Mesothelioma Foundations

Mesothelioma Doctors

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Vanderbilt Ingram Cancer Center

Contact Information

691 Preston Building Nashville, TN 37232
(615) 936-8422

In 1971, Vanderbilt University researcher Earl Sutherland was awarded the Nobel Prize in Medicine for his work with hormones. In 1986, the same honor was given to Vanderbilt researcher Stanley Cohen for his work with growth factors. Both discoveries made significant contributions to today’s cancer treatments, and Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center is built upon the same foundation of leadership and research. Founded in 1993, and generously funded by community members committed to cancer care and prevention, Vanderbilt Cancer Center is designated by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) as one of its 40 Comprehensive Cancer Centers.

Patient Care

Patients coming to Vanderbilt-Ingram can be either referred by their doctor, or self refer. Patients and families can call the hot-line, which is open 24 hours, seven days per week or call the specific department that covers their type of cancer. However, many may prefer to call the Cancer Information Center, a group of oncology nurses who are available to discuss cancer information and which doctor would be best for treatment or a second opinion. There is also a self referral form that can be filled out online or downloaded and faxed.

The Henry Joyce Cancer Clinic and Research Center is the outpatient facility where most patients will see their doctors. It houses a number of specialty clinics including a Thoracic Oncology Program. Mesothelioma is a cancer caused by past asbestos exposure, that is usually found in the thoracic (or chest) cavity. The Vanderbilt-Ingram Thoracic program includes medical and surgical oncologists, pulmonologists, and thoracic surgeons. At weekly team meetings, each subspecialty has input into each patient's specific care plan. Same day testing is available, and referring doctors can be informed about the team’s recommendations and treatment plans within 24 hours of the visit.

Research

Entering a research trial is an important option for many patients who have aggressive or hard to treat cancers like mesothelioma. Clinical trials are research studies using actual patients in order to help determine the safety and efficacy of a particular medication, treatment, or prevention strategy. While clinical trials do have some risks, and patients must be carefully chosen, trials can give cancer patients access to new medications and treatments that might might help them. As an NCI designated center, Vanderbilt -Ingram is a leader in research, and is able to recommend appropriate patients for clinical trials. A mesothelioma patient would likely be referred for a Phase I trial which would study how to best administer a new chemotherapy. It is important to know that even new drugs have been extensively tested in the laboratory before being used in clinical research, and no one is put in a research trial without their full knowledge and permission.

Support and Outreach

Vanderbilt-Ingram has a number of supportive programs for patients. These include a clinic for symptoms and side effects of treatment, hospitality services, a wig and scarf bank, nutrition counseling,psychological counseling, and several others. However, they are probably best known for the Vanderbilt-Ingram Survivorship Program. This is the only program in the nation that serves all cancer survivors, regardless of how old they were when diagnosed, their type of cancer, or where they received treatment.

Another way to begin a connection to Vanderbilt Ingram Center is to visit to their web site. The Making Cancer choices section is a general portal that answers questions patients may have about cancer, and how Vanderbilt -Ingram may be of service. The page on malignant mesothelioma has links to Vanderbilt services, cancer resources and web sites, the NCI information portal for mesothelioma, and information on how to make an appointment at Vanderbilt-Ingram. Doctors that specialize in mesothelioma can be found by name, department, location, and type of cancer in the Find A Doctor section or through the Other Cancers link on the Thoracic Oncology Program page.

A look around their web site will show that Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center is serious about fulfilling it’s mission to “alleviate cancer death and suffering through pioneering research; innovative, patient-centered care; and evidence-based prevention, education and community activities.”