Find a Mesothelioma Specialist

What to Look for in a Mesothelioma Specialist

Medical Oncologist

Your medical oncologist manages chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and systemic treatments. Look for:

• Active involvement in mesothelioma clinical trials (indicates current expertise)
• Affiliation with an NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center
• Published research on mesothelioma treatment (search their name on PubMed)
• Experience with immunotherapy combinations (Opdivo/Yervoy, Keytruda)

Thoracic Surgeon (Pleural Mesothelioma)

For pleural mesothelioma surgery (EPP or P/D), volume matters enormously. The surgeon should:

• Have performed more than 20–30 mesothelioma resections — ask directly
• Have trained at or collaborated with a high-volume center (Brigham, MSK, MD Anderson)
• Offer both EPP and P/D options and discuss the choice with you
• Work as part of a true multidisciplinary mesothelioma team, not just as an individual surgeon

Peritoneal Surgeon (Peritoneal Mesothelioma)

Cytoreductive surgery + HIPEC requires specialized training. Ask:

• How many HIPEC procedures do you perform per year? (50+ is ideal)
• What is your complete cytoreduction rate? (goal is >80%)
• Do you have a dedicated peritoneal surface malignancy program?

Questions to Ask at Your First Appointment

1. What is my specific diagnosis (cell type, stage, laterality)?
2. Am I a surgical candidate? Why or why not?
3. What is the recommended first-line treatment, and what is the evidence base?
4. Are there clinical trials I qualify for at this center or elsewhere?
5. What would you recommend if I were your family member?
6. Can I get my pathology slides reviewed by your pathologist?
7. What is your center’s volume of mesothelioma cases per year?
8. Who else is on the multidisciplinary team, and when do they meet?

Specialist Centers by Region