H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center

Specialized Treatment at Moffitt

Moffitt places a high value on individualized treatment. All types of mesothelioma are treated using a multidisciplinary approach, and no two patients are treated the same. This helps ensure the maximum life expectancy for each individual. The components of each treatment plan are as follows:

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  Surgery

  There are several surgeries for mesothelioma, but doctors only prescribe surgery based on the patient’s needs. There are two surgeries used for pleural mesothelioma patients: the extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP) and the pleurectomy/decortication (P/D). There is some debate over which surgery is more effective, and many cancer centers favor one procedure over the other. At Moffitt, however, the treatment team doesn’t have any preconceived notions and only chooses a surgical approach on an individual basis.

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  Radiation

  While radiation has a limited effect on survival times, it is still considered an important part of treatment. Used together with surgery and/or chemotherapy, radiation can boost the effects of those treatments. Radiation is also used to improve quality of life by shrinking painful tumors. Moffitt uses the most advanced radiation techniques, including intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). IMRT is notable for its ability to precisely target tumors, while leaving healthy tissue mostly unaffected.

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  Chemotherapy

  Chemotherapy is considered the foundation of mesothelioma treatment for most patients. Moffitt uses standard chemotherapy treatments as well as more aggressive ones. Peritoneal mesothelioma patients are often given heated intraoperative peritoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC). HIPEC has considerably boosted survival times, and as a result, those with peritoneal mesothelioma are living longer than ever.

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  Clinical Trials

  As a leader in mesothelioma research, Moffitt offers every patient the opportunity to participate in clinical trials. While many patients enrolled in clinical trials have to travel for these novel treatments, those receiving care at Moffitt can enroll in several trials on the premises. Some of the groundbreaking treatments investigated there cover drugs that cut off the blood supply feeding nutrients to growing tumors and immunotherapy treatments, such as CRS-207.

Meet the Specialists

All the mesothelioma specialists at Moffitt work together to create each patient’s treatment plan. For each patient that walks through the door, a team of specialists meets to discuss the best approach for treatment.

• Dr. Scott Antonia – As a medical oncologist, Dr. Antonia determines what type of chemotherapy and novel drugs to prescribe patients. He is a research leader and investigates most of the clinical trials at Moffitt.
• Dr. Tawee Tanvetyanon – Keeping patients comfortable through treatment is Dr. Tanvetyanon’s niche in the treatment team. His job is to suggest treatments that relieve pain and discomfort caused by symptoms.
• Dr. Jacque Fontaine – Dr. Fontaine was trained as a surgeon at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, which is considered the premier treatment center in the country. He takes a minimally invasive approach to surgery.

Is Moffitt Cancer Center Right For You?

Moffitt Cancer Center has one of the highest ranked mesothelioma programs in the nation thanks to research and a specialized multidisciplinary team. Many patients choose to receive treatment here for several reasons, including:

• Highly specialized treatment plans
• Admission to clinical trials
• Southeastern location

Patients at Moffitt Cancer Center can feel secure that they are getting the best possible treatment for their condition. Get connected to this cancer center today.