University of Arizona Cancer Center, Tucson, Arizona
The University of Arizona Cancer Center is located in Tucson, Arizona, and is the only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center in the state of Arizona. The facility boasts hundreds of doctors, scientists, postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, undergraduate students, and technicians working in more than 70 research laboratories, as well as a team of multidisciplinary clinicians. Together, they translate their research into clinical trials and care through Banner Health’s University Medical Center in Tucson, Arizona.[1] Patients diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma and lung cancer receive specialized care through the center’s Lung Cancer Program.
Pleural Mesothelioma and Lung Cancer Care at the University of Arizona Cancer Center
The University of Arizona Cancer Center was the site of the world’s first and second robot-assisted extrapleural pneumonectomy for the treatment of malignant mesothelioma. The facility has been named one of the six highest-performing cancer surgical intervention facilities in the state by U.S. News and World Report, and in addition to surgical excellence, it offers state-of-the-art cancer treatments including biologic therapies, CAR-T, immunotherapy, radiation oncology, and supportive care. Patients diagnosed with lung cancer and malignant pleural mesothelioma are also eligible to participate in research and clinical trials.[1]
Notable Staff and Mesothelioma Specialists
The thoracic cancer clinical research team at the Arizona Cancer Center’s Lung Cancer Program represents the pinnacle of collaboration between research and patient care. Its physicians and researchers offer access to state-of-the-art therapies for patients diagnosed with malignant pleural mesothelioma, lung cancer, esophageal cancer, and other thoracic malignancies. All of the team’s projects rely on the comprehensive resources of the cancer center’s research team, offering patients a wide range of comprehensive services from the time of diagnosis and evaluation through to staging, screening, treatment, and follow-up care.[2]
The multidisciplinary team that treats patients with lung cancer and malignant pleural mesothelioma includes pulmonologists, thoracic surgeons, radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, lung cancer screening specialists, and support personnel including nurse navigators, nutrition specialists, and psychosocial support. All patients’ conditions and treatment plans are reviewed weekly by the Lung Cancer Tumor Board.
Specialists at the center include medical oncologist Dr. Linda Garland, physician-scientist Dr. Amit M. Algotar, Medical Director Dr. Charles C. Hsu, and surgical oncologist Dr. Stephanie Worrell.[2]
