Centers of Excellence

The Lung Center

International Mesothelioma Program

For more than 30 years, Brigham and Women's Hospital has been a world leader in treating patients with mesothelioma. The International Mesothelioma Program (IMP) at Brigham and Women’s Hospital was founded in 2002 in response to the rising incidence of mesothelioma around the world. Since that time, it has become the premier center for mesothelioma care and the largest program of its kind in the world.

Our ground-breaking research includes pioneering therapies and new surgical treatment for mesothelioma. Each year, hundreds of patients from around the U.S. and beyond visit us to find the best mesothelioma surgeons and care. We believe that it is possible for each patient to increase longevity and improve quality of life through our sophisticated combination of mesothelioma surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, rehabilitation, post-acute care, and supportive services.

What Is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is an uncommon but serious cancer. It is frequently caused by exposure to asbestos, but the disease may not appear for years or decades afterward.

Read answers to frequently asked questions about mesothelioma

Where Is The Lung Center Located?

The Lung Center is located at Brigham and Women’s Hospital at the 15 Francis Street entrance. Thoracic surgery, pulmonary and critical care medicine and thoracic imaging are also in the same location, allowing patients to see multiple specialists in a single visit.

Why Choose Brigham and Women’s Hospital

Our team features a wide array of specialists, including surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, anesthesiologists, pathologists, critical care specialists, nurses, physician assistants, pharmacists, social workers, chaplains, nutritionists, physical therapists, respiratory therapists, psychologists, and other clinicians. Together, we provide world-class care, personalized to address the unique needs of every patient, in a supportive and compassionate environment.

More than 80 caregivers, scientists, and supportive staff work together to fulfill our mission. As a team, we are dedicated to:

  • Developing and employing the most effective, cutting-edge treatments for mesothelioma
  • Improving the quality of life for mesothelioma patients and their families and friends
  • Researching how and why mesothelioma develops and translating these findings into improved patient care

As a patient at IMP, you can expect:

  • Collaborative care to provide the latest diagnostic and treatment methods
  • Board-certified thoracic surgeons with sub-specialty training and years of experience in treating mesothelioma. Our surgeons have pioneered the most advanced diagnostic techniques and surgical procedures for mesothelioma, including heated intrapleural chemotherapy, EPP, and Radical Pleurectomy and decortication
  • Access to clinical trials with novel drugs that aren’t available anywhere else as well as with new techniques in radiation therapy including IMRT
  • Access to lodging at the Thornton House and travel support funds

Learn more about the International Mesothelioma Program

Learn more about Brigham and Women's Hospital


For over a century, a leader in patient care, medical education and research, with expertise in virtually every specialty of medicine and surgery.

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