Ochsner Cancer Institute

About Ochsner Cancer Institute

Ochsner Cancer Institute — also called Ochsner — is part of Ochsner Medical Center. For over 70 years, it has been dedicated to conducting innovative clinical research and providing state-of-the-art cancer care. Ochsner’s team of renowned doctors specializes in all cancer types, including breast, gynecologic, lymphoma, melanoma, leukemia, prostate, and lung cancer.

Ochsner Cancer Institute provides exceptional patient care, from cancer screening and diagnosis to performing cutting-edge treatment. Ochsner’s specialists are experienced in treating the most complex types of cancer, including mesothelioma.

“When you come through our doors, you receive cancer care services unlike any other in a comfortable atmosphere.”
—Ochsner Cancer Institute

Finding the best cancer treatment centers can feel overwhelming if you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma. Request your Free Mesothelioma Guide now to get easy-to-understand yet comprehensive information on facing a mesothelioma diagnosis.

Ochsner Cancer Institute Quick Facts

Access to over 700 cutting-edge clinical trials
Awarded $13.6 million in 2019 by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) to expand its clinical trials network
Largest cancer center in the Gulf South that performs minimally invasive lung cancer surgeries
Rated High Performing for Lung Cancer Surgery by U.S. News & World Report for 2022-23
Up to 20 cancer specialists provide personalized care

Mesothelioma Treatment at Ochsner Cancer Institute

Pleural mesothelioma patients may wish to seek treatment at Ochsner Cancer Institute’s lung cancer program. The program offers state-of-the-art imaging, robotic surgery, targeted chemotherapy, and image-guided radiation therapy.

“Ochsner has the only multispecialty program in the region focusing on lung-sparing advanced therapeutics for mesothelioma.”
—Ochsner Cancer Institute

The specialists at Ochsner Cancer Institute treat mesothelioma through collaborative efforts between the Departments of Thoracic Medical Oncology, Pulmonary Medicine, Thoracic Surgery, and Radiation Oncology.

These departments have combined resources to offer an interdisciplinary clinic of highly trained specialists from each area of expertise.

When it comes to mesothelioma treatment at Ochsner, physicians, surgeons, and other medical experts join forces to provide cancer patients with comprehensive care and ensure nothing is overlooked.

Treatment Update

Optune Lua™ treatment now offered at Ochsner Cancer Institute

Patient Experience at Ochsner Cancer Institute

Mesothelioma patients at Ochsner Cancer Institute may notice the most outstanding care characteristic here — the level of collaboration.

“Ochsner’s multidisciplinary approach means you have a whole network to lean on – and each member of the team knows what the other is thinking and doing.

Ours is an environment that fosters innovation and collaboration. Everyone is on the same page – everyone has the same information and the same goals.”
—Ochsner Cancer Institute

Care and treatment at Ochsner are multidisciplinary, as medical experts recognize that patients benefit most from a well-rounded care team.

Your mesothelioma care team at Ochsner may include:

Cancer specialists
Cardiothoracic surgeons
Oncologists
Oncology nurses
Physicians
Social workers
Researchers
Wellness providers

These specialists meet regularly to develop patient-specific treatment plans, and each decision is carefully weighed to ensure maximum effectiveness in the patient’s interest. Your referring doctor will also be brought on so they stay informed about your progress in real-time.

This level of dedication that each patient receives leads to higher quality and accuracy of diagnosis, treatment recommendations, and prognosis information.

While Ochsner’s mesothelioma specialists are known for excellence, finding a doctor you are comfortable with is not a one-size-fits-all decision. Even the search for a mesothelioma doctor can be challenging for you and your family to navigate. With decades of experience helping mesothelioma patients and their loved ones, our Patient Advocates can help match you with top specialists in your area.

Mesothelioma Doctors at Ochsner Cancer Institute

At Ochsner Cancer Institute, mesothelioma doctors provide patients with disease-specific expertise — something genuinely invaluable in diagnosing and treating mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma’s relative rarity means that even highly informed general oncologists may not understand the disease and its optimal treatments. There have been cases where patients received inaccurate prognosis information that could have been avoided had they seen an oncologist more familiar with mesothelioma.

At Ochsner, physicians with extensive experience diagnosing and treating mesothelioma can rely on precedent and case-by-case patient assessments. This helps ensure you receive the high-quality advice and care the Institute is known for.

Some of Ochsner Cancer Institute’s mesothelioma doctors include:

Dr. Charles Dicorte
Dr. Daniel Johnson
Dr. Brian Pettiford
Dr. Suma Satti Reddy

A History of Mesothelioma Expertise

Ochsner has greatly benefited from the legacies of former medical professionals at the Institute, such as Dr. Rodney Landreneau, a respected thoracic surgeon who previously served as the Director of the Ochsner Cancer Institute and the Vice-Chairman of the Department of Surgery for Cancer Services at Ochsner.

Dr. Landreneau was the first cancer specialist in Louisiana to use cytoreduction with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS-HIPEC) to treat mesothelioma. CRS-HIPEC involves removing mesothelioma tumors from the abdomen and applying heated chemotherapeutic drugs to kill the remaining cancer cells.

This effective form of multimodal treatment has been an indispensable offering in Louisiana, where the rate of mesothelioma is well above the national average.

Cancer Research and Clinical Trials at Ochsner Cancer Institute

Ochsner’s Precision Cancer Therapies Program allows patients to benefit from the latest developments in cancer care. This includes offering cutting-edge technology and clinical trials for patients with advanced cancer.

Mesothelioma clinical trials are research studies that test new medications and therapies on patients willing to try experimental treatments. Clinical trials can be a way to get breakthrough mesothelioma treatments that are not yet available to the public. However, they are not for everyone.

Clinical trials often come with highly specific requirements and ongoing deadlines. If you are interested in learning whether you are a candidate for a mesothelioma clinical trial, speak with your doctor or contact our Patient Advocates at (866) 608-8933.

Coming up with a mesothelioma treatment plan that works best for you and your family is one of your most important decisions.

Download our Free Checklist of Questions to Ask your Doctor to ensure you are on the right path to a tailored mesothelioma treatment plan that works for you.

Seeking Mesothelioma Treatment at Ochsner Cancer Institute

Book an appointment at Ochsner Cancer Institute online or call Ochsner’s appointment line at 866-624-7637.

If you would like help from Mesothelioma Hope at any step of the way, connect with our highly trained team 24/7.

With 65 years of combined experience, our passionate Patient Advocates are standing by to help get you connected to the nation’s top mesothelioma cancer treatment centers.