Oklahoma Mesothelioma Treatment and Doctors
Page Edited by Patient Advocate Dave Foster This page has been fact checked by an experienced mesothelioma Patient Advocate. Sources of information are listed at the bottom of the article.
We make every attempt to keep our information accurate and up-to-date.
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Several treatment centers in Oklahoma offer specialist care for patients with a wide range of cancer types, including mesothelioma. If you have received this diagnosis and live in the state, choose from among these excellent Oklahoma cancer centers.
Cancer Centers in Oklahoma
Oklahoma mesothelioma patients have options when it comes to cancer care. The state is home to one National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated facility, as well as several other medical centers that treat most types of cancer.
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Stephenson Cancer Center
The NCI recognizes the University of Oklahoma’s Stephenson Cancer Center as a facility that provides excellent clinical care for patients, conducts essential cancer research, and educates and reaches the community. Stephenson, located in Oklahoma City, serves a broad and diverse set of patients, including those in rural areas.
Patients with mesothelioma may choose the Stephenson Cancer Center to work with the multidisciplinary teams of experts. They also benefit from access to the many clinical trials conducted here.
Cancer Treatment Centers of America
The Tulsa location of Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) provides top-notch care for patients with mesothelioma. This includes cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC for peritoneal mesothelioma patients. HIPEC is not available everywhere, but it is often the most effective treatment for this kind of cancer.[1]
CTCA also offers both pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma patients various treatments: radiation therapy, surgical procedures, chemotherapy, targeted therapies, and immunotherapy. Supportive care includes cancer rehabilitation, nutrition coaching, and pain management.[1]
Integris Cancer Institute
Mesothelioma patients in Oklahoma City can get treatment at Integris, a cancer treatment and research center. The facility is equipped and staffed to manage many types of cancer, including pleural mesothelioma. Options for treatment include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and proton therapy.[2]
Patients at Integris also have access to clinical trials and support services. These include advanced diagnostic procedures and tests, cancer rehabilitation, a wellness center, physical therapy, and integrative [2]medicine.
Physicians Treating Mesothelioma in Oklahoma
Patients with mesothelioma in Oklahoma have options for treatment provided by experts in medical oncology, surgery, and radiation therapy.
Peter Baik, D.O.
Dr. Baik is the Director of Thoracic Surgery at Cancer Treatment Centers of America, Tulsa. He helps patients with cancers like pleural mesothelioma by providing necessary surgical procedures. Trained in minimally invasive techniques, Dr. Baik uses these whenever possible to reduce side effects and speed patient recovery.[3]
Daniel Nader, D.O.
Also at CTCA in Tulsa, Dr. Nader specializes in all types of pulmonary diseases, including pleural mesothelioma. He treats patients with a variety of chest cancers and has conducted research to help improve treatments for these difficult diseases.[4]
Pragatheeshwar Thirunavukarasu, M.D.
Dr. Thirunavukarasu is a surgical oncologist at CTCA. He sees patients with mesothelioma and other complicated cancers. One of the few physicians in the region to offer HIPEC, he provides the cytoreductive surgery and chemotherapy that helps many peritoneal mesothelioma patients live longer.
Robert Hooker, M.D.
Dr. Hooker is a thoracic surgeon at Integris. He is trained in and has experience with all kinds of surgeries related to the chest cavity, including pleural mesothelioma. In addition to treating patients, Dr. Hooker participates in clinical research helping to advance cancer treatments.[5]
Clinical Trials for Mesothelioma Patients in Oklahoma
While most of these facilities conduct clinical trials, finding a study that involves mesothelioma patients can be difficult. Right now, there is one clinical trial in the state recruiting peritoneal mesothelioma patients:[6]
- Nivolumab and Ipilimumab in Treating Patients with Rare Tumor is a phase II trial with Oklahoma locations in Lawton, Oklahoma City, and Tulsa.
- Researchers need qualified patients with rare cancers, including those with peritoneal mesothelioma.
- The study seeks to investigate the effectiveness and safety of a combination of two different immunotherapy drugs.
- This is a large study with no results posted yet, but it is ongoing.
A clinical trial can be a great way to access newer treatments, but there are risks too. Make sure you talk to your doctors before you decide to participate. They can help you weigh the risks and benefits.
With a diagnosis of mesothelioma in Oklahoma, you have options for treatment. This rare and difficult cancer requires expert care. Don’t settle for a general oncologist or small cancer center. You need specialist care from a leader in the state.
Page Edited by Patient Advocate Dave Foster
Dave has been a mesothelioma Patient Advocate for over 10 years. He consistently attends all major national and international mesothelioma meetings. In doing so, he is able to stay on top of the latest treatments, clinical trials, and research results. He also personally meets with mesothelioma patients and their families and connects them with the best medical specialists and legal representatives available.