Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

Specialization and Collaboration

Sloan Kettering’s physicians work collaboratively to build on and draw from their internal mesothelioma information database (which is the world’s largest). This ensures patients receive the highest level of care, the most accurate diagnosis, and the best individualized treatment plan.

The specialists at Sloan Kettering have made medical advances with a multimodal approach to pleural mesothelioma that combines surgical removal of cancerous tissue along with chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy. The radiation oncologists at Sloan Kettering have developed breakthrough techniques that include intensity-modulated radiation therapy, which targets radiation directly to the pleura.

Sloan Kettering is always looking for new ways to eradicate mesothelioma. Researchers at Sloan Kettering have made such novel discoveries as immunotherapy that stimulates the body’s immune system to attack and kill cancer cells. Other promising approaches under investigation include tumor vaccines, antibody therapies, T-cell-based treatments, and the use of anticancer viruses.

Is There a Genetic Disposition to Mesothelioma?

A collaborative, observational study is underway to discover whether certain mesothelioma patients had a higher risk of developing their disease as a result of their genetic makeup. Along with Sloan Kettering, other internationally recognized mesothelioma cancer centers are teaming up to research this possibility.

The study, which began in April 2012, aims to enroll 1,000 mesothelioma patients. Researchers will cross-examine DNA blood test results with each patient’s medical history and history of asbestos exposure to determine the strength of the relationship between genetic makeup and mesothelioma.

Meet Dr. Lee Krug

As Director of the Mesothelioma Program at Sloan Kettering, Dr. Krug has led several investigational studies on effective mesothelioma treatment. He also chairs the Science Advisory Board at the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation. His primary interests are improving methods of multimodal therapy and researching plausible novel treatments, such as gene therapy and vaccinations, for patients in the advanced stages of mesothelioma. Working alongside specialists like Dr. Valerie Rusch, Dr. Krug is able to provide patients with some of the best treatment in the country.

Is Memorial Sloan Kettering Right for You?

Sloan Kettering has one of the highest volumes of mesothelioma cases per year. Here are just a few reasons why mesothelioma patients chose Sloan Kettering:

• Follow-up support and care
• Access to clinical trials
• Access to top mesothelioma specialists

Contact one of our patient advocates at 1-888-385-2024 to get in touch with Memorial Sloan Kettering or get a complete list of cancer centers in our free Mesothelioma Guide.