Cancer patients in Maryland have access to some of the best treatment centers and research in the world. From the National Cancer Institute (NCI) to a world-class treatment center in Baltimore, mesothelioma patients can get the best care in Maryland.
Cancer Treatment Centers in Maryland
Maryland is home to several cancer centers. If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, consider your options and find a specialist team you feel good about working with as you battle this cancer.
Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center
A part of Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, this facility is an NCI-recognized comprehensive cancer center. The facility conducts top-notch research and uses the most advanced and appropriate treatments for each patient.[1]
- The Kimmel Cancer Center uses a multidisciplinary, team approach to individualize treatment for each patient.
- Treatment options include surgical oncology, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, hormone therapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy.
- The Center also offers cutting-edge proton therapy, a treatment not available everywhere.
- The Lung Cancer Program treats patients with pleural mesothelioma.
- The Peritoneal Surface Malignancy Program treats patients with peritoneal mesothelioma.
- One of the most effective treatments for peritoneal mesothelioma, cytoreductive surgery with HIPEC, is available at the Kimmel Cancer Center.
- Patients and their families benefit from extended services, including palliative care, survivor programs, and counseling.
- For patients who need to travel, the Hackerman-Patz Patient and Family Pavilion is a nearby residence.
Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center
Another NCI-designated facility, the Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, is a part of the University of Maryland and is located in Baltimore. Like the Kimmel Cancer Center, it offers a connection between research that translates into real treatments for patients.[2]
- Greenebaum treats patients with a wide variety of cancers, including mesothelioma.
- The experts here can treat patients with peritoneal surface malignancies, including with cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC.
- The Mesothelioma Thoracic Oncology Treatment and Research Center focuses on treating patients with pleural mesothelioma through a multidisciplinary approach.
- This is one of the few facilities in the state with several specialists in pleural mesothelioma.
- Support services include psychosocial services, specialized blood products, a dental program, a pharmacy, complementary and alternative treatments, and nutrition services.
The National Cancer Institute
The NCI, a part of the National Institutes of Health, is in Bethesda. It is a federal government facility dedicated to cancer research. The NCI conducts research here but also supports a nationwide network of researchers and institutions.[3]
While cancer patients do not receive treatment here in the traditional sense, they can enroll in clinical trials. If you are in the area, talk to your medical team about NCI trials for which you may qualify.[3]
Mesothelioma Specialists in Maryland
Maryland mesothelioma patients are fortunate to find so many specialists in this rare cancer right in their state. Oncologists and surgeons who treat mesothelioma patients here collaborate with other experts to provide the best care.
Richard James Battafarano, M.D., Ph.D.
Dr. Battafarano is a thoracic surgeon and the Regional Director of General Thoracic Surgery at Kimmel. Among his areas of expertise is the surgical treatment of pleural mesothelioma. He also specializes in minimally invasive surgeries and video-assisted thoracic surgery.[4]
Raffit Hassan, M.D.
Dr. Hassan is a Senior Investigator at the National Cancer Institute and an expert in mesothelioma. If you participate in NCI clinical trials, you may come under his care. His major focus of research is developing immunotherapy drugs to target mesothelin, a marker for mesothelioma.[5]
Additional Maryland Mesothelioma Specialists
- Andrew M. Blakely, M.D., surgical oncologist, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda
- Julie Renee Brahmer, M.D., medical oncologist, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore
- Kurtis Campbell, M.D., surgical oncologist, Mercy Medical Center, Baltimore
- Patrick Forde, MBBCh, oncologist and researcher, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore
- Jonathan Bruce Greer, M.D., surgical oncologist, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore
- Bartley P. Griffith, M.D., cardiothoracic surgeon, Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore
- Vadim Gushchin, M.D., surgical oncologist, Mercy Medical Center, Baltimore
- Nader N. Hanna, M.D., surgical oncologist, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore
- Petr F. Hausner, M.D., medical oncologist, Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore
- Chuong D. Hoang, M.D., surgeon and researcher, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda
- Fabian Johnston, M.D., surgical oncologist, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore
- Christine L. Lau, M.D., thoracic surgeon, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore
- Robert C. Miller, M.D., radiation oncologist, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore
- David S. Schrump, M.D., thoracic surgeon, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda
- Katherine A. Scilla, M.D., medical oncologist, Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore
Mesothelioma Clinical Trials in Maryland
A clinical trial is a way to access novel treatments. If your doctor thinks you may qualify for a study, you could benefit from a treatment that is not generally available. There are risks and potential benefits, so talk to your medical team first.
Maryland has 13 studies going on right now that need mesothelioma patients to participate. Some examples include:
- Testing the Addition of Immunotherapy Before Surgery for Patients With Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma. In this study, researchers are investigating the use of nivolumab and ipilimumab before surgery in patients with sarcomatoid mesothelioma, the most aggressive cell type of mesothelioma.[6]
- Decitabine/Cedazuridine (INQOVI), an Oral DNA Demethylating Agent, in Subjects With BAP1 Cancer Predisposition Syndrome and Subclinical, Early-Stage Mesothelioma. In this phase II study, researchers are using gene therapy to induce cell death in tumor cells. They are recruiting patients with early-stage mesothelioma and the BAP1 mutation.[7]
- Individualized Response Assessment to Heated Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC) for the Treatment of Peritoneal Carcinomatosis From Ovarian, Colorectal, Appendiceal, or Peritoneal Mesothelioma Histologies. In this study, researchers hope to improve outcomes of cytoreductive surgery with HIPEC by trying different chemotherapy drugs.[8]
- Prospective Evaluation of Photon Counting Computed Tomographic Imaging, Noninvasive (Liquid) Biopsies, and Minimally Invasive Surgical Surveillance for Early Detection of Mesotheliomas in Patients With BAP1 Tumor Predisposition Syndrome. This study needs participants to study the genetic origins of mesothelioma and to improve diagnosis.[9]
Mesothelioma patients in Maryland have a wealth of resources close to home. Excellent cancer centers and innovative research are right here in the state. Choose from among the best treatment centers and specialists and consider trying the clinical trials that are right for you.
