Written by Dr. Kristopher Bunting | Edited By Walter Pacheco | Last Update: June 4, 2024

Getting Treatment in Arizona

The incidence of mesothelioma in Arizona is 0.7 cases per 100,000 people. The Grand Canyon State is home to two National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers. This includes the University of Arizona Cancer Center, which has been an NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center since 1990, as well as the Phoenix campus of the Mayo Clinic Cancer Center.

Asbestos exposure is the primary cause of mesothelioma. Arizona has been home to asbestos mining since the late 1800s. For more than a century, more than 100 natural asbestos deposit sites were mined. As a result, Arizona is ranked 17th in the country for asbestos-related deaths. 

The Mesothelioma Center at Asbestos.com can help connect survivors and their families with the resources they need. We’re the nation’s most trusted source for information about mesothelioma, providing assistance through patient advocates, the VA claims doctor match program, support groups, and webinars. Asbestos.com provides resources for people in Arizona with mesothelioma to help them find the best possible care within the state.

Top Mesothelioma Centers in Arizona

A mesothelioma diagnosis is life-changing; choosing the best treatment center is a deeply personal experience. With multiple cancer centers to choose from in Arizona, how do you choose the right one for you?

When choosing a cancer treatment center, consider these factors:
  • Doe the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer accredit them?
  • Are they a National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center?
  • In addition to surgical and oncology services, do they provide palliative care?

There are several major cancer centers to choose from in Arizona, all of which provide top-notch clinical care and cutting-edge cancer treatments.

Arizona Cancer Center, mesothelioma treatment center

Arizona Cancer Center

3838 North Campbell Ave, Tucson, AZ 85719

Year Built: 1976
Number of Beds: 400 beds
Number of Physicians: 1

Mayo Clinic Arizona

Mayo Clinic Arizona

13400 East Shea Blvd, Scottsdale, AZ 85259

Year Built: 1987
Number of Beds: 244 Beds
Number of Physicians: 2

Arizona Doctors Who Treat Mesothelioma

After choosing the right cancer treatment center, the next step is to find the right doctor. This is an important part of your mesothelioma journey. There are many skilled physicians out there, but you have to find someone who is a good fit for you.

Things to consider when choosing a mesothelioma doctor in Arizona:
  • Are they knowledgeable and confident?
  • Do they have experience with your type of mesothelioma?
  • Do they make you feel comfortable and respected?

Cancer treatment is a long process; your care continues even in remission. You need to find a doctor that you can build a good working relationship with based on trust and respect. It takes more than clinical skills and medical knowledge to be a good fit — personality matters. You and your doctor will be working together as a team throughout your cancer care — be sure to find a teammate that you can feel comfortable working with throughout the long journey ahead.

Dr. Jonathan D’Cunha, cardiothoracic surgeon

Phoenix, Arizona

Jonathan D’Cunha

Pleural Specialist | Cardiothoracic Surgery

Expertise: Heart Transplants Lung Surgery Minimally Invasive Surgery Pleural Mesothelioma

Languages: English

Dr. Linda Garland, Arizona Cancer Center

Tucson, Arizona

Linda Garland

Medical Oncology

Expertise: Clinical Trials Experimental Therapeutics

Languages: English

Dr. Nabil Wasif, peritoneal mesothelioma specialist

Scottsdale, Arizona

Nabil Wasif

Peritoneal Specialist | Surgical Oncology

Expertise: Research HIPEC

Languages: English, Hindi, Urdu

Clinical Trials and Cancer Research in Arizona

Some cancer centers in Arizona have clinical trials to test the latest innovations in mesothelioma treatment. Participating in clinical trials can give you access to the latest cutting-edge mesothelioma treatments. 

The INBRX-109 Trial, for example, is testing a new type of immunotherapy at sites across the nation, including the HonorHealth Research Institute in Scottsdale, Arizona. The University of Arizona is home to a wide range of research, including cancer research. The Mayo Clinic is a leader in providing access to new treatments through clinical trials.

Are you interested in enrolling in a mesothelioma clinical trial? Let the Mesothelioma Center at Asbestos.com help you find one that’s right for you.

Clinical Trial
Chemotherapy With or Without Immunotherapy for Peritoneal Mesothelioma

This study is testing whether the immunotherapy drug atezolizumab improves outcomes when added to chemotherapy.

  • Condition: Peritoneal Mesothelioma
  • Intervention: Chemotherapy with or without immunotherapy
  • Locations: Scottsdale/Phoenix, Arizona
  • Recruiting: August 2021– Present
Clinical Trial
Testing the Value of Adding Surgery after the Usual Treatment (Immunotherapy) for Patients with Stage I-IIIA Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma

This study is testing whether surgery improves outcomes in sarcomatoid mesothelioma when added to immunotherapy.

  • Condition: Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma
  • Intervention: Surgery
  • Locations: Kingman, Arizona
  • Recruiting: December 2022 – Present
Clinical Trial
A Study of HFB200301 as a Single Agent and in Combination With Tislelizumab in Adult Patients With Advanced Solid Tumors

This study is testing a new immunotherapy drug for mesothelioma and other solid tumors.

  • Condition: Malignant Mesothelioma
  • Intervention: Immunotherapy
  • Locations: Scottsdale, Arizona
  • Recruiting: February 2022 – Present
Clinical Trial
Study of IDE397 in Participants With Solid Tumors Harboring MTAP Deletion

This study is testing a new targeted therapy drug alone and with chemotherapy in patients with mesothelioma and other tumors that have specific genetic markers.

  • Condition: Malignant Mesothelioma
  • Intervention: Targeted therapy
  • Locations: Scottsdale, Arizona
  • Recruiting: March 2021 – Present

Cancer Support Services in Arizona

Many public and private state and local organizations provide cancer support services to help meet the needs of cancer patients, caregivers, and families dealing with mesothelioma. This can include a range of services from financial support to emotional and spiritual support. Both local and national organizations are available to help people in Arizona with mesothelioma.

American Cancer Society

The American Cancer Society’s cancer resource centers provide free wigs, hats, treatment information, and other support for cancer patients. The services available also include help finding emotional support networks, financial assistance, and lodging during treatment.

Mesothelioma Survivor, Caregiver & Family Support

The Mesothelioma Survivor, Caregiver & Family Support group on Facebook helps connect mesothelioma patients and caregivers in Arizona and around the country with other people dealing with mesothelioma. Newly diagnosed patients, survivors, and others can share their experiences and offer peer support.

Cancer Support Community Arizona

Cancer Support Community Arizona provides emotional and social support for people impacted by cancer. This includes support groups, social activities, art classes, nutritional counseling, educational seminars, and mind/body exercise therapies. They also offer virtual programs online.

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