Washington Cancer Institute

Patient Care Experience

At the Washington Cancer Institute, patients can expect to receive a personalized approach to their mesothelioma care and treatment.

The center provides advanced care in every oncology specialty and aims to use the newest therapies offered through clinical trials. The multidisciplinary team works together to determine the best treatment for the patient.

Patients and their families can also expect comprehensive nurse navigator and social work services to support them before, during, and after cancer treatment care.

Navigating cancer treatment is a life-changing event for patients and families, and the staff at Washington Cancer Institute is dedicated to providing support and compassion.

The Washington Cancer Institute is dedicated to providing the latest in technological advances, whether it is 3D imaging or CT and PET scanning.

This center is one of the most technologically advanced in the nation allowing them to accurately diagnose and effectively treat cancer.

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Mesothelioma Experts

Dr. Sugarbaker is the director of the Center for Surgical Oncology at the Washington Cancer Institute where he is the leading surgeon for treating peritoneal mesothelioma.

He is the older brother of the prominent surgeon for pleural mesothelioma patients, the late Dr. David Sugarbaker of Baylor College of Medicine Lung Institute.

Radiation Oncology Specialists

• Pamela Randolph-Jackson, MD
• Adedamola B. Omogbehin, MD

Thoracic Surgery Specialists

• Marc Margolis, MD

Surgical Oncology Specialists

• Chukwuemeka Ihemelandu, MD
• Mark Alan Steves, MD
• Paul Sugarbaker, MD

Treatment Options at Washington Cancer Institute

The Washington Cancer Institute takes a multidisciplinary approach when it comes to treating mesothelioma.

Patients with pleural, peritoneal, or other forms of mesothelioma will consult with a group of experts to determine the most appropriate treatment.

Multiple modalities may be used including medical, radiation, or surgical therapy along with supportive care.

The Washington Cancer Institute launched the Peritoneal Surface Malignancies program in 1993 in order to better serve those with mesothelioma in the peritoneum as well as other complex cancers of the abdomen and pelvis.

While a peritoneal surface malignancy diagnosis used to have a dire prognosis, many patients treated at the Washington Cancer Institute now live full, active lives.

Surgery

The Washington Cancer Institute offers a number of modalities for surgery for peritoneal surface malignancies.

These mesothelioma surgeries include: 

• Cytoreductive Surgery: As much of the tumor is removed as possible. It may require removing parts of other affected organs as well, like the bowels, liver, gallbladder, spleen, pancreas, and stomach. For women, it may also mean removing the reproductive organs. This approach, known as the Sugarbaker Procedure, is often paired with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC).
• Hemicolectomy: This procedure removes part of the colon.
• Peritonectomy: This procedure strips away the peritoneum to remove tumors from the lining of the peritoneal cavity.

Chemotherapy

Depending on the type of peritoneal surface malignancy and how far it extends, patients may need chemotherapy before or after surgery.

Chemotherapy may be administered: 

• Before Surgery (Neoadjuvant): If the tumor is growing quickly, chemotherapy may be needed before surgery. It’s typically taken at home for 2 months beforehand, with a month to recover before the surgery.
• After Surgery: Some patients may also need chemotherapy following surgery, but only if the cancer is considered high-grade.

Doctors give HIPEC immediately after a peritonectomy or cytoreductive surgery while still in the operating room.

Doctors heat up chemotherapy drugs to make them more powerful and then soak the surgical site in the abdomen directly. HIPEC kills any remaining cancer cells straight at the cancer source without significantly affecting the rest of the body.

Research at the Washington Cancer Institute

The Washington Cancer Institute is committed to providing state-of-the-art and emerging technologies that deliver the latest, safest and most effective cancer treatments. The center includes new therapies offered through clinical trials if possible.

Experts at the Washington Cancer Institute encourage patients to participate in clinical trials to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of promising treatment approaches.

There is no guarantee that new treatments from clinical trials will be better than those that already exist, but it’s a chance to gain access to innovative options that are not otherwise available.

Insurance Information

The Washington Cancer Institute accepts most managed care and commercial health insurance. Forms of payment also include all major credit cards, cash, and checks.

The administrative staff is available to assist patients with the necessary insurance and referral requirements. In case of questions or need for more information, contact billing and records at 800-280-9006.

Seeking Treatment at Washington Cancer Institute

The Washington Cancer Institute is a world-renowned center for mesothelioma treatment, particularly peritoneal mesothelioma. An innovative surgical technique by one of the top peritoneal mesothelioma surgeons has extended the lives of countless patients.

The Washington Cancer Institute is dedicated to providing the most comprehensive and patient-centered care while striving to utilize the most technologically-advanced techniques.

This center strives for excellence in clinical care by promoting a healing environment and providing compassion and support before, during and after treatment.

For more information on working with the experts at the Washington Cancer Institute, contact us today.