In this interview, Joe Belluck leads a discussion with Dr. Jeffrey Velotta, a leading thoracic surgeon and mesothelioma specialist from Kaiser Permanente in the Bay Area, about the complexity of treating mesothelioma. The conversation underscores a central reality of this rare and aggressive cancer: there is no one-size-fits-all treatment pathway. Instead, successful care depends on careful patient selection, multidisciplinary collaboration, and thoughtful sequencing of therapies.

From determining surgical eligibility to choosing the right sequence of therapies, every decision requires careful consideration.

Ultimately, the most effective care combines clinical expertise with collaboration and a deep understanding of each patient’s unique situation. As research continues to evolve, this personalized, multidisciplinary model remains the foundation for improving outcomes in mesothelioma care.

Jeffrey Velotta is a board-certified thoracic surgeon specializing in the treatment of lung cancer, mesothelioma, and other diseases of the chest. He is known for his expertise in minimally invasive and robotic-assisted surgical techniques, including advanced procedures such as pleurectomy and decortication for mesothelioma patients.

Learn more about Jeffrey Velotta, MD

Interview with Dr. Christopher Towe of University Hospitals in Cleveland, OH about mesothelioma and its treatment, particularly as it relates to surgery. Mesothelioma is one of the most aggressive and devastating forms of cancer. This rare cancer, which is caused by asbestos exposure, is difficult to diagnose, and even more challenging to treat, making it critically important for patients to seek care from specialists who understand the complexities of the disease. In a recent episode of the Raise Plow podcast, Dr. Christopher Towe, a thoracic surgeon at University Hospitals in Cleveland, Ohio, shared his expertise in diagnosing and treating mesothelioma. With training from top institutions like Cornell, Memorial Sloan Kettering, and NYU under mesothelioma pioneer Dr. Harvey Pass, Dr. Towe brings both skill and compassion to his work with patients. About the Raise Plow podcast Raise Plow is a podcast hosted by Joseph Belluck, the founder of the Belluck Law firm. The podcast seeks to explore in depth issues related to asbestos, mesothelioma, personal injury, examining them from a perspective of the law, medicine, and the intersection of the two.

Conversation between Joe Belluck and Mary Hesdorffer, APRN about mesothelioma treatment.

Joseph Belluck has a national reputation for excellence in mesothelioma, truck accidents and other serious injury litigation. Prior to founding the law firm of Belluck Law, he represented the State of New York in its tobacco litigation and was responsible for forcing the tobacco industry to stop sponsoring fake scientific research and to take down their tobacco billboards in New York State.

More information about is available at bellucklaw.com.