University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, Madison, Wisconsin
The University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center represents a collaboration between the UW School of Medicine and Public Health and UW Health: together they represent the only comprehensive cancer center in the state of Wisconsin. UW Carbone is also a member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, a non-profit alliance of 28 leading cancer centers devoted to patient care, research, and education.[1]
In addition to cancer diagnosis and care, patients seeking treatment at UWCCC can take advantage of other special services, including second opinions, genetic counseling, nutritional therapy, special support specific to cancer type, and integrative health services including acupuncture, mindfulness for stress reduction, and massage therapy.
Patients seeking care at UW Carbone Cancer Center get the benefit of groundbreaking research, prevention, and a multidisciplinary treatment approach. Patients diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma, peritoneal lung cancer, or lung cancer have access to innovative treatment protocols as well as clinical trials.
Facts about the University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center[1]
The University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center (UWCCC) was the first cancer research center founded by a university in the United States.
The Carbone Cancer Center was one of six original NCI-designated comprehensive cancer centers.
Newsweek magazine included UW Health Carbone Cancer Center on its inaugural list of America’s Best Cancer Hospitals in 2023. It was also named the top cancer hospital in Wisconsin and 30th best in the United States.
In 2023, Carbone Cancer Center celebrated 50 years as a National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center.
More than 30,000 people are seen annually for diagnosis, therapy, follow-up care, or consultations for cancer at UW Carbone, UW Hospital, and its clinics.
The UWCCC is a consortium of over 300 faculty based at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, focused on cutting-edge cancer treatment and research.
UW Health also includes the SwedishAmerican Regional Cancer Center, providing cancer patients the ability to access outpatient services including radiation oncology, medical imaging, and rehabilitation at one convenient location.
There are more than 250 cancer clinical trials taking place at UW Health at any given time.
The UW Carbone Cancer Center is 5th in the nation for research funding.
History
The Carbone Cancer Center’s origins date back to 1935, when a physician-scientist in the medical school proposed establishing a cancer research center on the UW campus. In 1938, the university received a bequest from Michael W. Mcardle and used it to expand the existing small cancer hospital into a research facility, subsequently named the McArdle Memorial Laboratory for Cancer Research. This was the first cancer research center founded by a university in the United States.[3]
McArdle Laboratory and Cancer Hospital produced the first nationally designed anti-cancer drug, which revolutionized treatment through the use of chemotherapy. The center received its first NCI block grant in 1946, and this support continued until McArdle consolidated with UW’s other cancer center in the year 2000. The Department of Oncology opened at the medical school in 1947 when departmental status was granted to the McArdle faculty.[3]
In 1970, the center’s director was named to the National Panel of Consultants on the Conquest of Cancer. The report published by the group formed the basis of 1971’s National Cancer Act, which authorized the establishment of 15 new comprehensive cancer centers. In 1972, the University of Wisconsin formed a new Clinical Cancer Center, becoming one of the original NCI-designated comprehensive cancer centers in 1973.[3]
In 1994, the University of Wisconsin consolidated the McArdle Research Laboratory with the UW Comprehensive Cancer Center. The new centers began functioning as one in 1999, with the new facility named the Carbone Cancer Center after the recently retired UWCCC director, Dr. Paul Carbone.[3]
Mesothelioma and Lung Cancer Care at the University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center,
The University of Wisconsin Health and Carbone Cancer Center thoracic oncology team has extensive experience in treating both lung cancer and malignant pleural mesothelioma. They diagnose more than 400 patients each year and are actively involved in more than 60 ongoing lung cancer clinical trials at any time.
For patients, the expertise of UW Carbone’s thoracic cancer team means that whether they have lung cancer or pleural mesothelioma, they will go through a comprehensive diagnostic process using the most advanced procedures, including CT-guided needle localization, endobronchial ultrasound, fluorescence bronchoscopy, and mediastinoscopy. Treatment options include medication therapy, including chemotherapy and targeted therapy, MRI-guided radiation therapy, 3D tomotherapy, surgeries including pneumonectomy and video-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy, and combinations of all of these based on your diagnosis.[4]
Patients diagnosed with malignant peritoneal mesothelioma may be eligible to undergo cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal mesothelioma, a complex combination procedure that is only available at a few cancer centers throughout the United States.
Research
Research at UW Carbone Cancer Center is conducted by more than 330 physicians and scientists from 50 departments and nine schools. The center’s work is organized around six scientific programs: Cancer Genetic and Epigenetic Mechanisms; Cancer Prevention and Control; Developmental Therapeutics; Human Cancer Virology; Imaging and Radiation Sciences; and Tumor Microenvironment.[2]
Notable Staff and Mesothelioma Specialists
The thoracic cancer team and gastrointestinal cancer team at UW Carbone Cancer Center each utilize a multidisciplinary approach in which experts from all aspects of cancer care engage with one another to create the best possible solution for each individual patient. Patients diagnosed with lung cancer or malignant pleural mesothelioma receive treatment from medical oncologists like Dr. Anne M. Traynor, palliative specialist Dr. Toby Campbell, and thoracic surgeons Drs. Malcolm DeCamp and James Maloney.[44] Patients seeking management of malignant peritoneal mesothelioma will benefit from the skill of Dr. Nabeel Zafar.
Each lung cancer and mesothelioma patient at the University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center is supported by these physicians, as well as by genetic counselors, nutritionists, psychologists, social workers, advanced practice nurses, and physician assistants, all dedicated to helping you achieve the best possible outcome.
/dave