrointestinal cancers, to get all necessary expert care in one place.
- These clinics also ensure patients benefit from experts in all areas of cancer care, including medical oncology, radiation oncology, surgery, pulmonology, diagnostic imaging, and more.
- The surgeons at Sanford provide robotic-assisted procedures and minimally invasive surgeries for greater accuracy and shorter recovery times.
- Clinical trials at Sanford give patients access to new treatments that are not yet available to the general public.
- In addition to standard treatments, Sanford offers patients immunotherapy.
- Support services include genetic counseling, support groups, massage therapy, counseling, fertility preservation, nutritional services, and financial counseling.
Avera Cancer Institute
With multiple locations in South Dakota, Avera is a good option for many patients. The six regional centers are best for the more complicated cases like mesothelioma. If you are considering Avera for treatment, here are some of the services and benefits:[2]
- Avera has six main locations, making it easier to access treatment. You can see doctors in Aberdeen, Pierre, Marshall, Mitchell, Sioux Falls, or Yankton.
- Treatments offered here include genetic medicine, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, bone marrow transplants, integrative medicine, and robotic-assisted surgery.
- Avera participates in clinical trials so patients can participate in ground-breaking research and new treatments.
- Support services for patients include arts in healing, fitness, spiritual support, financial assistance, genetic counseling, music therapy, nutrition counseling, psychological counseling, and support groups.
Nearby Treatment Centers
If you cannot find the expert teams to treat mesothelioma in South Dakota, just across state lines, you’ll find some of the best treatment centers in the country. Minnesota is home to the Mayo Clinic Cancer Center and the Masonic Cancer Center. The Mayo Clinic has a Mesothelioma Specialty Group, and both facilities offer HIPEC for peritoneal mesothelioma.
In Nebraska, the Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center in Omaha offers comprehensive care for mesothelioma patients. This includes innovative immunotherapies, top thoracic surgeons, and HIPEC for peritoneal mesothelioma treatment.
Physicians Treating Mesothelioma in South Dakota
Mesothelioma specialists are rare, but many physicians, oncologists, and surgeons have experience with this cancer and provide excellent care.
Keung Ung, M.D.
Dr. Ung is a cardiothoracic surgeon at Sanford. He is an experienced surgeon who can perform the complicated procedures often needed to treat and manage pleural mesothelioma. One of his specialties is the surgical treatment of lung cancer.[3]
Gary Timmerman, M.D.
Dr. Timmerman is a surgical oncologist at Sanford and the Chair of the Surgical Department at the University of South Dakota Sanford Medical School. He specializes in gastrointestinal cancers and can treat peritoneal mesothelioma.[4]
Clinical Trials for Mesothelioma Patients in South Dakota
A clinical trial is a study of a novel treatment or procedure that has been tested extensively in the lab. By the clinical phase of the study, the treatment is ready for human participants.
Mesothelioma patients are good candidates for participating because their treatment options are often limited. If you are interested in trying a trial, talk to your medical team. There are currently two clinical trials recruiting mesothelioma patients with study locations in South Dakota:[5]
- Chemotherapy With or Without Immunotherapy for Peritoneal Mesothelioma. This is a phase II study testing the use of an immunotherapy drug (atezolizumab) with standard treatments for peritoneal mesothelioma (chemotherapy or surgery). The researchers are comparing this combination with standard treatment alone. Two locations are available in South Dakota, both in Sioux Falls.[5]
- Integrated Cancer Repository for Cancer Research (iCaRe2). This is a study with many locations throughout the U.S., but it is not a study of a new treatment. It is being used to collect tissue samples from cancer patients to further research. Mesothelioma patients may qualify to contribute.[6]
With a diagnosis of mesothelioma, getting treatment fast is essential. It is also important to get treatment from specialists. In South Dakota, you have a few options. Even more choices are available just out of state.
