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Iowa Mesothelioma Treatment

If you are in Iowa and living with mesothelioma cancer, you have a variety of options for specialized medical care. You may also be eligible for asbestos compensation to help pay for your treatment and out-of-pocket expenses. Learn more about the best treatment options available in Iowa to help you battle a mesothelioma diagnosis.

Fact-Checked and Updated by: Jenna Tozzi, RN

Last updated:

Iowa Mesothelioma Treatment Centers

You can find a variety of mesothelioma treatments at either of these Iowa cancer centers:

June E. Nylen Cancer Center

June E. Nylen Cancer Center

Sioux City

University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics

University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics

Iowa City


Use our Free Doctor Match service to get connected with an Iowa mesothelioma doctor at one of the treatment centers above.

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Iowa Mesothelioma Doctors

If you or a family member has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, it is best to consult with an Iowa mesothelioma doctor who understands this rare cancer.

Some of the state’s top specialists include:

  • Dr. Donald B. Wender

    Dr. Donald B. Wender

    Iowa mesothelioma oncologist and Medical Director of June E. Nylen Cancer Center

  • Dr. Gerald H. Clamon

    Dr. Gerald H. Clamon

    Medical oncologist at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics

  • Dr. James Howe

    Dr. James Howe

    Surgical oncologist at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics

Types of Iowa Mesothelioma Treatment

Mesothelioma treatment plans vary by each patient depending on the stage of their cancer, their age, and their overall health.

Cancer treatment options available in Iowa for mesothelioma include:

  • Surgery: Depending on their type and stage of mesothelioma, patients may be able to undergo surgery to remove tumors and increase their life expectancy.
  • Chemotherapy: Cancer-fighting chemotherapy drugs can be used as a primary treatment for mesothelioma or in combination with surgery or radiation therapy.
  • Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy drugs are the newest type of mesothelioma treatment that uses the body’s immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells.
  • Radiation therapy: High-energy radiation is used to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Radiation therapy can be administered as a primary treatment for mesothelioma or in combination with surgery or chemotherapy.
  • Clinical trials: Several cancer centers and clinics in Iowa offer clinical trials to help patients access emerging treatments or new combinations of treatments for mesothelioma.

Meeting with a specialist to discuss your treatment options? Use our free checklist to make sure you leave with all the information you need.

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  • Preparing for treatment
  • Finding clinical trials
  • Getting a second opinion

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Mesothelioma Patient Care Teams in Iowa

Iowa mesothelioma patient care teams are made up of multidisciplinary professionals who are dedicated to providing comprehensive medical treatment and support services.

These patient teams typically include:

  • Medical oncologists
  • Nurses
  • Nutritionists
  • Pathologists
  • Pulmonologists
  • Radiation oncologists
  • Social workers
  • Surgical oncologists
  • Thoracic surgeons

They work collaboratively to:

  • Develop personalized treatment plans
  • Offer symptom management and palliative care
  • Provide emotional support and cancer care education

Iowa Mesothelioma Treatment Research and Clinical Trials

There are several top research centers studying new and more effective cancer treatments to improve the average Iowa mesothelioma prognosis.

Some of these research centers include:

  • Cedar Rapids Oncology Project
  • Iowa Oncology Research Association in Des Moines
  • University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City

All of these institutions are dedicated to advancing cancer research and improving survival outcomes for patients.

Mesothelioma Clinical Trials in Iowa

Several cancer research centers are conducting clinical trials for mesothelioma at no cost to patients. The goal of these trials is to identify better, more effective treatment options to improve patients’ quality and length of life.

Currently, there are two clinical trials recruiting patients in Iowa:

  • A Study of SGN-BB228 in Advanced Melanoma and Other Solid Tumors. Researchers are testing a new drug known as SGN-BB228 to see how safe and effective it is for patients with solid tumors that are hard to treat or have spread throughout the body.
  • Integrated Cancer Repository for Cancer Research (iCaRe2). This ongoing project is collecting specimens from adult patients, including those diagnosed with mesothelioma, to support various cancer research initiatives.

Contact our registered nurses for help accessing new treatments and clinical trials in Iowa.

Scope of Asbestos-Related Diseases in Iowa

According to data from the Environmental Working Group, there were 2,765 asbestos-related deaths in Iowa between 1999 and 2017, including those from mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis.

Some notable Iowa asbestos exposure sites include:

  • Allied Chemical in Dubuque
  • Goodyear Tire & Rubber in Des Moines
  • Interstate Power Plant in Clinton
  • Iowa Power Company in Cedar Rapids
  • John Deere Tractor Plant in Waterloo
  • Midwest Power in Sioux City
  • Monroe Plastics in Albia
  • Northwestern Bell in Des Moines
  • Quaker Oats Company in Cedar Rapids
  • Union Pacific Railroad in Clinton

Fortunately, Iowa residents diagnosed with mesothelioma have access to advanced treatment options at state-of-the-art hospitals and cancer centers.

Cost of Iowa Mesothelioma Treatment

On average, it costs well over $400,000 a year to treat mesothelioma, and insurance usually doesn’t cover everything.

Some potential expenses to consider include:

  • Blood work
  • Chemotherapy sessions
  • Hospital stays
  • Immunotherapy infusions
  • Medications
  • Multiple imaging scans
  • Radiation therapy
  • Surgery

The average cost above doesn’t include travel, transportation, or hotel stays during treatment.

Financial Assistance for Iowa Mesothelioma Treatment

Mesothelioma financial assistance can help you afford quality care if you qualify. Learn more about how to get compensation from lawsuits, trust fund claims, and veterans benefits below.

Mesothelioma Lawsuits

Mesothelioma patients in Iowa may pursue legal action against companies responsible for their asbestos exposure. A successful mesothelioma lawsuit can provide compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Our partners have secured over $187 million for Iowa mesothelioma victims, including:

  • $6.37 million for an asbestos mixer in Spirit Lake
  • $4.96 million for a union asbestos worker in Sioux City
  • $4.83 million for a machinist mate & U.S. Navy veteran in Cedar Rapids
  • $3.59 million for a mechanic’s helper & gas attendant in Davenport
  • $2.85 million for a union plumber & pipefitter in Des Moines

Request a Free Case Review today to see if our partner law firm can help you or a loved one get financial assistance.

Get a Free Mesothelioma Case Review
  • $1M to $1.4M average payout
  • No stress or upfront fees
  • Get money within 90 days

Get a Free Case Review

Shara Fisher
Shara Fisher Senior Paralegal
17+ years providing legal help to mesothelioma victims

Asbestos Trust Fund Claims

Mesothelioma patients in Iowa may be eligible to file claims with asbestos trust funds that were created to compensate asbestos victims.

Did You Know?

Over $30 billion is already set aside and currently available in asbestos trust funds.

Veterans Benefits

Former service members with mesothelioma can apply for veterans benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to cover the costs of cancer treatment.

Eligible veterans may receive free or discounted medical care, disability compensation of nearly $4,000 a month, VA pensions, and other forms of financial assistance.

Get Help Finding Iowa Mesothelioma Treatment

If you or a loved one lives in Iowa and has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you have options. Treatment from specialists may help you improve your length and quality of life.

Mesothelioma Hope can connect you with doctors at top Iowa mesothelioma treatment centers.

We can also help you:

  • Better understand your diagnosis
  • Enroll in clinical trials
  • Find support groups and peer mentors
  • File legal claims for mesothelioma compensation

Call (866) 608-8933 to speak with a Patient Advocate or get matched with a doctor now.

Jenna TozziWritten by:

Director of Patient Advocacy

Jenna Tozzi, RN, is the Director of Patient Advocacy at Mesothelioma Hope. With more than 15 years of experience as an adult and pediatric oncology nurse navigator, Jenna provides exceptional guidance and support to mesothelioma patients and their loved ones. Jenna has been featured in Oncology Nursing News and is a member of the Academy of Oncology Nurse & Patient Navigators & the American Nurses Association.

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References
  1. American Cancer Society. (n.d.). Treating Malignant Mesothelioma. Retrieved July 18, 2024, from https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/malignant-mesothelioma/treating.html
  2. Asbestos Nation. (n.d.). Asbestos Deaths in Iowa. Retrieved July 18, 2024, from https://www.asbestosnation.org/facts/asbestos-deaths/ia/
  3. ClinicalTrials.gov. (n.d.). NCT02012699: Integrated Cancer Repository for Cancer Research (iCaRe2). Retrieved July 18, 2024, from https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT02012699
  4. ClinicalTrials.gov. (n.d.). NCT05571839: A Study of SGN-BB228 in Advanced Melanoma and Other Solid Tumors. Retrieved July 18, 2024, from https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05571839
  5. Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center. (n.d.). Provider Profile: Dr. James Howe. Retrieved July 18, 2024, from https://uihc.org/providers/james-howe
  6. NYLEN Cancer Center. (n.d.). Homepage. Retrieved July 18, 2024, from https://www.nylencancercenter.com/
  7. NYLEN Cancer Center. (n.d.). Provider Profile: Dr. Wender. Retrieved July 18, 2024, from https://www.nylencancercenter.com/wender
  8. University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics. (n.d.). Services. Retrieved July 18, 2024, from https://uihc.org/services
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How We Can Help

Mesothelioma Hope is passionate about helping patients and families affected by this aggressive cancer. A mesothelioma diagnosis can be scary and isolating, but we’re here for you at every step. Hope is only a phone call away.

(866) 608-8933
Medical Guidance
  • Get a second opinion
  • Find a doctor or cancer center
  • Access clinical trials
  • Improve your quality of life
Financial Assistance
  • Access $30 billion in trust funds
  • File a mesothelioma claim
  • Increase your VA benefits
  • Apply for travel grants
Supportive Care
  • Find a support group or peer mentor
  • Get help with daily tasks
  • Explore respite care options
  • Navigate life post-treatment