University of California, Davis, Cancer Center: Mesothelioma Treatment
The University of California, Davis Cancer Center, which has been designated a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute, has become one of the more established cancer treatment centers on the West Coast. In order to continue building on its reputation, the center recently broke ground on a 46,000-square-foot addition to the center that will add clinics for adults and children as well as a pharmacy that is expected to be completed by the end of winter 2012.
Led by Director Dr. David R. Gandara, the center’s Thoracic Oncology Program offers itself as a “national and international center for excellence for
lung cancer therapy,” which includes treatment for malignant mesothelioma. Taking advantage of the resources it has that make it the largest thoracic oncology program in California, doctors at the center are able to access clinical studies and new data and provide up-to-date treatment and therapeutic options to its patients.
Treatment options for mesothelioma patients are individually tailored to each unique diagnosis, which is initially determined following imaging studies - such as PET and CT scans - that are reviewed by a multidisciplinary team of physicians.
In addition to offering a number of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgical options for the treatment of mesothelioma and other types of lung cancers, UC Davis also offers molecular targeted therapy - a newer type of therapy that consists of medications such as Iressa and Tarceva along with anti-angiogenic agents like Avastin in order to combat the progress of malignant mesothelioma.
In regard to clinical studies, UC Davis takes part in two National Cancer Institute-sponsored adult clinical trial groups: the Southwest Oncology Group (for which Dr. Gandara serves as the chairman) and the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group.
Mesothelioma cancer patients, as well as their family members, may wish to pursue legal action against a company or former employer that may have knowingly exposed them to high amounts of
asbestos fibers, which is the primary cause of mesothelioma. If you want to discuss your legal options and perhaps attempt to pursue a
mesothelioma lawsuit, please contact a
mesothelioma lawyer who can inform you on the most current developments regarding
asbestos laws.