Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Jefferson Health

About Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center

Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is one of the leading cancer centers in the region. It delivers specialized cancer care by bringing together expert doctors, advanced testing, and treatment plans tailored to each patient’s needs.

Its Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center is recognized by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) as a Comprehensive Cancer Center, which means it meets high standards in treatment and research. This level of expertise is especially important for rare illnesses like mesothelioma.

Key Facts on Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center at Jefferson Health

• Rated High Performing in cancer care by U.S. News & World Report
• Among the top 2% of cancer centers nationwide for clinical trial performance
• Offers phase 1 clinical trials through the Sarah Cannon Research Institute partnership
• Treats 8,900+ cancer patients each year across its network

This Pennsylvania cancer center is actively involved in research that directly benefits mesothelioma patients. This includes work on immunotherapy, better ways to match treatments to tumor biology, and improved technologies for surgery and radiation therapy. Eligible patients can join clinical trials that test new treatment combinations.

Thomas Jefferson University Kimmel Cancer Center is also known for its wide network of locations. Mesothelioma patients can receive treatment at cancer centers in Center City Philadelphia, Northeast Philadelphia, Abington, Delaware, and New Jersey.

Mesothelioma Doctors at Thomas Jefferson Comprehensive Cancer Center

At Thomas Jefferson Comprehensive Cancer Center, mesothelioma care is handled by a team of specialists, not just one doctor. Surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, radiologists, and palliative care providers look at each case together. This helps them understand your diagnosis clearly and decide on the safest and most effective treatments.

Leading mesothelioma doctors at Sidney Kimmel include:

• Dr. Nathaniel R. Evans: Thoracic surgeon
• Dr. Lindsey Ford: Surgical oncologist
• Dr. Usama Gergis: Medical oncologist
• Dr. Sarah W. Gordon: Medical oncologist
• Dr. Tyler R. Grenda: Thoracic surgeon
• Dr. John D. Jacob: Thoracic surgeon

Together, these specialists bring a range of expertise that supports every aspect of mesothelioma care, from diagnosis and surgery to ongoing treatment and symptom management.

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Mesothelioma Treatment Options at Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center

Mesothelioma care at Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center is personalized for each patient based on the type of mesothelioma, the stage of the cancer, and overall health. All major mesothelioma treatments are available in one location, and a team of specialists meets regularly to recommend the best combination of surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy, and palliative care.

Mesothelioma Surgery

Surgery can play an important role in treating mesothelioma, especially when the cancer is found early and hasn’t spread to other parts of the body. At Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Jefferson Health, mesothelioma surgeons use advanced techniques that aim to remove tumors safely and thoroughly.

Common mesothelioma surgeries include:

• Pleurectomy with decortication (P/D): This option keeps the lung in place and removes the pleura and any visible tumors on or around it.
• Extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP): This surgery removes the lung affected by the cancer along with the lung lining, part of the diaphragm, and nearby lymph nodes.
• Cytoreductive surgery with heated chemotherapy (HIPEC): After surgeons remove visible tumors, the abdominal area is washed with heated chemotherapy to help destroy any remaining cancer cells.

The goal of these surgeries is to remove as much cancer as possible while keeping the patient safe, helping them heal well, and preserving their quality of life. Whether mesothelioma surgery is recommended for you depends on your overall health, where the cancer is located, and how far it has spread.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is one of the most widely used treatments for mesothelioma. It’s often combined with surgery and immunotherapy to help treat cancer throughout the body, including cells that may not be visible on imaging scans.

At Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, the medical oncology team uses chemotherapy plans that are designed to target mesothelioma cells wherever they may be in the body. They also work closely with each patient to manage possible side effects such as nausea, fatigue, and joint pain.

The most common chemotherapy medicines for mesothelioma are pemetrexed (Alimta®) and cisplatin. In some situations, doctors may recommend carboplatin instead.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is a newer approach that helps strengthen the body’s natural defenses so your immune system can better recognize and attack cancer cells. Many patients with mesothelioma have benefited from immunotherapy treatments.

At Sidney Kimmel at Jefferson Health, patients may receive medicines known as checkpoint inhibitors. These medicines help prevent cancer cells from hiding from the immune system. Two commonly used options are nivolumab (Opdivo®) and ipilimumab (Yervoy®).

Immunotherapy may be a good fit for people who:

• Are not able to have surgery or chemotherapy
• Have mesothelioma that has spread
• Have cancer that has returned after previous treatment

Some patients may also qualify for clinical trials, which can provide access to new immunotherapy drugs that are still being studied but show promise in extending survival.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy uses strong, focused beams of energy to damage and destroy cancer cells. Radiation oncologists at Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center use highly precise technology to target tumors carefully while protecting as much healthy tissue around them as possible.

Radiation treatment may be recommended in several situations, including:

• After surgery, to help remove any remaining cancer cells
• To ease symptoms such as pain or trouble breathing
• As part of a combined treatment plan with chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or both

Advanced radiation techniques, such as intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and image-guided therapy, make it possible to deliver treatment more accurately. This approach helps improve comfort and may reduce the chance of side effects.

Palliative Care

Palliative care focuses on relieving symptoms such as pain, shortness of breath, or fatigue. Your mesothelioma treatment team may recommend different palliative care procedures based on your needs.

At Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, palliative care is introduced early in the treatment process to help you stay comfortable and maintain your quality of life.

Many patients benefit from thoracentesis to drain fluid around the lungs or paracentesis to remove fluid from the abdomen. Additional options such as pain medications, nerve blocks, or other supportive treatments may also be used.

You may also receive supportive services such as nutrition counseling, physical therapy, and mental health support to help you stay active, manage stress, and maintain your well-being during treatment.

Bring our Free Doctor Questions Checklist to your next appointment to help you understand and compare mesothelioma treatments.

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• Preparing for treatment
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Mesothelioma Patient Care at Thomas Jefferson Comprehensive Cancer Center

At Thomas Jefferson Comprehensive Cancer Center, patients with mesothelioma receive specialized care rooted in their Cancer Care 360 approach. This philosophy means the center offers all patients a comprehensive circle of care that focuses on the whole person, not just the disease.

Jefferson offers many supportive services designed to help patients and their caregivers feel more informed and better prepared throughout treatment. These resources can make a meaningful difference in managing symptoms, reducing stress, and staying strong during care.

Supportive care services available at the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center include:

• Assistance with local lodging, including the American Cancer Society’s Hope Lodge for eligible patients traveling for treatment
• Diet and nutrition guidance, mental health support, and rehabilitation services to promote strength, balance, and overall well-being
• Oncology social workers who provide counseling, emotional support, and help finding financial assistance
• Patient navigators and care coordinators who help with appointments, insurance questions, and communication

These services help patients and families feel less alone and more supported as they navigate mesothelioma treatment.

“We are committed to our Cancer Care 360 approach, offering all cancer patients a comprehensive circle of care — including the latest clinical research, treatment, and ongoing support.”
– Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Thomas Jefferson University

Mesothelioma Clinical Trials & Research at Thomas Jefferson Comprehensive Cancer Center

The Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center at Jefferson Health plays an active role in developing and testing new treatments for mesothelioma and other rare cancers. Clinical trials give patients access to therapies that are not yet widely available, including options designed to improve survival, reduce side effects, or offer new alternatives when standard treatments are limited.

Current areas of research include:

• Combining immunotherapy with chemotherapy to see if the treatments work more effectively together
• Improving HIPEC (heated chemotherapy in the abdomen) for peritoneal mesothelioma
• Studying new biomarkers and genetic tests to help match patients with the best treatment options
• Using immunotherapy before or after surgery to help the immune system better target cancer cells

​​Not everyone qualifies for every clinical trial, but a mesothelioma specialist can help you find out what fits your situation. Use our Free Doctor Match to connect with one who can guide you.

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Connect With Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center

If you or a loved one has mesothelioma and lives in Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey, or the surrounding region, the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Jefferson Health provides access to experienced specialists and advanced treatment options.

Mesothelioma patients seen at Thomas Jefferson Cancer Center benefit from:

• Personalized treatment plans
• Access to clinical trials
• Comprehensive support services
• A compassionate care team dedicated to improving quality of life

Mesothelioma Hope can help connect you with Thomas Jefferson Comprehensive Cancer Center and other top mesothelioma treatment centers nationwide. Call (866) 608-8933 or use our Free Doctor Match to get started.