Hematology
The Center for Hematology at the Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center focuses on the treatment and research of all disorders of the blood.
About This Program
ServicesThe Center for Hematology at the Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center focuses on the treatment and research of all disorders of the blood.
- The Center provides multidisciplinary, comprehensive care for patients, including evaluation and diagnosis of all hematologic conditions using the Center's extensive support services of hematopathologists, molecular medicine specialists and laboratory tests.
- It is a core site for the NIH-sponsored Transfusion Medicine and Hemostasis (TMH) Network, a national group of hematologists and transfusion medicine specialists that is conducting clinical trials in a wide range of hematological disorders.
- Diagnostic consultation
- Principle or second opinion analysis
- Therapeutic planning and comprehensive care
- Coordinated and multidisciplinary care including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, bone marrow transplantation and novel approaches
- Access to new agents and treatment modalities
- Participating in national and international studies of new drugs
- Education
- Hematologists are available to educate patients with regard to chronic inherited hematologic conditions or the care of other chronic blood problems.
- Hematopathology review
- A staff of expert hematopathologists is available to review material obtained here or elsewhere to confirm hematologic diagnoses and/or to provide additional pathology services.
- Comprehensive laboratory evaluation including molecular and biochemical tests
- Extensive laboratory support is available through clinical immunology, coagulation laboratory, molecular medicine and transfusion medicine to provide the large array of laboratory tests which are necessary in the diagnosis and treatment of most blood disorders
- Transfusion support service
- Outpatient services are available to provide episodic or routine infusions of red blood cells, platelets, hematopoietic growth factors, coagulation factors, as well as to provide plasmapheresis, plasma exchange, and other cell therapeutic procedures.
- Specialized centers of hematologic interest
- Specialized centers are available for the treatment of several specific hematologic diagnoses: sickle cell disease, Gaucher's disease, thrombosis and hemostases
- Telephone consultation service for physicians
Treatment of Chronic Hematologic Conditions
Many hematologic disorders require continuing medical intervention and/or care either through the local physician or the center. A large staff of caring physicians is available to supervise the longitudinal care of such patients in collaboration with the patient's other health care providers.Clinical Trials & ResearchWe are committed to providing access to the latest, most effective treatments. All patients are offered the best conventional therapies; eligible patients are also given the opportunity to participate in clinical trials that evaluate promising new therapies—often years before they become widely available to all patients.
Anemias
There are many types of anemias that require clinical care by a physician or other healthcare professional. Listed in the directory below are some, for which we have provided a brief overview.
Aplastic Anemia
Aplastic anemia occurs when the bone marrow produces too few of all three types of blood cells: red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. A reduced number of red blood cells causes hemoglobin to drop. A reduced number of white blood cells makes the patient susceptible to infection. A reduced number of platelets causes the blood not to clot as easily.
Hemochromatosis
Hemochromatosis, also called iron overload disease, is one of the most common genetic disorder in the US.
Hemophilia
Hemophilia is an inherited bleeding, or coagulation, disorder. Children with hemophilia lack the ability to stop bleeding because of the low levels, or complete absence, of specific proteins, called "factors," in their blood that are necessary for clotting.
Polycythemia Vera
Polycythemia vera is a rare blood disorder in which there is an increase in all blood cells, particularly red blood cells.
Sickle Cell Disease
Sickle cell disease is an inherited blood disorder characterized by defective hemoglobin (a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen to the tissues of the body).
Thrombosis
Thrombosis occurs when clots obstruct veins (blood vessels that carry blood from the body back into the heart) or arteries (blood vessels that carry oxygenated blood away from the heart to the body).
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.
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55 Fruit StreetBoston, MA 02114
Phone: 617-726-5130
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