Dr. Hedy Lee Kindler
Director of the Mesothelioma Program at University of Chicago Medicine
Dr. Hedy Lee Kindler is a highly regarded specialist doctor for mesothelioma. She leads the Mesothelioma Treatment Program at the University of Chicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center.
Pleural Mesothelioma and Peritoneal Mesothelioma
University of Chicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center
5758 S. Maryland Avenue, Chicago, IL 60637
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More About Mesothelioma Specialist Dr. Hedy Lee Kindler
Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer, and patients should prioritize finding a doctor with expertise in treating this disease. Dr. Kindler’s role at University of Chicago Medicine is Mesothelioma Program Director. She oversees a team of surgeons, oncologists and other medical specialists.
Dr. Kindler specializes in treating peritoneal mesothelioma, which occurs in the lining of the abdominal cavity. She also treats pleural mesothelioma, which forms in the lining around the lungs.
Mesothelioma treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy and radiation therapy. Dr. Kindler can provide patients with information about each option and either provide treatment or refer them to a specialist at the University of Chicago.
Dr. Kindler works closely with peritoneal mesothelioma doctor Kiran Turaga. She and the others at University of Chicago Medicine see nearly 100 cases per year.
Dr. Kindler’s other titles are:
- Professor of Medicine at University of Chicago
- Medical Director of Gastrointestinal Oncology
Medical Degrees and Residencies
- Medical Degree from State University of New York College of Medicine
- Internship at the University of California Los Angeles Health
- Residency at the University of California Los Angeles Health
- Fellowship at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Certifications and Memberships
- Board-certified in Internal Medicine and Medical Oncology
- Memberships in the American Association for Cancer Research, American Society of Clinical Oncology, Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology, International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer and International Mesothelioma Interest Group
- Associate editor of the medical journal “Lung Cancer”
- Previously listed in Best Doctors in America, America’s Top Doctors for Cancer, and Top Doctors in Chicago
Get Connected to Dr. Hedy Lee Kindler
Dr. Hedy Lee Kindler is the leader of mesothelioma treatment at University of Chicago Medicine, which has a highly respected comprehensive cancer center. Dr. Kindler is one of the rare specialists who sees both types of mesothelioma.
Why Choose Dr. Kindler?
- Experience with pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma
- Active in clinical trials for new mesothelioma treatment options
- Practicing oncology since 1995
Leader of Mesothelioma Clinical Trials
Dr. Kindler has led multiple clinical trials for mesothelioma, some specifically for people with this rare cancer. Her bio page on University of Chicago Medicine lists seven trials focused on mesothelioma. She is also part of other studies involving mesothelin-expressing cancers, a group which includes mesothelioma.
Many of the trials are multi-center studies featured throughout the country. Dr. Kindler’s involvement gives patients of University of Chicago Medicine access to life-saving approaches.
The studies feature many novel therapies, such as:
- Pembrolizumab (Keytruda)
- Radiation therapy during surgery
- Olaparib
- Anetumab ravtansine
- Durvalumab
Part of Dr. Kindler’s research includes trying chemotherapy alternatives – like gemcitabine – for malignant mesothelioma.
How to Connect With Dr. Kindler
Dr. Kindler has a personal affinity to finding a cure and helping patients. Her father passed away from mesothelioma in 2001.
Dr. Kindler sees patients at Duchossois Center for Advanced Medicine, which is located in the Hyde Park region of Chicago. We can help you connect with Dr. Kindler or the patient assistants at University of Chicago Medicine. Email registered nurse Karen Ritter at karen@mesotheliomaguide.com or fill out a free Doctor Match application on our website.
Sources & Author
- Hedy Lee Kindler, MD. UChicago Medicine. Retrieved from: https://www.uchicagomedicine.org/find-a-physician/physician/hedy-lee-kindler. Accessed: 02/03/2022.
AI Summary of Dr. Hedy Lee Kindler
Dr. Hedy Lee Kindler is a highly respected specialist in the field of mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive cancer often linked to asbestos exposure. She serves as the Director of the Mesothelioma Program at the University of Chicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center, where she leads a team of experienced medical professionals dedicated to treating this complex disease. Her focus is on providing personalized care and exploring the latest treatment options for patients diagnosed with mesothelioma, which commonly occurs in two forms: pleural mesothelioma, affecting the lining around the lungs, and peritoneal mesothelioma, impacting the lining of the abdominal cavity.
Dr. Kindler’s extensive experience includes treating both types of mesothelioma using a blend of medical approaches. Treatment options at her center typically include surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiation therapy. She is committed to ensuring patients understand these options and works closely with them to develop the most effective treatment plan. As a leader in mesothelioma clinical trials, she actively participates in research studies that test new therapies, providing patients access to innovative treatment options that may not be widely available elsewhere.
In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Kindler holds the titles of Professor of Medicine and Medical Director of Gastrointestinal Oncology at the University of Chicago. She has a strong academic background, with medical training from the State University of New York College of Medicine and specialized fellowships at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Her professional memberships include prominent organizations such as the American Society of Clinical Oncology and the International Mesothelioma Interest Group. She is also an editor of the medical journal “Lung Cancer,” reflecting her active involvement in advancing mesothelioma and lung cancer research.
Dr. Kindler’s dedication to finding better treatments is evident through her participation in multiple clinical trials focusing on mesothelioma. These studies often involve cutting-edge therapies like immunotherapies and targeted drugs, offering new hope for patients. She practices with a compassionate approach and understands the emotional and physical challenges faced by individuals and families dealing with this disease. Her commitment goes beyond clinical care, aiming to contribute to ongoing research efforts that may lead to improved survival and quality of life for those affected by mesothelioma.