Illinois has a long industrial history that unfortunately includes widespread asbestos use. From steel mills in Chicago and Joliet to power plants in Springfield and Peoria, asbestos was relied upon for insulation, durability, and fire resistance. Shipyards along Lake Michigan and construction projects across the state also contributed to exposure.

This legacy has led to numerous cases of mesothelioma, a rare but aggressive cancer affecting the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart. Today, Illinois is home to nationally recognized cancer centers that provide advanced mesothelioma care. Patients benefit from multidisciplinary teams, clinical trials, and supportive services designed to improve quality of life.

This guide explores asbestos exposure in Illinois, leading treatment centers, available therapies, patient resources, and legal considerations.

Asbestos Exposure in Illinois

Industrial Sources

Illinois industries created multiple high-risk environments:

• Steel mills: Chicago, Joliet, and Granite City facilities exposed thousands of workers.
• Power plants: Facilities in Springfield, Peoria, and Rockford used asbestos for insulation and fireproofing.
• Manufacturing plants: Illinois factories produced asbestos-containing products, including machinery, automotive parts, and construction materials.
• Shipyards: Lake Michigan shipyards exposed Navy personnel and civilian workers.

Residential Exposure

Asbestos was common in Illinois homes built before 1980. Products included:

• Insulation in attics and walls.
• Floor tiles and adhesives.
• Roofing and siding materials.

Renovation or demolition of older homes continues to pose risks for homeowners and contractors.

Leading Mesothelioma Treatment Centers in Illinois

University of Chicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center

Location: Chicago, IL

The University of Chicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center is one of the nation’s leading cancer research and treatment facilities.

Key strengths:

• Multidisciplinary teams specializing in thoracic oncology and mesothelioma.
• Access to cutting-edge clinical trials in immunotherapy and targeted therapy.
• Integration of patient care with research conducted at the University of Chicago.
• Collaboration with national research organizations to expand access to advanced cancer care.

Notable physicians:

• Dr. Everett Vokes: Chair of the Department of Medicine, internationally recognized for his work in thoracic oncology.
• Dr. Mark Ferguson: Thoracic surgeon specializing in complex procedures for lung cancer and mesothelioma.
• Dr. Jyoti Patel: Medical oncologist with expertise in clinical trials and targeted therapies.

Unique programs:

• Thoracic Oncology Program: Dedicated to lung cancer and mesothelioma, offering surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy.
• Clinical Trials Office: Provides patients with access to experimental therapies.
• Survivorship Program: Offers long-term support for patients after treatment.

Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University

Location: Chicago, IL

The Lurie Cancer Center is an NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center, recognized for excellence in patient care, research, and education.

Key strengths:

• Provides comprehensive cancer care, including thoracic oncology services.
• Offers chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy.
• Houses specialized programs for rare cancers, including mesothelioma.
• Conducts extensive research in immunotherapy and precision medicine.

Notable physicians:

• Dr. Jyoti Patel: Medical oncologist specializing in thoracic malignancies.
• Dr. Patrick McCarthy: Thoracic surgeon with expertise in complex procedures.
• Dr. William J. Gradishar: Director of Clinical Trials, focusing on translational research.

Unique programs:

• Precision Medicine Program: Uses genomic profiling to tailor treatments to individual patients.
• Clinical Trials Unit: Provides access to experimental therapies.
• Supportive Care Services: Address emotional, financial, and practical needs.

Rush University Cancer Center

Location: Chicago, IL

Rush University Cancer Center provides comprehensive cancer care with a strong emphasis on patient-centered treatment.

Key strengths:

• Recognized as one of the best cancer hospitals in Illinois.
• Offers a full array of treatments, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy.
• Provides patients with access to Rush’s Cancer Education Center, empowering them to actively participate in their care.
• Integrates care across disciplines, ensuring that physical, psychological, and social needs are addressed.

Notable physicians:

• Dr. Philip Bonomi: Medical oncologist specializing in thoracic malignancies.
• Dr. Jeffrey Borgia: Researcher focused on translational oncology.
• Dr. Mary Jo Fidler: Oncologist with expertise in clinical trials.

Unique programs:

• Patient education initiatives: Provide comprehensive resources for understanding diagnosis and treatment.
• Integrative medicine services: Include nutrition counseling, stress management, and complementary therapies.
• Multidisciplinary tumor boards: Specialists collaborate on complex cases.

Loyola University Medical Center – Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center

Location: Maywood, IL

Loyola’s Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center is recognized for its focus on thoracic oncology and mesothelioma care.

Key strengths:

• Provides multidisciplinary care for thoracic cancers.
• Conducts research in cancer prevention and early detection.
• Offers clinical trials for mesothelioma and lung cancer.

Notable physicians:

• Dr. Wickii Vigneswaran: Thoracic surgeon specializing in mesothelioma and lung cancer.
• Dr. Karen Kaul: Researcher focused on molecular oncology.

Unique programs:

• Community outreach initiatives: Improve cancer awareness and prevention in Illinois.
• Academic research collaborations: Partner with University of Chicago and Northwestern for large-scale studies.
• Survivorship Programs: Provide long-term support for patients.

Treatment Options Available in Illinois

Surgery

• Extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP)
• Pleurectomy/decortication (P/D)
• Minimally invasive robotic-assisted resections

Chemotherapy

• Standard regimens include pemetrexed and cisplatin.
• Clinical trials explore new drug combinations and targeted therapies.

Radiation Therapy

• Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT).
• Used to shrink tumors and relieve symptoms.

Immunotherapy

• Checkpoint inhibitors and monoclonal antibodies under investigation.
• Clinical trials at University of Chicago, Northwestern, and Rush provide access to cutting-edge therapies.

Clinical Trials

Illinois patients may qualify for trials testing:

• Novel immunotherapies.
• Gene-targeted treatments.
• Combination therapies integrating surgery, chemo, and radiation.

Patient Support Resources in Illinois

Emotional and Psychological Support

• Counseling services at University of Chicago, Northwestern, Rush, and Loyola.
• Support groups for patients and caregivers.
• Mind-body programs, including meditation and yoga.

Practical Assistance

• Transportation services for patients traveling to Chicago or Maywood.
• Financial counseling to navigate insurance and treatment costs.
• Nutrition programs tailored to cancer patients.

Legal Support

• Illinois residents exposed to asbestos may be eligible for compensation.
• Specialized mesothelioma attorneys can help file lawsuits or claims against asbestos trust funds.
• Veterans exposed during military service may qualify for VA benefits.

Legal Considerations in Illinois

Illinois has seen asbestos litigation due to its industrial and manufacturing history. Key points include:

• Workers’ compensation claims for occupational exposure.
• Personal injury lawsuits against manufacturers and employers.
• Asbestos trust funds established by bankrupt companies to compensate victims.
• Veterans’ claims for exposure during military service.

Patients should consult experienced mesothelioma lawyers who understand Illinois’s legal landscape. Medical documentation from accredited centers is crucial for successful claims.

Emerging Research and Future Directions

Illinois’s medical community is engaged in research that could transform mesothelioma care:

• Robotic surgery innovations improving precision and reducing recovery time.
• Monoclonal antibody therapies targeting cancer cells with minimal damage to healthy tissue.
• Liquid biopsies for early detection of mesothelioma.
• Nanoparticle drug delivery systems under investigation for more effective chemotherapy.
• Genomic profiling to personalize treatment plans.

These advances offer hope for improved survival rates and quality of life.

Conclusion

Mesothelioma remains a devastating diagnosis, but Illinois patients have access to world-class care at University of Chicago Medicine, Northwestern’s Lurie Cancer Center, Rush University Cancer Center, and Loyola’s Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center. With advanced therapies, clinical trials, and comprehensive support services, these institutions provide a strong foundation for treatment.

Patients should avoid unreliable screenings and instead seek evaluation at accredited centers. Beyond medical care, Illinois offers support resources, legal avenues for compensation, and access to cutting-edge research.

By combining expert treatment, patient support, and advocacy, Illinois continues to strengthen its response to mesothelioma, offering hope and improved outcomes for those affected.

References

• Illinois Mesothelioma Treatment. (n.d.). Mesothelioma Treatment Centers. Retrieved December 16, 2025, from https://mesotheliomatreatmentcenters.org/states/illinois/
• University of Chicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center. (n.d.). University of Chicago Medicine. Retrieved December 16