Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center, Maywood, Illinois
The Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center is located in Maywood, Illinois, within the Loyola University Medical Center. It is a clinical treatment center dedicated to bringing all aspects of cancer care to one site.[1] The center, which offers state-of-the-art treatment for thoracic malignancies including malignant pleural mesothelioma and lung cancer, as well as malignant peritoneal mesothelioma, emphasizes optimal collaboration between healthcare providers and convenience for patients, their loved ones, and caregivers.
The facility has received national recognition for the excellence of its thoracic surgery program, a result of recruiting highly trained surgeons to work with its team of medical and radiation oncologists.[3] Together they combine expertise with translational research to provide high-level care.[1]
Pleural and Peritoneal Mesothelioma and Lung Cancer Care at Loyola University Medical Center
The medical staff at Loyola University Medical Center’s Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center take a comprehensive, aggressive stance against thoracic cancers like malignant pleural mesothelioma and lung cancer. The facility offers a wide variety of services, including diagnosis, treatment, research, and supportive care. Treatment is provided by a multidisciplinary team of medical, surgical, and radiation oncologists supported by nurses and other allied health professionals who create and deliver individualized treatment plans as well as access to research and clinical trials.[2]
While the research arm at Cardinal Bernardin is working on developing new and effective therapies for lung and thoracic cancer, the clinical team is using state-of-the-art technology and extensive expertise in every aspect of care. The diagnostic process includes the use of X-rays, CT scans, endobronchial and esophageal ultrasound, and PET scan as well as bronchoscopy, fine needle biopsy, and surgical biopsy, and once the condition is confirmed and its molecular profile identified, the program offers an array of treatment options including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, intensity-modulated radiation therapy, minimally invasive surgeries including robotic-assisted surgery, neoadjuvant therapy, and targeted therapy.[2]
Patients diagnosed with malignant peritoneal mesothelioma benefit from the facility’s use of hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy, an innovative treatment that, when combined with cytoreductive surgery, has been shown to significantly improve survival.
Mesothelioma patients also benefit from compassionate support services offered at the facility’s Coleman Foundation Image Renewal Center, which provides complementary art therapy, massage therapy, biofeedback, pain management, acupuncture, nutritional counseling, access to psychotherapists, and spiritual care.[1]
Notable Staff and Mesothelioma Specialists
The lung and thoracic oncology program at Loyola University Medical Center’s Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center features a multidisciplinary approach to treating patients with lung cancers and malignant pleural mesothelioma. Taking a comprehensive, one-location approach, the facility offers an experienced team of surgical oncologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and others dedicated to delivering the best possible outcomes.[2]
The Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery department is led by Dr. Jeffrey Schwartz, who works collaboratively with a team of almost 20 highly skilled thoracic surgeons including Dr. Zaid Abdelsattar, Dr. Manuel Rojo, Dr. Chirantan Mangukia, Dr. Jia Hou, and Dr. James Lubawski Jr.[3] The surgeons collaborate with colleagues including the Director of Thoracic Oncology, Dr. Kathy S. Albain, and radiation oncologists including the chair of oncology, Dr. William Small, Jr., Dr. Alex Herskovic, and Dr. Matt Harkenrider who provide innovative radiation treatments.
In addition to the care of patients with thoracic cancers, Drs. Gerard Abood and Dr. Mark Knab provide expertise in the use of cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy for patients with peritoneal mesothelioma.
