Indiana residents with mesothelioma experienced asbestos exposure, most often on the job, before receiving this terrible diagnosis. Now, they face a difficult cancer that requires specialist treatment. Patients in Indiana can choose from a few excellent cancer centers in the state.
Cancer Centers in Indiana
There are several facilities in the state that can treat cancer. However, mesothelioma is rare and requires specialist treatment. If you have mesothelioma, you need a cancer center that uses multidisciplinary teams of cancer experts to craft an individual plan.
In Indiana you can find two centers, both recognized for excellence by the National Cancer Institute.
Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center
The Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center at Indiana University offers all kinds of cancer patient expert care in Indianapolis. The center is well known for its commitment to research, which has included important discoveries like a cure for testicular cancer.[1]
For patients with mesothelioma, the treatment center includes a variety of options: chemotherapy, hormone therapy, immunotherapy, genomics for personalized treatments, radiation, and surgical oncology, as well as clinical trials.[1]
The CompleteLife Program here offers patients support services and additional therapies. These include art and music therapy, support groups, social work, spiritual care, and nutrition and psychological counseling.[1]
Columbus Regional Health Cancer Center
Another good location for cancer treatment in Indiana is the Columbus Regional Health Cancer Center in Columbus. Multidisciplinary teams offer an individualized approach to care with options including radiation, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy. Patients also benefit from outpatient services and support services.[2]
Purdue University Center for Cancer Research
Purdue’s facility is recognized by the NCI as a center of excellence in research. It does not offer patient care, but it works with Indiana University and other institutions to advance the understanding of cancer and to develop novel treatments. You may be able to access clinical trials here.[3]
Physicians Treating Mesothelioma in Indiana
A handful of oncologists and other types of physicians have experience working with mesothelioma patients in Indiana.
Francis D. Sheski, M.D.
A pulmonary critical care specialist at Indiana University, Dr. Sheski is an important member of the facility’s thoracic oncology program that treats patients with pleural mesothelioma. He advocates for the early detection of cancers and less invasive surgical procedures.[4]
Sharmila Roy Chowdhury, M.D.
Dr. Chowdhury is a surgical oncologist at the Goshen Center for Cancer Care in Goshen. She specializes in gastrointestinal cancers, pancreatic cancers, and hepatobiliary cancers. She also provides cytoreductive surgery with HIPEC for patients with peritoneal mesothelioma and uses robotic surgical techniques.[5]
Chad E. Denlinger, M.D.
Dr. Denlinger is a thoracic surgeon at Indiana University Health in Indianapolis. He specializes in diseases of the chest cavity, including lung cancer and pleural mesothelioma.[6]
Nasser H. Hanna, M.D.
Dr. Hanna is a thoracic oncologist at the Indiana University School of Medicine in Indianapolis. He is an Associate Division Director of the Department of Oncology and a lung cancer researcher. He specializes in treating thoracic cancers, including lung cancer and pleural mesothelioma.[7]
Indiana Clinical Trials for Mesothelioma Patients
A clinical trial for a new treatment is a great way to access innovative procedures and medicines not available to the general public. Clinical trials recruit qualified patients to participate in the study of the effectiveness and safety of these new treatments.
A clinical trial can offer hope for mesothelioma patients with limited options or in the advanced stages.
Indiana’s comprehensive cancer centers focus on both treatment and research. They often have clinical trials available, but because mesothelioma is rare, the number of studies recruiting at any one time is limited. There are currently three studies recruiting mesothelioma patients for trials in Indiana:
- Integrated Cancer Repository for Cancer Research. This study is not investigating any new treatments, but it is still important. Researchers need participants with a range of cancers, including mesothelioma, to contribute to a resource that will help lead to better treatments, early screenings, and personalized cancer care that is more effective.[8]
- Study of MT-8421 as Monotherapy and in Combination With Nivolumab in Patients With Selected Advanced Solid Cancer Types. This study is investigating the safeety and effectiveness of a new immunotoxin drug used with or without the immunotherapy drug Nivolumab. The study is recruiting patients with various solid tumor types, including mesothelioma.[9]
- Study of IDE397 in Participants With Solid Tumors Harboring MTAP Deletion. This is a phase I trial of a new drug for patients with a certain genetic marker, including those with mesothelioma.[10]
If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma in Indiana or need a second opinion, don’t settle for a non-specialist medical center. There are comprehensive cancer centers in the state that staff experts in all types of cancer. These facilities are nearby and local, and they can offer you the best care.
