Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) specializes in advanced mesothelioma treatment for veterans exposed to asbestos. The center offers treatments such as surgery, immunotherapy, and clinical trials. This article explores MSK’s expertise in mesothelioma care and the resources available to help veterans and their families.

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center – New York, New York
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) in New York City stands as one of the leading institutions globally for cancer treatment and research. Renowned for its pioneering approach to care, MSK provides specialized treatment for veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma, particularly those exposed to asbestos during military service. The center’s focus on utilizing cutting-edge advancements in mesothelioma care includes the use of advanced surgical techniques, immunotherapy, and participation in groundbreaking clinical trials. Whether you’re navigating a recent diagnosis or seeking expert care for a loved one, MSK is at the forefront of mesothelioma research and treatment, offering comprehensive resources designed to guide patients through their treatment journey.
National Cancer Institute (NCI) Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center
As one of the world’s top cancer institutions, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center has brought hope to many patients suffering from asbestos-related diseases by developing new therapies for the rare and aggressive disease. The center’s clinical trials have led to new FDA-approved therapies for mesothelioma patients. Treatments such as immunotherapy, precision medicine, and advanced surgical techniques show promising results in improving patient outcomes and quality of life.
Located at 1275 York Avenue in New York City, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center is accessible to all veterans seeking personalized mesothelioma treatment. The center offers all patients support services, including assistance with traveling plans, lodging options, and veteran-specific resources to help navigate care. For veterans coming from out of town, MSK partners with organizations that provide financial support to ensure veterans receive the treatment they need. The center continues to remain a top choice for veterans and their families facing a mesothelioma diagnosis for its world-class specialists, groundbreaking research, and veteran-focused care.
Mesothelioma Expertise at Memorial Sloan Kettering
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center treats more than 400 mesothelioma cases a year, making it the most experienced hospital in the nation for this disease. The center is home to many clinical trials conducting treatment combinations and emerging therapies like CAR T-cell therapy, giving patients the latest advancements in mesothelioma care. The treatment has shown promising results in targeting mesothelioma cells.
The center’s expertise allows patients to receive individualized treatment plans tailored to their specific conditions and medical history. Specialists take a multidisciplinary team approach to ensure that every patient receives personalized care. The team includes thoracic surgeons, oncologists, radiologists, and other medical professionals who work together to create tailored treatment plans. The team regularly meets to discuss patient cases and find the most effective treatment strategies for each condition.
What Mesothelioma Treatments Are Available at Memorial Sloan Kettering?
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center offers a wide range of mesothelioma treatment options, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and emerging therapies like immunotherapy and gene therapy. The cancer center recognizes that veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma may also have health concerns related to their military service, so each treatment plan addresses each case’s specific needs. Examples of treatments used to create personalized plans include:
- Surgery: Used to remove as much of the tumor as possible. Procedures like pleurectomy/decortication and extrapleural pneumonectomy can help extend survival and improve symptoms.
- Chemotherapy: Uses powerful drugs to kill cancer cells or slow their growth. It is often used before or after surgery to reduce the remaining tumor size or eliminate remaining cancer cells.
- Radiation Therapy: Uses high-energy X-rays or proton beams to target cancer cells. This therapy helps shrink tumors and relieve symptoms in patients not qualified for surgery.
- Immunotherapy: Helps boost the body’s natural immune system to recognize and fight cancer cells. Checkpoint inhibitors such as nivolumab and ipilimumab are examples of promising immunotherapy treatments at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.
- Gene Therapy: An experimental treatment that modifies genes to help the body fight cancer. Some trials at the center currently explore how to alter tumor cells or immune cells to enhance response.
- Clinical Trials: MSK offers experimental treatments, such as new drug combinations and therapies. Their clinical trials have shown promising results in survival and quality of life for veterans suffering from mesothelioma.
MSK’s Commitment to Cancer Research
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center is committed to advancing cancer treatment. Their dedication has led to developing many new therapies, improved patient outcomes, and offered hope to those battling mesothelioma. One of their new therapies, CAR T-cell therapy for pleural mesothelioma, modifies a patient’s immune cells to recognize and attack cancer cells effectively. Early-phase clinical trials for this therapy have shown promising results, including some patients experiencing significant tumor reduction. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center’s scientists work closely with clinicians to turn laboratory discoveries into new effective treatments. Their partnerships have created new therapeutic targets and designed clinical trials that offer veterans access to the latest advanced mesothelioma treatments.
How Veterans Can Get Treatment at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Receiving personalized care can significantly improve survival rates and quality of life for veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center recognizes veterans’ unique challenges and has designed customized veteran care plans. To begin, schedule a consultation by contacting one of our patient advocates, who can connect you with the center. During your initial consultation, you’ll provide medical records such as imaging scans, biopsy results, and previous treatment information.
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center collaborates with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to ensure VA benefits align with treatment plans and find additional coverage options. The center offers mesothelioma travel assistance programs for veterans outside of New York to help arrange transportation and lodging. If you cannot travel, MSK also offers virtual consultations and second opinions so you can connect with mesothelioma experts from the comfort of your home. These services, along with a wide range of support services for veterans and their families, help veterans navigate their mesothelioma diagnosis. Don’t hesitate to reach out today, as our patient advocates can connect you with the medical and legal assistance you need.