Brigham and Women’s Hospital

A Truly Comprehensive Mesothelioma Program

Brigham and Women’s Hospital is an international leader in many areas of medicine, launching a comprehensive mesothelioma program to address the rise of mesothelioma cases worldwide. The International Mesothelioma Program started in 2002 and brings together the most knowledgeable doctors to look for new ways to fight mesothelioma.

U.S. News & World Report ranked Brigham and Women’s Hospital among the nation’s top hospitals numerous times. In the 2019-2020 rankings, the hospital was ranked 13th overall and fifth for the specific specialty area of cancer treatment.

The multidisciplinary team is comprised of sub-teams of:

• Surgeons
• Medical oncologists (cancer doctors who specialize in chemotherapy or other targeted therapy, such as immunotherapy)
• Radiation oncologists (doctors who specialize in using radiation for cancer)
• Radiologists (doctors who read and interpret imaging scans)
• Pathologists (doctors who study tissue and examines the biopsy during the diagnostic process)
• Thoracic anesthesiologists

The patient care team includes a dedicated nutritionist, social worker, chaplain, six-member clinical research group, patient advocate and program navigator. The program navigator is one of the main points of contact for a patient. This person manages the surgery schedule, preoperative care and postoperative care.

Housing Assistance at Brigham and Women’s Hospital

The staff also includes a housing director, an essential role considering how many out-of-area mesothelioma patients come to Brigham and Women’s Hospital.

More than half of the mesothelioma patients who seek care at the International mesothelioma Program live a far distance from the New England location. Most out-of-town patients have a family member or friend with them for emotional support. The Thornton and Naumes Housing Assistance Program provides housing assistance to these loved ones.

The house opened in 2008 and is located just across the street from the Brigham and Women’s Hospital main entrance. The average stay in the house is 19 days, and many family members or friends make repeated trips and consider the residence a second home.

The three-story Victorian house can accommodate up to three families at a time. If space is unavailable, the support staff at Brigham and Women’s Hospital will work with nearby hotels and inns to provide discounted lodging rates.

Innovation in Mesothelioma Treatment

Brigham and Women’s Hospital is a major teaching arm of Harvard Medical School, continuously working to improve its knowledge and extend its reach into the medical community.

Brigham and Women’s Hospital is a definitive leader in mesothelioma treatment and their research has helped many patients become survivors. In February 1996, survivor Sissy H. had radical treatment to remove her mesothelioma tumors. Sissy is still alive today thanks to these treatments.

Furthering the level of support offered by Brigham and Women’s Hospital are services like the Patient Matching Program. This program matches patients with mesothelioma survivors who have received the same type of treatment as is planned.

Birthplace of Extrapleural Pneumonectomy

The extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP), a radical, life-saving surgical option for pleural mesothelioma patients, is considered the gold-standard of treatment. It has prolonged the lives of numerous patients with this cancer.

This surgical procedure was developed and perfected by renowned specialist Dr. David Sugarbaker during his time at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. The mesothelioma surgeons at the facility are experts in this treatment method.

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

Founded in 1947, Dana-Farber has been a pioneer of cancer-related research and treatment for decades. Dana-Farber is an internationally recognized cancer center with close involvement in the International Mesothelioma Program.

By partnering with Brigham and Women’s Cancer Center and the International Mesothelioma Program, Dana-Farber is able to collaborate with the brightest minds and leading experts in cancer care. While Brigham and Women’s is a leader in the field of mesothelioma surgery, Dana-Farber brings the added benefit of its medical oncology team to the table.

Is Brigham and Women's Hospital Right for You?

There is no doubt: Brigham and Women’s Hospital is one of the top treatment centers for mesothelioma patients. Patients who come to the esteemed center generally do so for:

• Access to clinical trials
• A staff with experience handling more than 300 patient consultations a year
• Specialized counseling and support groups

Many patients have had promising results here, including remission of their disease. Choosing the right cancer center to treat your specific disease, however, can be stressful. Fortunately, we at Mesothelioma Guide can help.

Contact one of our patient advocates at 1-888-385-2024 to get in touch with Brigham and Women’s Hospital. You also request our free Mesothelioma Guide for a complete list of all the renowned mesothelioma centers and doctors in the country.