Mesothelioma Specialists
Because many forms of cancer exist and mesothelioma is a unique and rare disease, if you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, we believe it is important to seek out a specialist in the field as they will be able to provide the highest quality of care and the most current treatment options available. What follows is a list of the nation's top physicians, surgeons and oncologists specializing in the treatment of mesothelioma.
NICHOLAS J. VOGELZANG, M.D.
NICHOLAS J. VOGELZANG, M.D Chair and Medical Director Developmental Therapeutics and Co-Chair GU Committee US Oncology Research c/o Comprehensive Cancer Centers of NV 3730 S. Eastern Ave. Las Vegas, NV 89169 Office: 888.680.6376 Email: nvogelzang@mdmeso.com Dr. Vogelzang, father of attorney Nicholas Vogelzang, first became interested in mesothelioma while working in Minnesota when he cared for two sisters with the disease and published a paper on the geographic distribution of the disease in a state with limited asbestos exposure. Building on that interest, he saw many mesothelioma patients at the University of Chicago and began to lead the mesothelioma research programs of the Cancer and Leukemia Group B (CALGB), a national cancer research organization . For over 15 years, his leadership resulted in more than 20 papers on various chemotherapy regimens and the CALGB prognostic system for meso. At the University of Chicago he teamed up with radiologists to develop new CT techniques for measuring and tracking the responses of mesothelioma to chemotherapy. In 1998 he was asked by Eli Lilly Inc. to consult on a new drug pemetrexed (Alimta) which had shown promise in treating mesothelioma in an early European study. This led to his leadership on the largest mesothelioma phase III trial ever conducted which compared the chemotherapy agent cisplatin to cisplatin plus pemetrexed (Alimta). That trial, published in 2003 -showed that the 2 drug regimen improved the survival and quality of life of mesothelioma patients. That regimen is now the standard treatment for mesothelioma patients world wide. Dr Vogelzang continues to be actively involved in mesothelioma patient care and research. He is the current Chairman of the Board of the Mesothelioma Foundation. In 2009 he joined Comprehensive Cancer Centers of Nevada as a practicing medical oncologist. Dr. Vogelzang has published over 100 articles on mesothelioma, edited a book and has spoken hundreds of times throughout the world to push toward the eradication of mesothelioma. He has brought that fight and determination with him to Nevada. Patients can schedule appointments with him at his office in Las Vegas at 702-952-3400.
Each year over 100 new patients from across the nation and around the world seek the expertise of The University of Chicago Mesothelioma Program. Many enroll in promising clinical trials. As one of the largest mesothelioma treatment programs in the world, the University of Chicago has the excellence and expertise to provide state of the art care to our patients. http://www-uccrc.uchicago.edu/meso/ucmesoprogram.html
Believe in a Cure
Offering hope to mesothelioma patients and their families.
The Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation (formely known as MARF) is the national non-profit foundation dedicated to ending the suffering caused by mesothelioma by funding mesothelioma research, by educating patients, and by advocating for federal mesothelioma funding.
Founded by David J. Sugarbaker, MD, the International Mesothelioma Program encompasses a clinical program, a research program and a support program. The clinical focus is on developing treatment strategies that can significantly extend the life of their patients. Their research focus involves a collaboration of basic, translational, and clinical research scientists whose aim is to understand the causative factors in the development of the disease and to translate these findings into improved therapy.
http://www.brighamandwomens.org/mesothelioma/default.aspx
Mt. Sinai School of Medicine
Mt. Sinai School of Medicine (MSSM), is widely regarded among the world’s top centers for scientific and medical training. Mt. Sinai's reputation has been built upon its dedication to compassionate patient care and continuing scientific research through a large number of clinical trials.
Dr. Harvey Pass
Director, Division of Thoracic Surgery, New York University Langone Medical Center Chief, Thoracic Oncology, New York Unversity Langone Medical Center Chairman, Scientific Advisory Board, Mesothelioma Applied Research Fund (MARF) New York University Medical Center 530 First Avenue, Suite 9V New York, New York 10016 Office: (212) 731-5414 Email: Harvey.pass@med.nyu.edu
Dr. Harvey I. Pass received his M.D. from Duke University Medical School in 1973 and completed his Surgical residency at Duke in 1975. Dr. Pass acted as Chief Surgeon at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, Division of Surgery, from 1977-1980. He then went on act as Chief Resident while completing his Senior Residency at the Medical University of South Carolina, Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery. Dr. Pass completed his 3-year Senior Fellowship in the Thoracic Oncology Surgical Branch of the National Cancer Institute (NCI). He was appointed Head of Thoracic Oncology for the National Cancer Institute in 1986 and, in 1991 was awarded the National Institutes of Health's prestigious Directors Award for his contributions to thoracic oncology. In 1996, Dr. Pass began creating the thoracic oncology program at Karmanos Cancer Institute of Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan and was awarded Detroit’s Top Doctors award in both 2004 and 2005. In 1998 Dr. Pass helped found the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation (MARF).
In 2005, Dr. Pass joined The New York University School of Medicine, Division of Thoracic Surgery as it's first Director. Today, Dr. Pass serves as a member of the Lung Cancer Alliance Board and acts as Chairman of the Scientific Advisory Board for the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation. In addition, Dr. Pass has been awarded Castle Connolly’s America’s Top Doctors award for the last five years. For additional information on Dr. Pass, as well as information on New York University's Langone Medical Center please visit www.med.nyu.edu/clinicians/passh01.html
For additional information and resources for mesothelioma victims and their families, please visit our patients & family page.