In a small state like Rhode Island, mesothelioma treatment and doctors can be hard to find. Fortunately for residents with this type of cancer, there is one major treatment center in the state. Patients can also travel a short distance to Boston for world-class cancer care and to see mesothelioma specialists.
Cancer Centers for Rhode Island Mesothelioma Patients
Rhode Island is a small state with limited specialty care for mesothelioma patients. There are no cancer centers recognized by the National Cancer Institute, but the state’s largest and most comprehensive cancer care facility can treat mesothelioma patients.
Brown University Health Cancer Institute
Previously known as the Lifespan Cancer Institute, the Brown University Health Cancer Institute offers more options for cancer patients than any other facility in the state. If you have a mesothelioma diagnosis, there are several reasons to get care at Lifespan:[1]
- Many different cancer specialists work together on multidisciplinary teams to develop individualized treatment plans that best meet each patient’s needs.
- Brown offers precision treatment, the most targeted and individualized way to treat patients. Treatment teams consider a patient’s genetics and other factors and use targeted therapies and immunotherapy to create more effective treatments.
- Clinical trials at Brown offer patients the chance to try new therapies and procedures.
- The Thoracic Multidisciplinary Clinic is equipped to treat pleural mesothelioma patients with surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, pulmonary care, critical care, and immunotherapy.
- Patients with peritoneal mesothelioma can receive HIPEC here. Preceded by cytoreductive surgery, this is a unique and more effective kind of chemotherapy.
- Support services benefit patients as well and include social work, psychiatric care, palliative care, nutrition counseling, and complementary and alternative therapies.
Cancer Treatment in Neighboring States
Boston is just a short drive away, and many Rhode Island patients choose to travel there for more treatment options. The Boston area is home to two world-class cancer centers, both offering mesothelioma care. The Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center is a multi-center facility with the ability to treat patients with mesothelioma.
Brigham and Women’s Hospital is home to the International Mesothelioma Program. This program brings together mesothelioma specialists, oncologists, surgeons, radiologists, and other professionals to treat mesothelioma.
Rhode Island Mesothelioma Physicians and Specialists
Boston’s cancer centers have some of the most dedicated mesothelioma specialists in the country. Several physicians in Rhode Island have experience treating mesothelioma patients.
Christopher G. Azzoli, M.D.
Dr. Azzoli is the Director of Thoracic Oncology at Brown University Health. He specializes in the medical treatment of thoracic cancers, including pleural mesothelioma. With a fellowship at Memorial Sloan Kettering in New York, Dr. Azzoli has the training and experience to help patients with this rare cancer.[2]
Thomas J. Miner, M.D.
As the Chief of Surgical Oncology at Brown, Dr. Miner plays a key role in treating patients with mesothelioma. His specialty is gastrointestinal cancers, including peritoneal mesothelioma. At Lifespan, he provides patients with cytoreductive surgery with HIPEC.[3]
Jack Elias, M.D.
Dr. Elias is the senior vice president for health affairs at Brown University. His work and research focus on patients with lung diseases, including lung cancer. He is also actively expanding research and training the next generation of physicians and researchers.[4]
Mesothelioma Clinical Trials
Clinical trials are studies of the effectiveness and safety of novel treatments, many of which provide mesothelioma patients with much-needed hope. Unfortunately, there are no ongoing trials in Rhode Island recruiting participants with mesothelioma.
If you are interested in benefiting from a clinical trial, talk to your medical team about studies you may join. There are currently two trials recruiting mesothelioma patients with locations in Rhode Island:
- A Study of Oral 7HP349 (Alintegimod) in Combination With Ipilimumab Followed by Nivolumab Monotherapy. This is a phase 1 and 2 study testing he safety and efficacy of a drug called Alintegimod alone and in combination with immunotherapy. Patients with pleural mesothelioma may qualify.[5]
- PRinatabart Sesutecan (Rina-S, PRO1184, GEN1184) for Advanced Solid Tumors (GCT1184-01/ PRO1184-001) (RAINFOL-01). This phase I and II study needs patients to help evaluate the safety and efficacy of a targeted antibody-drug conjugate. Patients with advanced mesothelioma may qualify.[6]
If you live in Rhode Island and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, treatment is close at hand. Enjoy excellent treatment right in the state, or travel a short distance to Boston to see the specialists who can provide the most comprehensive care.
