UCLA Medical Center (Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center)
10790 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles, California 90025
The University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) Medical Center is part of the UCLA Health system. The medical center, named after former U.S. President Ronald Reagan, is affiliated with a mesothelioma cancer center: the Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center.
Pleural Mesothelioma
Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center (Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center)
10790 Santa Monica Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90025
Dr. Robert Cameron
Dr. Jay Lee
Dr. Bryan Burt
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More About Mesothelioma Treatment at UCLA Medical Center
Mesothelioma is a rare disease with poor survival rates, and patients should search for a medical center with staff capable of providing high-quality care.
UCLA Medical Center, which opened in the 1960s, is dedicated to patient care and recovery for all types of cancer with the Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center. Lung cancer therapy and mesothelioma treatment are tentpoles at the institution. The focus of the institution is on pleural mesothelioma, which forms in the lining of the lungs.
The team includes: Dr. Bryan Burt, a thoracic surgeon; and Dr. Jay Lee, the Surgical Director of the UCLA Thoracic Oncology Program. Dr. Burt previously worked at Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center in Houston, Texas. Dr. Lee is a member of the International Mesothelioma Interest Group.
Dr. Fereidoun Abtin is an interventional radiologist at UCLA. He’s an important part of the diagnostic process for mesothelioma.
UCLA’s Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center is a National Cancer Institute-designated institution. This is a prestigious recognition of a cancer center’s care.
Experienced Mesothelioma Specialists
- Dr. Robert Cameron, pleural mesothelioma/thoracic surgeon
- Dr. Jay Lee, Surgical Director of UCLA Thoracic Oncology Program
- Dr. Bryan Burt, thoracic surgeon
- Dr. Fereidoun Abtin, interventional radiologist
- Dr. Olga Olevsky, hematologist and oncologist
- Dr. Jane Yanagawa, cardiothoracic surgeon
- Kaily M. Byfield, nurse practitioner
- Roma Ciella Casas Dasalla, nurse practitioner
Affiliations
- School of Medicine at UCLA
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center
Treatment Specialties
- Pleurectomy with decortication surgery
- Radiation and chemotherapy
- Tumor treating fields therapy
Get Connected to UCLA Medical Center
UCLA Medical Center welcomes patients from across the country to receive treatment for mesothelioma. The options include surgery that leaves both lungs in the chest, which helps patients with breathing and recovery after the operation.
Why Choose UCLA?
- Robotics-assisted techniques for surgery
- Hosts many mesothelioma clinical trials
Leading Center Along the West Coast
UCLA has pioneered surgery techniques targeting only the tumor while keeping the lungs, pericardium and diaphragm healthy. This is called P/D surgery for mesothelioma.
After surgery, radiation therapy kills remaining cancer cells. Investigational therapies developed at UCLA work to target microscopic disease and slow its regrowth.
The Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center is also approved to prescribe the Optune Lua tumor treating fields device to patients. This device is for cases where tumors cannot be removed with surgery.
The medical staff at UCLA’s Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center is realistic in recognizing mesothelioma cannot be completely eliminated from the body. Instead, the physicians treat it like other chronic conditions, utilizing frequent therapies to slow or even halt growth of microscopic tumors.
Patients suffering from sarcomatoid mesothelioma also benefit from UCLA cancer center doctors’ specific knowledge. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma requires a different kind of treatment, and UCLA has focused research specifically for this rare disease.
Hospital Ranking
- Listed in the U.S. News & World Report 2025-2026 hospitals Honor Roll
- Ranked 13th in cancer treatment
- Ranked 4th in lung cancer surgery (pleural mesothelioma)
- Ranked 8th in gastrointestinal cancer surgery (peritoneal mesothelioma)
- Ranked 1st in California
Finding a Cancer Center for Mesothelioma Care
UCLA’s Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center provides a few benefits, such as:
- Individualized treatment
- Minimally invasive surgeries
- Trained staff
However, other cancer centers may be a better fit for your diagnosis. The team at Mesothelioma Guide is knowledgeable of the best cancer centers for patients and maintains a relationship with the top centers.
Contact one of our patient advocates to get in touch with UCLA Medical Center and Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center. You can also get a full list of our cancer center recommendations by sending us your information here. Lastly, you can email registered nurse Karen Ritter at karen@mesotheliomaguide.com.
Sources & Author
- Robert B. Cameron, MD. UCLA Health. Retrieved from: https://www.uclahealth.org/providers/robert-cameron. Accessed: 09/30/2021.
- Mesothelioma Program. UCLA Health. Retrieved from: https://www.uclahealth.org/cancer/cancer-services/mesothelioma. Accessed: 05/17/2023.
- Jay M. Lee, MD. UCLA Health. Retrieved from: https://www.uclahealth.org/providers/jay-lee. Accessed: 10/08/2021.
- Fereidoun Abtin, MD. UCLA Health. Retrieved from: https://www.uclahealth.org/providers/fereidoun-abtin. Accessed: 10/08/2021.
- UCLA Medical Center. U.S. News & World Report. Retrieved from: https://health.usnews.com/best-hospitals/area/ca/ucla-medical-center-6931755. Accessed: 08/11/2025.
AI Summary of UCLA Medical Center (Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center)
The UCLA Medical Center, also known as the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, is a highly regarded healthcare facility located in Los Angeles, California. It is part of the UCLA Health system and is affiliated with the esteemed Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, a leader in cancer treatment and research. The medical center has a strong focus on providing compassionate, high-quality care for patients diagnosed with complex diseases such as mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs. The center’s reputation is supported by its recognition in national rankings, including ranking 13th in cancer treatment and 4th in lung cancer surgery, making it a trusted choice for both patients and families seeking expert care.
UCLA’s team of specialized physicians and surgeons has extensive experience in treating mesothelioma, particularly pleural mesothelioma, which develops in the lining of the lungs. This team includes thoracic surgeons, an interventional radiologist, and oncologists who work together to tailor treatment plans to each patient’s unique needs. Treatments offered at UCLA include advanced surgical techniques such as pleurectomy with decortication, which aims to remove the tumor while preserving lung function, as well as radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and innovative therapies like tumor treating fields. The medical center also hosts many clinical trials, giving patients access to promising new treatments and technological advancements.
UCLA’s approach to mesothelioma care emphasizes individualized treatment, minimally invasive procedures, and the use of cutting-edge technology to improve patient outcomes. The specialized staff is dedicated to addressing not just the cancer itself but also supporting the overall well-being of patients throughout their treatment journey. Patients from across the country turn to UCLA knowing they will receive care from highly trained professionals who understand the complexities of mesothelioma and are committed to offering hope through comprehensive management strategies.
Choosing a treatment center is an important step, and UCLA’s long-standing reputation in cancer care, combined with its commitment to research and innovation, makes it a leading option. Patients are encouraged to connect with UCLA’s knowledgeable staff to learn more about their services or to explore participating in clinical trials. The goal at UCLA is to help patients live longer and maintain the best possible quality of life, even while managing a challenging diagnosis like mesothelioma.