Memorial Sloan Kettering Mesothelioma Care: New York's Leading Treatment Center in 2026

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) in New York City is one of the premier mesothelioma treatment centers in the world, consistently ranked among the top 2 cancer hospitals in the nation [3]. MSK's mesothelioma program has been at the forefront of surgical innovation—particularly the development and refinement of pleurectomy/decortication (P/D)—and continues to lead groundbreaking immunotherapy and clinical trial research [1][4]. After 18 years of coordinating care for mesothelioma patients, I can say that MSK's combination of surgical expertise, research depth, and multidisciplinary coordination makes it a center that every mesothelioma patient should consider.

10 Key Facts About MSK's Mesothelioma Program

• National Ranking: Consistently ranked #1 or #2 for cancer care by U.S. News & World Report [3]
• NCI Designation: One of 72 NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers [2]
• Surgical Pioneer: MSK helped develop and refine pleurectomy/decortication (P/D) [4][13]
• Clinical Trials: Multiple active mesothelioma trials including immunotherapy and targeted therapies [6]
• Multidisciplinary Team: Thoracic surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and pathologists
• Immunotherapy Leadership: Involved in landmark CheckMate 743 and ongoing immunotherapy research [5][9]
• Peritoneal Program: CRS-HIPEC available for peritoneal mesothelioma patients [10]
• Biomarker Testing: Advanced molecular profiling to guide personalized treatment [15]
• New Patient Access: Appointments typically available within 1-3 weeks
• Insurance: Accepts most major plans and Medicare, with financial assistance available [14]

Why Is Memorial Sloan Kettering a Leading Mesothelioma Treatment Center?

MSK's reputation in mesothelioma treatment rests on three pillars: surgical innovation, research leadership, and multidisciplinary coordination [1][13].

Surgical Excellence

MSK's thoracic surgery department has been instrumental in advancing pleurectomy/decortication (P/D) as the preferred surgical approach for pleural mesothelioma [4][13]. Unlike extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP), which removes the entire lung along with the tumor, P/D preserves the lung while removing the diseased pleura and visible tumor. MSK's outcomes data shows:

• Lung preservation: P/D maintains respiratory function by keeping the lung intact
• Lower surgical mortality: P/D carries lower operative risk compared to EPP [4]
• Comparable survival: Long-term survival outcomes comparable to more radical approaches [4][8]
• Better quality of life: Patients retain greater lung function after P/D surgery

MSK surgeons have performed more P/D procedures than almost any other center in the world, giving them extensive experience with this technically demanding operation [13].

"MSK's approach to mesothelioma surgery reflects decades of accumulated experience. Their surgeons don't just perform operations—they have generated the outcomes data that guides the entire field. When I coordinate care for patients considering surgery, MSK's track record with pleurectomy/decortication is a significant factor."

— David Foster, Executive Director of Client Services, Danziger & De Llano

Research and Clinical Trials

MSK operates one of the most active mesothelioma research programs in the country [6]. The center has been involved in landmark studies that changed the standard of care, including the CheckMate 743 trial establishing nivolumab plus ipilimumab as a first-line treatment [5]. Current research areas include:

• Immunotherapy combinations: Testing new checkpoint inhibitor combinations and sequencing strategies [9]
• CAR T-cell therapy: Research targeting mesothelin-expressing mesothelioma cells
• Targeted therapies: Investigating molecular-targeted agents for specific tumor subtypes [15]
• Biomarker development: Identifying markers that predict treatment response and guide therapy selection [15]
• Perioperative immunotherapy: Combining immunotherapy with surgery for improved outcomes [8]

What Mesothelioma Treatments Are Available at MSK?

MSK offers the full spectrum of mesothelioma treatment modalities, coordinated through a multidisciplinary team that reviews each case [1][7].

Surgery

MSK's thoracic surgery department offers several surgical approaches depending on the patient's disease stage, cell type, and overall health [4][13]:

Procedure	Description	Best For
Pleurectomy/Decortication (P/D)	Removes diseased pleura while preserving the lung	Eligible pleural mesothelioma patients (MSK's preferred approach)
Extended P/D	P/D with removal of diaphragm and/or pericardium	More advanced pleural disease requiring extensive resection
CRS-HIPEC	Cytoreductive surgery with heated chemotherapy wash	Peritoneal mesothelioma patients [10]
Diagnostic Surgery	VATS biopsy for tissue diagnosis and staging	Patients needing definitive diagnosis

Chemotherapy

The standard first-line chemotherapy regimen for mesothelioma is pemetrexed combined with cisplatin or carboplatin [7]. MSK oncologists may also use chemotherapy in combination with immunotherapy or as part of a multimodal treatment plan that includes surgery and radiation.

Immunotherapy

MSK has been at the forefront of immunotherapy for mesothelioma [5][9]. Current immunotherapy options include:

• Nivolumab (Opdivo) + Ipilimumab (Yervoy): FDA-approved first-line combination based on CheckMate 743 results [5]
• Pembrolizumab (Keytruda): Used alone or in combination with chemotherapy
• Clinical trial immunotherapy: Novel combinations and agents available through MSK's active trials [6]

The CheckMate 743 trial, in which MSK participated, demonstrated that the nivolumab/ipilimumab combination extended median overall survival to 18.1 months compared to 14.1 months with chemotherapy alone—a breakthrough that earned FDA approval in 2020 [5].

Radiation Therapy

MSK's radiation oncology department uses advanced techniques for mesothelioma treatment [12]:

• Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT): Precisely targets tumor tissue while minimizing damage to surrounding organs
• Hemithoracic radiation: Used after surgery to reduce local recurrence
• Palliative radiation: Controls pain and symptoms in advanced disease

"What sets MSK apart is the depth of coordination between their surgical team, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and pathologists. Every mesothelioma case goes through tumor board review where specialists from each discipline discuss the optimal treatment strategy. That level of collaboration directly translates to better outcomes."

— David Foster, Executive Director of Client Services, Danziger & De Llano

What Clinical Trials Are Available at MSK for Mesothelioma?

MSK maintains an active portfolio of mesothelioma clinical trials that provide patients access to cutting-edge treatments [6]. Clinical trials at MSK test:

• Novel immunotherapy combinations: Building on the success of checkpoint inhibitors with new drug combinations
• Targeted molecular therapies: Agents designed for specific genetic mutations found in mesothelioma tumors [15]
• Perioperative treatment strategies: Combining immunotherapy with surgery in new sequencing approaches [8]
• Biomarker-guided therapy: Using tumor genetics to select the most effective treatment for individual patients [15]
• Cell therapy approaches: Including CAR T-cell and adoptive cell therapy research

How to Access Clinical Trials at MSK

Patients interested in clinical trials should discuss options with their MSK treatment team. Trial eligibility depends on mesothelioma type, stage, prior treatment history, and overall health. Some key points:

• Trial participation is voluntary and can be stopped at any time
• Many trial treatments are provided at no cost to the patient
• Standard care continues even while participating in a trial
• MSK's research coordinators help patients understand each trial's requirements and potential benefits

How Does MSK's Multidisciplinary Approach Work?

MSK's mesothelioma program uses a multidisciplinary treatment model where specialists from multiple departments collaborate on each patient's care plan [1][7]. This approach is considered the gold standard for complex cancers like mesothelioma.

The Tumor Board Process

Every mesothelioma patient's case is reviewed by a tumor board that includes:

• Thoracic surgeon: Evaluates surgical candidacy and approach
• Medical oncologist: Designs chemotherapy and immunotherapy regimens
• Radiation oncologist: Plans radiation therapy if indicated
• Pathologist: Confirms diagnosis, cell type, and molecular markers
• Radiologist: Interprets imaging studies and monitors treatment response
• Pulmonologist: Assesses lung function for surgical planning

This collaborative review ensures that treatment plans account for every relevant factor—disease characteristics, patient health, molecular profile, and available treatment options including clinical trials [7].

Personalized Treatment Plans

Based on tumor board review, MSK creates individualized treatment plans. The treatment options for mesothelioma vary significantly based on cell type (epithelioid, sarcomatoid, biphasic), disease stage, and patient factors. MSK's molecular profiling capabilities allow for biomarker-guided therapy selection, matching patients with treatments most likely to be effective for their specific tumor characteristics [15].

What Should Patients Know Before Their First Visit to MSK?

Preparing for your first appointment at MSK helps ensure the most productive evaluation and fastest path to treatment [1].

What to Bring

• Medical records: Complete records from diagnosis including biopsy results and pathology reports
• Imaging studies: CT scans, PET scans, and MRIs on disc (images, not just reports)
• Pathology slides: Original biopsy slides for MSK's pathology team to review
• Treatment history: Records of any prior treatment, chemotherapy regimens, and outcomes
• Medication list: All current medications including supplements
• Insurance cards: Primary and secondary insurance information
• Questions list: Written questions about treatment options, clinical trials, and expected outcomes

What to Expect

A first visit to MSK's mesothelioma program typically includes:

1. Medical history review: Detailed discussion of your diagnosis, symptoms, and asbestos exposure history
2. Physical examination: Assessment of current health status and disease extent
3. Imaging review: MSK radiologists review your scans and may order additional imaging
4. Pathology review: MSK pathologists examine your biopsy tissue, which may refine the diagnosis
5. Treatment discussion: Your care team presents treatment options based on the multidisciplinary review
6. Clinical trial screening: Evaluation of clinical trial eligibility if appropriate [6]

"I always recommend that patients bring a family member or advocate to the first appointment. There is a lot of information to process, and having someone take notes or record the conversation (with permission) helps ensure nothing important gets missed. MSK's team is thorough, and you want to capture every detail they share."

— David Foster, Executive Director of Client Services, Danziger & De Llano

How Does MSK Compare to Other Mesothelioma Treatment Centers?

MSK is one of several elite mesothelioma treatment centers in the United States. The mesothelioma treatment centers guide profiles the top facilities. Here is how MSK compares:

Feature	Memorial Sloan Kettering	Other Top Centers
NCI Designation	Comprehensive Cancer Center	Most top centers hold this designation
Surgical Approach	P/D pioneer and advocate	Varies by institution
Clinical Trials	Extensive active portfolio	Varies; some offer fewer trials
Immunotherapy Research	CheckMate 743 participant, ongoing research	Available at most NCI centers
Peritoneal Program	CRS-HIPEC available	Available at select centers
Location	New York City	Various locations nationwide
Out-of-State Patients	Extensive support services	Varies by center

Each center has distinct strengths, and the best choice depends on the patient's specific situation including disease type, geographic location, and treatment goals. Some patients seek second opinions at MSK before returning to a center closer to home for treatment.

What Financial Resources and Support Services Does MSK Offer?

MSK provides comprehensive support services to help patients navigate the practical challenges of treatment [1][14].

Insurance and Financial Assistance

• Insurance acceptance: MSK accepts most major insurance plans and Medicare
• Financial counselors: Dedicated staff help patients understand coverage and out-of-pocket costs
• Assistance programs: Financial aid available for qualifying patients who need help with treatment costs
• Clinical trial coverage: Many trial treatments are provided at no cost, with standard care covered by insurance

Patient Support Services

• Social workers: Help with emotional support, coping strategies, and resource navigation
• Nutritional counseling: Dietitians specialized in cancer patient nutrition
• Integrative medicine: Complementary therapies including acupuncture, massage, and meditation
• Patient housing: Accommodation assistance for out-of-town patients and families
• Transportation assistance: Resources for patients who need help getting to appointments

Connecting Treatment and Legal Rights

Patients undergoing treatment at MSK should know that pursuing legal compensation through mesothelioma lawsuits, asbestos trust funds, and VA benefits (for veterans) can help offset the substantial cost of treatment. Compensation does not affect medical care or insurance coverage. The mesothelioma claim process can begin at any time during treatment, and many patients file while actively receiving care at MSK.

How Can Patients Get Started With MSK?

Patients interested in treatment at Memorial Sloan Kettering have several options for getting started:

• Physician referral: Your current oncologist can refer you directly to MSK's thoracic surgery or medical oncology department
• Self-referral: Patients can contact MSK directly to schedule an appointment
• Second opinion: MSK offers second opinion consultations for patients who want expert review of their diagnosis and treatment plan
• Remote consultation: Telemedicine options available for initial evaluations before traveling to New York

When evaluating legal representation alongside treatment decisions, remember that experienced mesothelioma attorneys often have relationships with top treatment centers and can help coordinate both medical and legal processes simultaneously. The survival statistics for mesothelioma continue to improve as centers like MSK advance surgical techniques, immunotherapy protocols, and targeted treatments—giving patients more reason than ever to seek care at a specialized center.

Sources

1. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center — Mesothelioma Program
2. National Cancer Institute — NCI Comprehensive Cancer Center Designation
3. U.S. News & World Report — Best Hospitals for Cancer 2025-2026
4. Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery — Pleurectomy/Decortication Outcomes in Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma
5. The Lancet — CheckMate 743: Nivolumab Plus Ipilimumab in Unresectable Mesothelioma
6. ClinicalTrials.gov — Mesothelioma Trials at MSK
7. National Comprehensive Cancer Network — Clinical Practice Guidelines: Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma
8. Annals of Thoracic Surgery — Multimodal Treatment Approaches for Mesothelioma
9. Journal of Clinical Oncology — Immunotherapy Advances in Malignant Mesothelioma
10. Annals of Surgical Oncology — CRS-HIPEC for Peritoneal Mesothelioma
11. National Cancer Institute SEER Program — Mesothelioma Survival Trends
12. International Journal of Radiation Oncology — Radiation Therapy Techniques for Mesothelioma
13. Memorial Sloan Kettering — Thoracic Surgery Department Outcomes Data
14. American Cancer Society — Financial Assistance for Cancer Treatment
15. Nature Reviews Clinical Oncology — Biomarker-Guided Treatment Selection in Mesothelioma