Memorial Sloan Kettering

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) is a New York City-based cancer hospital and research institution widely regarded as one of the leading centers in the world for the diagnosis, treatment, and clinical research of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related cancers. MSK runs a dedicated mesothelioma program with thoracic surgeons, medical oncologists, pathologists, and radiation oncologists who focus specifically on this rare disease. It has been a major site for clinical trials of new mesothelioma therapies, including immunotherapy combinations and targeted treatments.

Origin

Memorial Hospital was founded in 1884 as the New York Cancer Hospital, the first cancer-dedicated hospital in the United States. It later merged with the Sloan-Kettering Institute, established in 1945 with funding from General Motors executives Alfred P. Sloan and Charles F. Kettering, to form what is today Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.

Significance in Asbestos Context

For patients with mesothelioma or other asbestos-related cancers, being evaluated at a high-volume specialty center like MSK can change both the treatment plan and the prognosis, because outcomes in mesothelioma surgery and complex multimodal therapy are strongly tied to institutional experience. MSK pathologists are also frequently asked to confirm or reclassify mesothelioma diagnoses, which matters because an accurate histologic subtype (epithelioid, sarcomatoid, biphasic) drives treatment decisions and is often scrutinized in litigation. Records, pathology reports, and physician opinions generated at MSK carry significant weight in asbestos claims, and treating physicians from MSK are sometimes asked to provide causation or prognosis testimony. Patients should know that consultations and second opinions at centers like MSK are an option even if they continue local treatment.

Example Sentence

After her community oncologist diagnosed peritoneal mesothelioma, she traveled to Memorial Sloan Kettering for a second opinion and to be evaluated for cytoreductive surgery with HIPEC.

Related Terms

Mesothelioma Specialty Center, Second Opinion, Clinical Trial, Pathology Review, Multimodal Therapy, Tertiary Care

Notes

• Ask whether your pathology slides can be sent to MSK (or a similar specialty center) for a confirmatory review before starting treatment. Subtype and diagnosis changes are not uncommon.
• Request copies of all MSK records, including operative notes, pathology reports, imaging, and physician letters; these documents are often central to both treatment planning and legal claims.
• Ask the MSK team directly about open clinical trials for your specific mesothelioma subtype and stage; trial eligibility windows can be narrow.
• If travel to New York is difficult, ask whether MSK offers telemedicine second opinions or pathology-only reviews through their international/remote consultation services.