MD Anderson Cancer Center

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is a National Cancer Institute–designated Comprehensive Cancer Center in Houston, Texas, and one of the largest cancer hospitals in the world. It maintains a dedicated mesothelioma program with thoracic surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and pathologists experienced in pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma, as well as clinical trials for asbestos-related cancers.

Origin

Founded in 1941 by an act of the Texas Legislature and named for Monroe Dunaway Anderson, a Houston banker and cotton trader whose foundation provided the initial endowment. It became part of The University of Texas System and has been consistently ranked among the top cancer hospitals in the United States since the U.S. News rankings began.

Significance in Asbestos Context

For patients diagnosed with mesothelioma or other asbestos-related cancers, MD Anderson is one of a small number of high-volume centers where treatment outcomes are generally better because of specialist experience with rare diseases. The center participates in mesothelioma clinical trials (including immunotherapy and multimodal surgery protocols) and has its own pathology review process, which is important because mesothelioma is frequently misdiagnosed at general hospitals. Records from MD Anderson (pathology reports, operative notes, oncology notes, and imaging) are often central evidence in an asbestos claim because they document the diagnosis, treatment course, and prognosis from a recognized specialty center.

Example Sentence

After her community hospital suspected mesothelioma, she sought a second opinion at MD Anderson, where specialty pathology confirmed epithelioid pleural mesothelioma and she was enrolled in an immunotherapy trial.

Related Terms

Comprehensive Cancer Center, Mesothelioma Specialist, Second Opinion, Clinical Trial, Pathology Review, Multimodal Therapy

Notes

• Ask for a formal pathology review of your original biopsy slides at MD Anderson before starting treatment. Mesothelioma diagnosis is technically difficult and subtype (epithelioid, sarcomatoid, biphasic) drives treatment and prognosis.
• Request copies of all records from MD Anderson, including the pathology report, immunohistochemistry panel, operative reports, imaging (CT, PET), and oncology notes; these documents are routinely used to support an asbestos claim.
• Ask whether you qualify for open mesothelioma clinical trials at MD Anderson; eligibility often depends on prior treatments, so inquire before starting chemotherapy elsewhere.
• If travel to Houston is difficult, ask whether MD Anderson offers a remote second-opinion or telemedicine consultation through its Online Second Opinion program.
• Tell your legal team which specialty center is treating you. Treatment at a recognized mesothelioma program can affect both the medical record and the documentation of life-expectancy and damages.