Thousands of residents in Illinois have died from asbestos-related illnesses, including mesothelioma. Workplace exposure to asbestos caused most of these tragedies. Residents receiving a mesothelioma diagnosis today still face a difficult cancer, but they now have more treatment options and specialists to help them.
Cancer Treatment Centers in Illinois
Residents who have been diagnosed with this cancer can rest assured that they will receive some of the best care to be found anywhere. The state is home to multiple cancer centers with experts in their fields. This includes two facilities recognized as comprehensive cancer centers by the National Cancer Institute.
The University of Chicago Comprehensive Cancer Center
As an NCI-recognized facility, the University of Chicago Comprehensive Cancer Center is more than just a treatment center; it is also a research institution. Cancer researchers here are trying to determine the causes of cancer, to develop cures for cancer, and to prevent cancer.[1]
Mesothelioma patients can benefit from experts in this rare cancer who work here but also from extensive clinical trials. The Center enrolls more than 1,000 patients in trials for innovative treatments every year.[1]
The University of Chicago offers mesothelioma patients multidisciplinary treatment plans with a range of experts. It even offers HIPEC, a type of chemotherapy used to treat peritoneal mesothelioma that is not available in most locations.[1]
The Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center
This facility is also recognized by the NCI and is a part of Northwestern University in Evanston. On staff are nearly 300 clinicians and researchers who offer top-notch treatments and drive innovative studies. Lurie is a part of the Big Ten Cancer Research Consortium, collaborating with other top facilities to conduct clinical trials.[2]
The Lurie Cancer Center includes a thoracic oncology and surgery department to treat patients with pleural mesothelioma. Peritoneal mesothelioma patients can also benefit from working with specialists here. HIPEC is available as a treatment option.[2]
Rush University Cancer Center
Located in Chicago, the Rush University Cancer Center conducts research and treats cancer patients. The thoracic surgery department at Rush includes experts in the procedures used to treat pleural mesothelioma who work with oncologists and others for a multidisciplinary treatment approach.[3]
Other services mesothelioma patients can access at Rush include clinical trials, second opinion services, cancer clinics for both thoracic and gastrointestinal cancers, counseling, social work, financial support, palliative care, and pastoral services.[3]
Mesothelioma Specialists in Illinois
Some of the leading mesothelioma experts in the U.S. work in Illinois. They provide patients with the best care so that they do not have to leave the state.
Hedy Lee Kindler, M.D.
Dr. Kindler is a gastrointestinal oncologist and specialist in treating peritoneal mesothelioma. She is the director of the Mesothelioma Program at the University of Chicago Comprehensive Cancer Center. Through her research, Dr. Kindler has helped develop better chemotherapy treatments and improved diagnostic techniques for mesothelioma.[4]
Ryan P. Merkow, M.D.
Another expert in peritoneal mesothelioma, Dr. Merkow is an assistant professor of surgical oncology at the Lurie Cancer Center. He is qualified to provide HIPEC to peritoneal mesothelioma patients. He also specializes in minimally invasive surgical procedures.[6]
Michael J. Liptay, M.D.
Dr. Liptay is a cardiothoracic surgeon at Rush. He works in multidisciplinary teams with other specialists to treat patients with a range of cancer types. He can also perform VATS, video-assisted thoracic surgery, a good option for many pleural mesothelioma patients.[7]
Clinical Trials Recruiting Mesothelioma Patients
A clinical trial is a study of a new treatment, procedure, therapy, or diagnostic tool in medicine. For patients with mesothelioma, a trial represents a chance to try a new treatment and that may extend their lives. The only way to access these kinds of treatments is through clinical trials.
Currently, there are several clinical trials ongoing in Illinois that need mesothelioma patients to participate. Trials have requirements that must be met to participate, so talk to your medical team about these and others that you may benefit from:
- A Pilot Window-Of-Opportunity Study of the Anti-PD-1 Antibody Pembrolizumab in Patients With Resectable Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma. This trial is recruiting mesothelioma patients to receive treatment with an immunotherapy drug at the University of Chicago. You must be able to undergo surgery.[8]
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Detection of Peritoneal Mesothelioma. This trial is working on better diagnosis of peritoneal mesothelioma and needs patients to participate. Using advanced imaging, the researchers will try to determine if your cancer is spreading.[9]
- Pembrolizumab With or Without Anetumab Ravtansine in Treating Patients With Mesothelin-Positive Pleural Mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma patients are needed for this study to try an immunotherapy drug with or without a second drug.[10]
- Phase 1 Study of INBRX-109 in Subjects With Locally Advanced or Metastatic Solid Tumors Including Sarcomas. This is another study of new immunotherapy drugs for mesothelioma patients and those with other types of advanced cancer.[11]
Illinois mesothelioma patients have many options when it comes to getting the best possible care for mesothelioma. With two of the best cancer centers in the country, plus other treatment facilities, patients know they do not have to travel far for excellent treatment.
