Patients treated at specialized mesothelioma centers have 20-40% better survival rates than those treated at general hospitals. These six leading facilities employ surgeons who perform 50+ mesothelioma surgeries annually, offer access to cutting-edge clinical trials, and provide multidisciplinary teams dedicated exclusively to this rare cancer. Choosing the right treatment center is one of the most important decisions you'll make after diagnosis.
Executive Summary
Specialized mesothelioma treatment centers offer dramatically better outcomes than general hospitals due to surgeon expertise, clinical trial access, and dedicated treatment teams. The six centers profiled here—MD Anderson, Memorial Sloan Kettering, Brigham and Women's, Mayo Clinic, Moffitt Cancer Center, and UCLA—each treat 100+ mesothelioma patients annually and offer unique strengths in surgery, immunotherapy, and supportive care. Research shows that surgical mortality rates at high-volume centers are 2-3 times lower than at general hospitals. Most insurance plans cover out-of-state treatment at these facilities. Getting care at a specialized center is worth the travel investment for most patients.
8 Key Facts About Specialized Mesothelioma Care
- Survival Improvement: 20-40% better at specialized centers [1]
- Surgical Volume: Top surgeons perform 50+ procedures annually [2]
- Mortality Rates: 2-3x lower surgical mortality at high-volume centers [2]
- Clinical Trials: 80% of mesothelioma trials at specialized centers [3]
- NCI-Designated: All 6 centers are NCI Comprehensive Cancer Centers [4]
- Multidisciplinary: Teams include 10+ specialists per patient [1]
- Annual Patients: Each center treats 100+ mesothelioma cases yearly [2]
- Second Opinions: Available at all centers, including telemedicine
Why Does Treatment Center Choice Matter for Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a rare cancer—only about 3,000 Americans are diagnosed annually [5]. Most oncologists and surgeons see very few mesothelioma cases in their entire careers. This rarity makes specialized expertise essential for optimal outcomes.
Better survival rates at specialized mesothelioma centers
Research published in the Journal of Thoracic Oncology found that patients treated by high-volume surgeons (those performing 15+ mesothelioma surgeries annually) had significantly better outcomes than those treated by low-volume surgeons [2]. The difference was even more pronounced for complex procedures like extrapleural pneumonectomy.
"In my 18 years coordinating mesothelioma patient care, I've seen the difference specialized centers make. The surgeons at these facilities have performed hundreds of mesothelioma surgeries—they've seen every complication, every variation. That experience translates directly into better outcomes."
— David Foster, Executive Director of Client Services, Danziger & De Llano
What Specialized Centers Offer
- Expert surgeons: Doctors who focus exclusively on mesothelioma
- Multidisciplinary teams: Oncologists, radiologists, pathologists working together
- Clinical trials: Access to newest treatments before FDA approval
- Accurate staging: Proper diagnosis drives treatment decisions
- Supportive care: Pain management, nutrition, psychological support
The mesothelioma treatment centers guide provides additional information on what to look for in a specialized facility.
1. MD Anderson Cancer Center (Houston, Texas)
MD Anderson Cancer Center is consistently ranked among the top cancer hospitals in the United States. Their mesothelioma program treats over 150 patients annually and offers one of the most comprehensive treatment approaches available.
Key Strengths
- Surgical expertise: Pioneering techniques in lung-sparing surgery
- Clinical trials: One of the largest mesothelioma trial portfolios
- Immunotherapy focus: Leading research in checkpoint inhibitors
- Peritoneal expertise: Specialized programs for abdominal mesothelioma
Treatment Approach
MD Anderson emphasizes multimodal treatment combining surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. Their surgeons are known for pleurectomy/decortication (P/D), a lung-sparing approach that may offer better quality of life outcomes.
Mesothelioma patients treated annually at MD Anderson
2. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (New York, New York)
Memorial Sloan Kettering has one of the most experienced mesothelioma programs in the world. Their surgical team has performed more mesothelioma operations than any other single institution.
Key Strengths
- Surgical volume: Highest mesothelioma surgical volume nationally
- Research leadership: Pioneering CAR-T cell therapy for mesothelioma
- Minimally invasive: Advanced robotic and thoracoscopic techniques
- Integrated care: On-site imaging, pathology, and supportive services
Notable Physicians
MSK's thoracic surgery department includes several surgeons who have dedicated their careers to mesothelioma. Their combined experience spans thousands of mesothelioma surgeries.
3. Brigham and Women's Hospital (Boston, Massachusetts)
Brigham and Women's Hospital developed many of the surgical techniques still used in mesothelioma treatment today. Their mesothelioma program has decades of experience with complex cases.
Key Strengths
- Surgical innovation: Birthplace of modern mesothelioma surgery
- Long-term data: Decades of outcome tracking and research
- Harvard affiliation: Access to cutting-edge research
- Trimodal therapy: Expertise in combined treatment approaches
Historical Significance
Brigham developed the extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP) technique and pioneered research into heated intraoperative chemotherapy. Their long-term survival data has informed treatment decisions worldwide.
"I've worked with Brigham's team for years through the MESO Podcast. What sets them apart is their commitment to tracking long-term outcomes. Their data helps patients everywhere understand what's possible with aggressive treatment."
— David Foster, Executive Director of Client Services, Danziger & De Llano
4. Mayo Clinic (Rochester, Minnesota)
Mayo Clinic offers a unique team-based approach where patients see multiple specialists in a coordinated, efficient manner. Their mesothelioma program integrates diagnosis, treatment, and supportive care seamlessly.
Key Strengths
- Team coordination: All specialists meet together for each case
- Efficient scheduling: Multiple consultations in single visits
- Research integration: Treatment informed by ongoing studies
- Patient experience: Consistently high satisfaction scores
Treatment Approach
Mayo emphasizes personalized treatment plans developed through their tumor board process. Every mesothelioma patient's case is reviewed by a team including thoracic surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and pathologists.
5. Moffitt Cancer Center (Tampa, Florida)
Moffitt Cancer Center has emerged as a leading mesothelioma treatment center, particularly for patients from the Southeast. Their program combines surgical excellence with strong clinical trial offerings.
Key Strengths
- Southeast location: Accessible for patients from Florida and nearby states
- Clinical trials: Active participation in national studies
- Peritoneal program: Strong expertise in abdominal mesothelioma
- Supportive services: Comprehensive patient support programs
Regional Importance
Moffitt serves many mesothelioma patients from Florida, a state with high mesothelioma rates due to its shipbuilding history and industrial base. Their regional expertise means understanding of local exposure patterns.
6. UCLA Health (Los Angeles, California)
UCLA Health provides West Coast patients access to specialized mesothelioma care. Their program combines academic research excellence with a large patient volume.
Key Strengths
- West Coast location: Primary specialized center for Western states
- Research programs: Collaboration with UCLA medical school
- Surgical expertise: Experienced thoracic surgery team
- Community outreach: Strong patient education programs
Regional Importance
California has among the highest mesothelioma rates nationally due to its shipyard history and industrial base. UCLA serves as the primary specialized center for this large patient population.
How to Choose the Right Treatment Center
Selecting a treatment center involves balancing multiple factors. The "best" center depends on your specific circumstances.
Questions to Ask Each Center
- How many mesothelioma patients do you treat annually?
- What is your surgical mortality rate for mesothelioma procedures?
- Which clinical trials are currently available?
- Do you have surgeons who specialize exclusively in mesothelioma?
- What support services do you offer for traveling patients?
- What are your reported survival outcomes?
Factors to Consider
- Location: Proximity matters for ongoing treatment
- Insurance: Verify coverage before committing
- Travel support: Some centers help with lodging and transportation
- Family needs: Support for caregivers during treatment
- Clinical trials: Access to treatments matching your profile
Learn more about mesothelioma treatment options available at specialized centers.
"I tell every patient: this is the one time in your life where you need to be a demanding healthcare consumer. Ask tough questions. Get second opinions. The difference between average care and excellent care can be measured in years of life."
— David Foster, Executive Director of Client Services, Danziger & De Llano
Getting Appointments and Second Opinions
Most specialized centers accept self-referrals and expedite appointments for mesothelioma patients.
What to Bring to Your Appointment
- Medical records: All treatment history and test results
- Pathology slides: Original tissue samples for review
- Imaging studies: CDs/files of CT scans, PET scans, MRIs
- Medication list: All current prescriptions and supplements
- Questions: Written list of concerns and questions
Telemedicine Options
All major mesothelioma centers now offer telemedicine consultations. This allows you to get expert opinions without immediate travel, though in-person visits are typically required before treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I travel to a specialized mesothelioma treatment center?
Specialized centers have surgeons who perform 50+ mesothelioma surgeries annually versus 1-2 at general hospitals. Studies show patients at specialized centers have 20-40% better survival rates, access to cutting-edge clinical trials, and multidisciplinary teams focused exclusively on mesothelioma.
What is the best mesothelioma treatment center in the United States?
The "best" center depends on your specific needs, but MD Anderson Cancer Center, Memorial Sloan Kettering, and Brigham and Women's Hospital are consistently ranked among the top facilities for mesothelioma treatment. Each offers unique strengths in surgery, clinical trials, or specific treatment approaches.
How do I get an appointment at a specialized mesothelioma center?
Most specialized centers accept self-referrals—you can call their mesothelioma program directly. Bring all medical records, pathology slides, and imaging studies. Many centers offer expedited appointments for mesothelioma patients given the urgency of the diagnosis.
Will insurance cover treatment at an out-of-state mesothelioma center?
Most insurance plans cover treatment at specialized centers, though you may need prior authorization. Many centers have financial counselors who help with insurance navigation. The investment in specialized care often leads to better outcomes that justify any additional costs.
What questions should I ask when choosing a mesothelioma treatment center?
Key questions include: How many mesothelioma patients do you treat annually? What is your surgical mortality rate? Which clinical trials are available? Do you have a dedicated mesothelioma team? What support services are offered? What are your reported survival statistics?
Can I get a second opinion at a specialized center without transferring care?
Yes. Most specialized centers offer second opinion consultations, either in person or through telemedicine. They will review your records, imaging, and pathology to provide treatment recommendations without requiring you to transfer your care.
Next Steps: Finding the Right Care
Choosing a treatment center is one of the most important decisions you'll make after a mesothelioma diagnosis. The specialized expertise at these six centers can significantly impact your outcomes and quality of life.
Our patient support team can help connect you with specialized mesothelioma centers and coordinate appointments. We've built relationships with all major treatment facilities and can help you navigate the process.
Related Resources
- Asbestos Trust Funds Guide — Help cover treatment costs
- Veterans Benefits for Mesothelioma — VA healthcare options
- Find Mesothelioma Lawyers by State — Legal assistance
- Free Case Assessment — Get personalized support
Learn More About Treatment
- Treatment Centers Overview — Detailed facility information
- Mesothelioma Clinical Trials — Current research opportunities
- Treatment Options Guide — Surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy
Sources:
- Journal of Thoracic Oncology. (2024). Hospital Volume and Mesothelioma Surgery Outcomes.
- National Cancer Institute. (2025). Comprehensive Cancer Center Designation Criteria.
- Annals of Thoracic Surgery. (2024). Mesothelioma Treatment Outcomes by Center Type.
- U.S. News & World Report. (2025). Best Hospitals for Cancer: Methodology.
Last updated: January 26, 2026
About the Author
David Foster18+ Years Mesothelioma Advocacy | 20 Years Pharmaceutical Industry | Host of MESO Podcast
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