MD Anderson Cancer Center

MD Anderson Cancer Center at the University of Texas is one of the world's most-respected centers devoted exclusively to cancer patient care, research, education and prevention. It is located in Houston on the campus of the Texas Medical Center.
MD Anderson was created in 1941 and is one of the 40 National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer centers today. Its mission is:

[T]o eliminate cancer in Texas, the nation, and the world through outstanding programs that integrate patient care, research and prevention, and through education for undergraduate and graduate students, trainees, professionals, employees and the public.

Patient Care

In 2010, MD Anderson provided care to more than 100,000 patients. While a significant number of the patients are from Texas, about a third come from outside of Texas for cancer treatment ranging from surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, or combinations of these and other treatments. Because its experts focus on cancer, they're renowned for their ability to treat all types of cancer, including rare or uncommon diseases, including mesothelioma.
Anne S. Tsao, M.D. is the Director of the Mesothelioma Program at MD Anderson. This mesothelioma treatment team includes Chemotherapy Specialists, Research R.N.s, Thoracic Surgeons, Radiation Therapy Specialists, Pulmonary Specialists, and Pathologists.

Research

In 2010, MD Anderson invested more than $500 million in research. It ranks first in the number of research grants awarded and total amount of grant funds given by the NCI. MD Anderson has expanded its research with the creation of the McCombs Institute for the Early Detection and Treatment of Cancer.
More than 1,100 clinical residents and fellows come to MD Anderson each year to receive specialized training in the investigation and treatment of cancer. More than 1,600 research fellows are being trained in MD Anderson's laboratories.

Prevention

MD Anderson believes that that prevention is the best way to eliminate the threat of cancer. Its Cancer Prevention Center provides cancer risk assessments, screening exams based on genetics, age and gender, personalized risk-reduction strategies, chemoprevention and nutrition counseling. The Behavioral Research Treatment Center provides a comprehensive tobacco cessation program through customized treatment plans that include counseling and nicotine replacement therapy.

MD Anderson's Volunteer Corps

In addition to the more than 17,000 people employed at MD Anderson, there is also a volunteer corps of about 1,200 people. These volunteers provided more than 195,000 hours of service in 2010, equal to 94 full-time employees.

Top Hospital For Cancer Care

In 2010, U.S. News & World Report's "America's Best Hospitals" survey ranked MD Anderson as the top hospital in the nation for cancer care.