Dr. Thierry Jahan
Clinical Professor in Thoracic Oncology at University of California San Francisco
Dr. Thierry Jahan was a highly respected medical oncologist and university professor with a focus on pleural mesothelioma. He retired in June 2020 from practice and teaching at the University of California San Francisco Medical Center.
Pleural Mesothelioma (retired)
University of California San Francisco Medical Center
1600 Divisadero St., San Francisco, CA 94115
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More About Mesothelioma Specialist Dr. Thierry Jahan
Dr. Jahan worked at the Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center. This institution is an affiliate of the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) Medical Center and UCSF School of Medicine. Dr. Jahan retired from thoracic oncology in June 2020.
Dr. Jahan was a medical oncologist and researcher. He had a clinical interest in pleural mesothelioma. He worked in the field of thoracic oncology for more than 20 years.
He was also the clinical professor in thoracic oncology at UCSF School of Medicine. Dr. Jahan started his career at UCSF with a fellowship in hematology/oncology. He finished the fellowship in 1994 and soon after joined as a staff member.
Medical Degrees and Residencies
- Medical Degree from George Washington University, 1987
- Residency in Internal Medicine at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 1990
- Fellowship in Internal Medicine at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 1991
- Fellowship in Hematology and Oncology at UCSF, 1994
Certifications and Memberships
- Board-certified in medical oncology
- Membership in the American College of Physicians, American Society of Clinical Oncology, International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer and Association of Northern California Oncologists
- Member of the Council of Master Clinicians at the UCSF Department of Medicine
- Recipient of the UCSF Medical House Staff Outstanding Teacher Award
- Recipient of the UCSF Friend of Palliative Care Service Award
New Program for Mesothelioma Treatment
Dr. Jahan co-founded the UCSF Medical Center’s Thoracic Oncology Program more than two decades ago. The program includes care for pleural mesothelioma.
“There’s been an explosion of possibilities in this field like never before,” Dr. Jahan said, according to his page on the UCSF Medical Center website, “and it’s extremely gratifying to know our patients have a shot at doing much better than they’ve ever had before.”
He partnered with Dr. David Jablons, another mesothelioma specialist at the hospital. Dr. Jablons is one of the world’s top surgeons for pleural mesothelioma.
Dr. Jahan encouraged multimodal treatment for mesothelioma. This means patients receive multiple types of therapy, including chemotherapy. Surgery, chemotherapy and radiation are often put together for mesothelioma. Another option is using immunotherapy before or after surgery.
He also recommended palliative options for late-stage cases. Palliative therapy focuses on relieving symptom discomfort, such as fluid buildup and chest pain.
Leader in Clinical Research
Dr. Jahan has authored or co-authored numerous peer-reviewed medical articles. He also was a lecturer for national and international conferences on lung cancer and mesothelioma. He’s a member of the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer, which has a conference each year.
As the principal investigator for many clinical trials focused on thoracic oncology, Dr. Jahan left a considerable mark on research of mesothelioma. Although his experience is varied, Dr. Jahan had a specific interest in testing target therapies. These include immunotherapy drugs, such as immune checkpoint inhibitors, and oncolytic virus therapy. Opdivo and Yervoy for mesothelioma are examples of targeted therapies.
In 2016, Dr. Jahan became a member of the Council of Master Clinicians. He was inducted into the group, which is part of the UCSF Department of Medicine. The group is for outstanding doctors with exceptional knowledge, teaching skills and patient care.
Sources & Author
- Master Clinician: Thierry M. Jahan, MD Family Man. University of California San Francisco Department of Medicine. Retrieved from: https://medicine.ucsf.edu/master-clinicianthierry-m-jahan-md. Accessed: 04/20/2023.
AI Summary of Dr. Thierry Jahan
Dr. Thierry Jahan was a highly respected medical oncologist and clinical professor specializing in thoracic oncology at the University of California San Francisco (UCSF). He dedicated over 20 years to the research and treatment of pleural mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs. Dr. Jahan retired from his clinical practice and teaching roles at UCSF in June 2020 but left a lasting impact through his work in advancing mesothelioma care and research.
Throughout his career, Dr. Jahan played a significant role in developing new treatment options for patients with mesothelioma. He was involved in establishing comprehensive care programs that incorporate multiple treatment approaches, such as chemotherapy, surgery, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy. His focus was on multimodal treatment, which combines different therapies to improve patient outcomes. He also emphasized the importance of palliative care to help relieve symptoms and improve quality of life for patients facing advanced stages of the disease.
Dr. Jahan's contributions extended beyond patient care, as he authored numerous peer-reviewed articles and shared his expertise at national and international conferences. His research primarily focused on targeted therapies, including immunotherapy drugs like immune checkpoint inhibitors, which aim to boost the body's natural defenses against cancer. His work helped shape the understanding and testing of innovative treatments, such as Opdivo and Yervoy, that are now used in mesothelioma management. His leadership and research have played an important role in exploring new options that provide hope for patients with this challenging disease.
As a dedicated educator and leader, Dr. Jahan was recognized for his teaching excellence and clinical expertise. He was involved in mentoring others in the field of thoracic oncology and was a member of respected professional organizations dedicated to lung cancer and mesothelioma research. His work at UCSF continues to influence the development of newer, more effective treatment strategies, offering hope and improved care options for individuals and families confronting mesothelioma for the first time. His legacy remains a vital part of the ongoing effort to better understand and treat this complex disease.