Mesothelioma

Why choose UCLA Health for mesothelioma care? 

At UCLA Health, we provide advanced mesothelioma treatment using the latest innovations in care. As a leading international referral center, we have been at the forefront of groundbreaking treatments for this rare and aggressive cancer since 1997. Our expert team is dedicated to delivering specialized care to mesothelioma patients every day.

Highlights of our program

Comprehensive, multidisciplinary care: Our mesothelioma program unites thoracic surgical oncologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, radiologists, interventional radiologists, pathologists, anesthesiologists, and specialized nurse practitioners to provide comprehensive care. Each case is reviewed at our weekly tumor board, where experts collaborate on a personalized treatment plan for every patient.

Innovative treatment options: We use advanced therapies to improve survival and quality of life. Our approach includes lung-sparing surgery with targeted pleural radiation, low-toxicity immunotherapy, and systemic treatments like immunotherapy, chemotherapy, and biologic therapy. We also offer cryoablation to freeze cancer cells and Tumor Treating Fields (Optune Lua) to slow tumor growth. Through phase 1–3 clinical trials, UCLA Health provides early access to emerging mesothelioma treatments.

Dedicated patient support: A mesothelioma diagnosis can be overwhelming, so we offer comprehensive support. Our dedicated mesothelioma patient liaison provides education, care coordination, and ongoing guidance, serving as a consistent point of contact. Many patients consider this personalized support invaluable in their UCLA Health care journey.

Access to care: For patients requiring radiation therapy for mesothelioma, we offer access to whole pleural radiation therapy at multiple locations, including UCLA Health in Los Angeles, Orange County, and the West Los Angeles Veterans Affairs Medical Center. This ensures that patients have access to expert mesothelioma care close to home.

Understanding malignant pleural mesothelioma

Malignant pleural mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer of the pleura, the thin lining of the chest cavity. Unlike lung cancer, mesothelioma originates in the pleural membrane, which covers the lungs, heart, diaphragm, spine, ribs, blood vessels, and nerves. Due to its location, mesothelioma can spread rapidly.

The leading cause of mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. Although asbestos use has been restricted for over 30 years, it remains present in older buildings, insulation, and even some consumer products.

Types of malignant pleural mesothelioma

Each type of mesothelioma requires a different treatment approach:

• Epithelioid mesothelioma: The most common type, typically treated with surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, cryoablation, and immunotherapy
• Sarcomatoid mesothelioma: A more aggressive form that spreads outside the chest; often treated with immunotherapy and chemotherapy
• Biphasic mesothelioma: A mix of epithelioid and sarcomatoid cells, requiring a customized mesothelioma treatment plan.
• Rare types (e.g., lymphohistiocytoid mesothelioma): Treated based on unique characteristics, often with a combination of surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy

Who is at risk for mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is most commonly caused by asbestos exposure. Certain jobs are at higher risk because they involve working with materials or environments where asbestos is often present. These higher-risk industries include:

• Construction and renovation
• Shipbuilding
• Manufacturing and industrial work
• Mining and talc processing
• Firefighting
• Military and defense
• Automotive repair and manufacturing
• Railroad and heavy equipment
• Oil refineries and chemical plants
• Power plants

In some cases, talc (talcum powder) can be contaminated with asbestos. This happens because talc and asbestos can naturally occur close together under the ground. Products that might contain talc include:

• Baby powder (older formulas often used talc)
• Makeup (such as blush, foundation, and eyeshadow)
• Certain medications (talc can be used as a filler)
• Household and art supplies (like crayons and chalk)

Contact UCLA Health for expert mesothelioma care

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, our expert team is here to help.

• To request an appointment with our mesothelioma care team call 310-267-4612.
• For help or more information, call our mesothelioma nurse practitioner at 310-818-1304.