Lung and Thoracic Cancers
Our Center for Thoracic Cancers is one of New England's most experienced programs for the treatment of lung, esophageal and other thoracic cancers.
Our Approach
Multidisciplinary Patient Care
We were among the first to create a multidisciplinary thoracic oncology clinic. Our team approach ensures that each patient benefits from an individualized, coordinated treatment plan involving thoracic oncology experts from a wide array of specialties, including:
- Thoracic surgeons, medical oncologists and radiation oncologists
- Radiologists and pathologists
- Nurse practitioners and oncology nurses
- Respiratory therapists and physical therapists
- Social workers and caseworkers, all of whom work exclusively to treat patients with thoracic cancers
Expertise in Diagnosing and Staging Thoracic Cancers
Our diagnostic and interventional radiologists, surgeons, endoscopists and pathologists are highly specialized. They have unique experience in safely and rapidly diagnosing and staging thoracic cancers. This expert analysis helps each patient’s doctors to tailor an individualized treatment plan.
Imaging
We use the most advanced diagnostic imaging tools, including:
- Standard CT, MRI, PET and nuclear medicine scans
- PET/CT fusion scans
- Percutaneous needle aspiration and core biopsies
- Molecular diagnostic tests and electron microscopy
Diagnostic Procedures
We offer a number of minimally-invasive procedures to aid in diagnosing thoracic malignancies, such as:
- Genotyping (also called "molecular fingerprinting") to determine which primary lung adenocarcinomas carry genetic mutations that might be treated with targeted therapies
- Bronchoscopy to explore the bronchial passages
- Esophagoscopy to explore the esophagus
- Mediastinoscopy to explore the area between the lungs and nearby lymph nodes
- Thoracoscopy to explore the thorax
- Esophageal endoscopic ultrasound
- Endobronchial ultrasound
Pathology
All thoracic specimens are reviewed by pathologists specializing in thoracic pathology. Our pathologists are recognized for their expertise in thoracic pathology, including cancers and mesotheliomas, particularly diffuse malignant mesotheliomas in connection with asbestos-related lung disease. They lecture internationally and receive requests for consultations from around the world.
The Cancer Center recently opened a new translational research laboratory that is genotyping all primary lung adenocarcinomas for genetic mutations. Some new cancer drugs that are currently available or in development are able to block some of the mutations and pathways that cause tumor cells to proliferate. By targeting tumor gene mutations with these smart drugs, doctors may be able to eradicate malignant cells in some patients' tumors without using traditional treatments like chemotherapy and radiation.
Comprehensive Treatment Options
For those thoracic cancer patients whose treatment will involve surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, or some combination of all three therapies, our integrated approach offers a unique combination of multidisciplinary care and the most advanced medical, surgical, and radiation therapies.
Our cutting-edge medical therapies include:
- Bioimagery, an advanced molecular imaging approach used to identify tumor margins following primary chemotherapy, which informs decisions about surgery
- Image-guided, minimally invasive interventions that offer an alternative to major surgery
- Minimally invasive radiofrequency ablation for patients for whom surgery is not appropriate
About This Program
We have a rich history of clinical innovation in the treatment of thoracic disease—especially the care of lung and esophageal cancers—dating back to the 1930s. Our program provides advanced treatment for cancers involving the:
- Lung
- Trachea
- Esophagus
- Thymus
- Chest Wall
- Mesothelioma (lining of the lung and chest wall)
Multidisciplinary Patient Care
Each patient has a medical team dedicated to his or her care. This team includes thoracic surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, radiologists and pathologists, all of whom are among the country’s leading specialists in thoracic cancer.
These clinicians work together with the patient and his or her primary care physician to create a coordinated treatment plan for all aspects of care. We work with the patient and their referring physician throughout treatment to ensure the best possible outcome.
We also offer a wide range of free educational programs and support services designed to address the physical, psychological and spiritual needs of patients and their families.
Innovative Approaches to Cancer Treatment
Our program is a national leader in the treatment of thoracic cancers. We were the first to pioneer several of the surgical procedures and radiation therapies used to treat these cancers, and we continue to advance the field of cancer medicine with new techniques and research. We treat thousands of patients annually, and studies show that such high-volume experience results in improved patient outcomes.
Specialization also improves outcomes. Among our highly specialized services is the Francis H. Burr Proton Therapy Center. It is the Northeast’s only proton radiation facility, offering precisely-targeted radiation that eliminates tumors while reducing damage to healthy tissue. This therapy may be used for patients with certain thoracic cancers.
Striving for Better Therapies
We offer patients a multifaceted, individualized approach to care, including:
- A personalized treatment plan created and coordinated by a team of specialists in thoracic oncology
- Sophisticated and timely diagnostics
- Access to the most advanced surgical, radiation, and medical therapies
- Specialized nursing care and support services for patients and families
Novel Cancer Treatments through Clinical Trials
We are one of the nation’s foremost centers for research on thoracic cancers. Access to the latest research allows us to bring promising new treatments to patients as quickly as possible. Some of our current trials include:
- Novel therapeutics that inhibit epidermal growth factor receptor, a molecule on a tumor cell membrane that magnifies tumor growth
- "Smart drugs" that limit tumor cell growth and that can be tailored for individualized treatment for each patient
- Using gene therapy to improve the treatment of advanced lung and esophageal cancer
- Enhancing standard chemotherapy by modifying chemotherapy resistance
- Research into the genetics of lung and esophageal cancers in families to explore how genetic differences affect treatment
Contact Us
Center for Thoracic Cancers
55 Fruit Street
Boston, MA 02114
Phone: 877-789-6100
Esophageal Cancer
Esophageal cancer is cancer that develops in the esophagus, the muscular tube that connects the throat to the stomach.
Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is cancer that usually starts in the lining of the bronchi (the main airways of the lungs), but can also begin in other areas of the respiratory system, including the trachea, bronchioles, or alveoli.
HOPES Program
The HOPES Program provides free wellness services, plus education and support workshops for patients with cancer, their families and their friends. Our services focus on helping you take care of your whole self – mind, body and spirit.
Maxwell V. Blum Cancer Resource Room
The Maxwell V. Blum Cancer Resource Room at the Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center provides cancer patients and their families with information and resources for living with cancer.
Illuminations Program
Illuminations is a rotating art exhibit displayed in the Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center. The program aims to enlighten and encourage patients and their loved ones by enhancing our environment of care.
Cancer Breakthroughs
Research at Mass General leads to breakthroughs in cancer treatment and prevention.
Cancer Center
55 Fruit StreetBoston, MA 02114
Phone: 617-726-5130
Explore your treatment options 
Learn more about the specialized treatment options our experienced medical teams provide for each type of cancer.
Discover the Cancer Center patient experience
Our approach to patient care unites cancer specialists across the hospital to create a personalized treatment plan for each patient, ensuring the best possible outcomes.
Our commitment to quality and safety
Mass General ensures that our patients receive the highest quality and safest care possible. Learn about our performance, our improvement goals and how we compare to other institutions.
