Since 1998, the WLAVA has partnered with UCLA Medical School to develop rational strategies to treat mesothelioma. Through this partnership, the same innovative treatments offered at UCLA, one of the world’s leading mesothelioma treatment centers, are also available to veterans at the WLAVA. These treatments include lung-sparing pleurectomy/decortication surgery, cryoablation, immunotherapy, radiation therapy, and a specialized approach to treating sarcomatoid mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma is difficult to correctly diagnose. The WLAVA also has expert pathologists available to review slides, tissue and clinical data to confirm or rule out the cancer.
Military veterans account for over one-third of Americans diagnosed with mesothelioma. This little-known program at the WLAVA ensures that world-class treatment, typically reserved for privately insured patients of teaching hospitals, is available to servicemen and women exposed to asbestos while serving their country.
For specific VA Health Services for Mesothelioma, click here and select ‘Thoracic Surgery Chest/Lung’