Written by Dr. Kristopher Bunting | Edited By Walter Pacheco | Last Update: March 7, 2024

Getting Mesothelioma Treatment in Indiana

Indiana is home to a National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center. The Indiana University Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center in Indianapolis is well-known across the country for its innovative cancer research.

The Mesothelioma Center at Asbestos.com is the most trusted source for information about mesothelioma in the nation. For more than 15 years, The Mesothelioma Center has worked with mesothelioma survivors and their families. We assist people in Indiana with mesothelioma, providing patient advocates, working with Veterans Affairs VA claims and offering support groups, webinars and our doctor match program. The center provides resources for people seeking mesothelioma treatment in Indiana to help them find the best possible care within the state.

Indiana has a history of its residents facing occupational exposure — and secondary exposure — to asbestos. People working in industries such as manufacturing and equipment repair are at the highest risk of dangerous asbestos exposure in Indiana. Asbestos exposure has also occurred at several federal buildings in the state. Indiana ranks 16th in the U.S. for asbestos-related deaths, with 1,153 recorded mesothelioma deaths. In 2019, Indiana had 57 new mesothelioma cases. The age-adjusted incidence of mesothelioma in Indiana is 0.7 cases per 100,000 people.


Asbestos exposure continues to this day in Indiana. A 2023 warehouse fire in Richmond, Indiana, exposed schools, day care centers, public parks and residential areas to huge clouds of toxic smoke and debris containing asbestos. It will take many decades to determine the long-term effects of this asbestos exposure.

Top Mesothelioma Centers in Indiana

The top cancer treatment center in Indiana is the Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center at Indiana University in Indianapolis. Indiana has many other cancer treatment centers, but it is up to you to pick the best one for you. A mesothelioma diagnosis is certainly life-changing, making this an important choice.

Before you choose a cancer treatment center, consider the following:
  • Does the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer accredit it?
  • Is it an NCI-designated cancer center?
  • Does it provide palliative care in addition to surgical and oncology services?

The Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center is a member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network and has been an NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center for more than 20 years. This means that it offers a full range of services for cancer patients beyond just diagnosis and treatment.

Indiana Doctors Who Treat Mesothelioma

There are many mesothelioma cancer specialists in Indiana, and choosing the best doctor to help you on your journey is extremely important.

Before you choose a mesothelioma doctor in Indiana, consider the following:
  • Are they knowledgeable and confident?
  • Do they have experience with your type of mesothelioma?
  • Do they make you feel comfortable and respected?

You need to build a working relationship with your doctor through mutual trust and respect. Cancer treatment continues even in remission, so you want to find someone you are comfortable sharing your journey with. Personality can be as important as knowledge and experience. You and your doctor need to work as a team to manage your care, so be sure to choose a teammate who is a good fit for you.

Chadrick Denlinger M.D., Cardiothoracic Surgeon

Indianapolis, Indiana

Chadrick Denlinger

Pleural Specialist | Cardiothoracic Surgery

Expertise: Minimally Invasive Surgery Chest Wall Tumors Lung Cancer Esophageal Cancer Lung Transplantation

Languages: English

Dr. Nasser H. Hanna, Thoracic Oncologist

Indianapolis, Indiana

Nasser H. Hanna

Pleural Specialist | Thoracic Oncology

Expertise: Pleural and Lung Cancer Research

Languages: English

Dr. Francis D. Sheski, Thoracic Oncologist

Indianapolis, Indiana

Francis D. Sheski

Pleural Specialist | Pulmonary Critical Care

Expertise: Interventional Pulmonology Clinical Trials

Languages: English

Clinical Trials and Cancer Research in Indiana

Indiana University and the Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center have a long history of conducting cutting-edge cancer research. Dr. Larry Einhorn pioneered research that resulted in a cure for testicular cancer.

The Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center also invests heavily in groundbreaking clinical trials. Participating in clinical trials gives you access to the latest treatments for mesothelioma. You can help others as well as yourself by participating in research. The Mesothelioma Center helps people find clinical trials for mesothelioma therapies in their area.

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: Mesothelioma
  • Intervention: Targeted therapy
  • Locations: Indianapolis, Indiana
  • Recruiting: March 2021 – Present

Stories From Survivors

Rosalie C.
Pleural Mesothelioma Survivor

Rosalie C. and her husband Larry had a farm outside Fort Wayne, Indiana, when she received a pleural mesothelioma diagnosis in 2011. Within days following her diagnosis, her husband drove her to Boston, where she received life-saving care from Dr. David Sugarbaker. She found hope in her faith and unwavering support from her husband. “You never know when the bubble is going to burst, but you just can’t live being a pessimist,” she said. “I’ve been so fortunate in so many ways.”

Sadly, Rosalie died in 2017, nearly six years after her diagnosis. Because of her expert care, she was able to celebrate her 50th wedding anniversary, spend time with her children and grandchildren and enjoy her vacation home in Florida. None of that would have been possible without the mesothelioma treatment she received with the help of The Mesothelioma Center.

Charles Wood
Pleural Mesothelioma Survivor

Charles Wood moved to Indiana with his wife to be near her family after his mesothelioma diagnosis in 2019. Charles is no stranger to life with cancer — his first wife died of breast cancer. “That’s why I had some idea of what to expect with this cancer. I knew what chemotherapy and radiation were all about,” he said. “I knew how important it was to get the right doctors, nurses, the expertise you need.” He received treatment at Moffitt Cancer Center and has been in remission ever since.

Charles and his wife still have things they want to do, and they aren’t going to let mesothelioma stop them from enjoying life. “We’re not sitting around,” he said. “Life is too short for that. You only live once.” Cancer has slowed him down a bit, but he refuses to give up — he’s a survivor.

Young scientist reviewing sample under a microscope
Find Active Mesothelioma Clinical Trials

Try our new clinical trials search tool to find active trials near you. Get help enrolling today.

Find a Clinical Trial

Cancer Support Services in Indiana

Cancer support services work to meet the needs of cancer patients, caregivers and families dealing with mesothelioma. This can include financial support as well as emotional and spiritual support. Both national and local resources are available to help people in Indiana 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. They can also help find emotional support networks, financial assistance and lodging for patients undergoing treatment.

Mesothelioma Survivor, Caregiver & Family Support Group

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

Cancer Support Community Indiana and Cancer Support Community South Central Indiana

Cancer Support Community Indiana helps cancer patients and their families in the Indianapolis and Bloomington areas. It offers emotional and wellness support, education, social connections and cancer information, assistance and referrals.

Mesothelioma treatment can be emotionally and physically draining, taking a toll on survivors and caregivers. The high cost of cancer care can also create significant stress for families. Mesothelioma trust funds and other forms of compensation can help. Indiana lawyers can help survivors file claims.

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