AI Summary of Henry Ford Health (Van Elslander Cancer Center)
Ascension Medical Group, affiliated with the Van Elslander Cancer Center and Ascension St. John Hospital, is a highly regarded healthcare provider in Michigan. It is known for its comprehensive approach to cancer care, particularly for patients diagnosed with mesothelioma, a complex and challenging form of cancer that affects the lining of the abdomen or chest. The group offers specialized treatment options delivered by a team of experienced medical professionals dedicated to improving patient outcomes and quality of life.
At the Van Elslander Cancer Center, located in Grosse Pointe Woods, Michigan, patients have access to a multidisciplinary team that focuses on personalized treatment plans. The medical staff includes surgeons, oncologists, and supportive care providers, all working together to address the specific needs of each patient. A notable feature of their care is the use of cytoreduction surgery combined with heat-assisted chemotherapy, known as HIPEC, which is particularly effective for peritoneal mesothelioma, the type that develops in the abdominal lining. This advanced treatment approach aims to remove tumors and destroy remaining cancer cells, offering hope for better outcomes.
Beyond surgical options, Ascension St. John Hospital provides a broad spectrum of therapies including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiation treatment. The hospital also emphasizes the importance of supportive services such as genetic counseling, clinical trials, nutritional guidance, social support, and financial counseling. This holistic approach seeks not only to treat the disease but also to support patients and their families throughout their cancer journey. The hospital's team is committed to ensuring compassionate, patient-centered care in a welcoming environment.
Patients interested in learning more about mesothelioma treatment at Ascension can connect directly with their expert team to discuss specific cases and treatment options. The facility is recognized for its specialized expertise and its dedication to innovative treatment methods. For those living in Michigan or nearby states, assistance is available through patient advocates who can help coordinate care or explore travel options if necessary. Ascension's focus remains on providing the highest quality treatment within a supportive, patient-first setting, making it a trusted choice for mesothelioma patients seeking expert care.
More Information About Ascension St. John Hospital’s Van Elslander Cancer Center
Ascension Healthcare merged with Henry Ford Health as one organization in 2024. Ascension Healthcare includes Ascension St. John Hospital in Detroit, Michigan, and Grosse Pointe Woods, Michigan, among other locations.
The hospital is part of the Henry Ford Health network of medical centers, which includes the Van Elslander Cancer Center in Grosse Pointe Woods. This is one of the top mesothelioma cancer centers in the world.
Dr. Richard Berri is the Chief of Surgical Oncology at the Henry Ford Van Elslander Cancer Center. He treats patients with peritoneal mesothelioma. This type of mesothelioma forms in the lining of the abdominal cavity.
Experienced Mesothelioma Specialists
- Dr. Richard Berri, Chief of Surgical Oncology
- Dr. Fawzi F Abu Rous, medical oncologist for lung and thoracic cancer
- Dr. David M Bergman, radiation oncologist for lung and thoracic cancer
- Dr. Raed M Alnajjar, thoracic surgeon
Affiliations
- Ascension St. John Hospital
- Van Elslander Cancer Center
Treatment Specialties
- Cytoreduction surgery/HIPEC (peritoneal mesothelioma)
- Systemic chemotherapy
- Immunotherapy
- Radiation therapy
- Clinical trials
Get Connected to Henry Ford Health
AHenry Ford Health and Ascension, affiliated with Van Elslander Cancer Center and Ascension St. John Hospital, is a top-notch medical network in Michigan and the entire Midwest. Patients with peritoneal mesothelioma can have confidence in the staff at Ascension St. John. The mesothelioma care team consists of a surgeon, oncologists and even staff focused on post-treatment quality of life.
Why Choose Henry Ford Health?
- Trusted mesothelioma specialist on staff
- HIPEC surgery for peritoneal mesothelioma
- Multidisciplinary approach to treatment and quality of life
Multidisciplinary Approach to Mesothelioma Treatment
The team at the Henry Ford Van Elslander Cancer Center offers a long list of services, ranging from cancer treatments to quality of life care. Mesothelioma treatment options for patients include:
- Surgery
- Chemotherapy
- Immunotherapy
- Radiation
Dr. Berri performs HIPEC with cytoreductive surgery for peritoneal mesothelioma. HIPEC is a heated chemotherapy that is combined with surgery to remove and destroy mesothelioma tumors from the abdominal cavity, where peritoneal mesothelioma forms and spreads.
Other services available to mesothelioma patients at Ascension St. John Hospital are:
- Genetic counseling
- Clinical trials
- Social work
- Dietary assistance
- Financial counseling
Hospital Ranking
- Not ranked in the U.S. News & World Report 2026-2027 Hospitals Honor Roll
- Ranked 9th in Detroit
- Ranked 13th in the state of Michigan
Visit the Henry Ford Van Elslander Cancer Center for Mesothelioma Care
The Henry Ford Van Elslander Cancer Center is one of the top facilities for mesothelioma care, particularly peritoneal mesothelioma. Dr. Berri is an experienced surgeon and can perform the HIPEC procedure for this type of mesothelioma.
If you live in Michigan or other nearby states, please contact our patient advocate and registered nurse, Karen Ritter, at karen@mesotheliomaguide.com for help getting in touch with this cancer center or another one nearby.
If you do not live in the area but wish to visit this center, please contact Karen for options regarding travel grants. She may also have another cancer center within driving distance in mind that provides the same high level of mesothelioma care.
Sources & Author
- Van Elslander Cancer Center. Ascension Healthcare. Retrieved from: https://healthcare.ascension.org/locations/michigan/midet/grosse-pointe-woods-van-elslander-cancer-center. Accessed: 05/15/2023.
- Richard N. Berri, MD. Ascension Healthcare. Retrieved from: https://healthcare.ascension.org/doctors/1568649978/richard-nazih-berri-grosse-pointe-woods-mi. Accessed: 12/31/2021.
- Ascension St. John Hospital. U.S. News & World Report. Retrieved from: https://health.usnews.com/best-hospitals/area/mi/st-john-hospital-and-medical-center-6440805. Accessed: 08/07/2026.