Pediatric Oncology Program
The Pediatric Leukemias and Solid Tumors Program at MassGeneral Hospital for Children provides personalized multidisciplinary, state-of-the-art care to children of all ages with malignancies.
- 617-726-2737
- Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology
The Pediatric Leukemias and Solid Tumors Program at MassGeneral Hospital for Children provides personalized multidisciplinary, state-of-the-art care to children of all ages with malignancies.
The multidisciplinary pediatric cancer team is led by a pediatric hematologist-oncologist and includes highly skilled pediatric hematology-oncology nurses, a social worker, child life specialist and other pediatric specialists as needed.
Initial evaluation by the doctor includes a careful health history, a physical examination, blood tests, x-rays, scans and other tests depending on the location and the type of cancer.
The care team meets to discuss each patient and then recommends a comprehensive, personalized treatment plan, which may include surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy.
For children with head and neck tumors, brain tumors, and bone and soft tissue sarcomas we offer multi-disciplinary clinics.
Advanced Treatments
Our center is committed to the development and implementation of a treatment plan that encompasses the latest treatments such as:
- State-of-the-art radiation treatments, including proton beam therapy at the Francis H. Burr Proton Therapy Center, which has access to specialized clinical protocols for specific pediatric cancers such as soft tissue sarcomas and brain tumors.
- Access to National Cancer Institute-supported clinical trials group devoted exclusively to children and adolescents with cancer.
Support & Coping
When a child is diagnosed with cancer, it has a significant impact not only on the child, but parents, siblings and extended family as well. Our program practices family-centered care. Parents and family members are an integral part of the treatment team and are encouraged to be involved as much as possible.
Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia
Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) is a cancer of the blood in which too many lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell, are produced by the bone marrow and by organs of the lymph system
Acute Myelogenous Leukemia
Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) is a cancer of the blood in which too many granulocytes, a type of white blood cell, are produced in the bone marrow.
Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia
Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) is a cancer of the blood in which too many granulocytes, a type of white blood cell, are produced in the bone marrow.
Leukemia
Leukemia is cancer of the blood cells, usually the white blood cells. Leukemic cells look different than normal cells and do not function properly.
The following related clinical trials and research studies are currently seeking participants at Massachusetts General Hospital. Search for clinical trials and studies in another area of interest.
Family Advisors Foster Future of Cancer Care
Parents draw from their experiences to help other patients and families receiving care at the Center for Pediatric Hematology-Oncology at MassGeneral Hospital for Children.
Finding Home in a New World
Claudine Humure arrived at MassGeneral Hospital for Children from Rwanda for bone cancer treatment. More than improved health, she also gained a new family.
Going the distance
Crossing the finish line of a marathon is a feat in itself, but completing the race and supporting a good cause is a triumph times two.
Hyundai donates $250,000 to MGHfC
For the third consecutive year, Hyundai Hope on Wheels presented MassGeneral Hospital for Children (MGHfC) with a $250,000 check to support pediatric cancer research.
Celebrating Amazing Moms
A Sept. 9 celebration at the Liberty Hotel honored a special group of mothers – moms of childhood cancer survivors and childhood cancer patients currently in treatment at MassGeneral Hospital for Children.
A special first dance
As a child suffering from Ewing’s sarcoma, a type of bone cancer, Marcela Gaviria complained to her surgeon, Dempsey Springfield, MD, that she would never get married.
Celebrating the Arts in Pediatric Oncology
Nearly twenty patients and their families gathered November 12 for a night of crafts, music and art awards hosted by the Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Unit at MassGeneral Hospital for Children.
Finding Home in a New World
Claudine Humure arrived at MassGeneral Hospital for Children from Rwanda for bone cancer treatment. More than improved health, she also gained a new family.
Anne Buckless, 2012 Mass General Marathon Team Runner
After meeting the Mass General Marathon Team last year, Anne couldn’t say no when they asked her to join in 2012, and she’s running in honor of Helen, age 5, one of the patient-partners.
Ali Reeder, 2012 Mass General Marathon Team Runner
Running her third marathon, Ali runs "for the people who can't" — the pediatric patients that the Mass General Marathon Team benefits.
Antoine Tanne, 2012 Mass General Marathon Team Runner
A researcher at Mass General, Antoine is looking forward to Marathon Monday, when he’ll celebrate both his first marathon, and the end of treatment for his patient-partner, Michael.
Bruce Kalow, 2012 Mass General Marathon Team Runner
A pediatrician at Mass General, Bruce sees first-hand the remarkable care available to young cancer patients. With the support of friends and donors, diseases like leukemia are incredibly treatable, giving his patients great prognoses.
Chris Buligax, 2012 Mass General Marathon Team Runner
Chris is running his first marathon for his son, Nathan. He and his family have experienced the many amazing programs offered through the MassGeneral Hospital for Children Pediatric Hematology-Oncology program.
Delia Rissmiller, 2012 Mass General Marathon Team Runner
A 3-time marathoner, Delia is running in honor and in memory of her father’s battle with lymphoma. She says it’s her “little way of giving back to a place that gave so much to him and to my family.”
Howard Weinstein, 2012 Mass General Marathon Team Runner
As founder and captain of the Mass General Marathon Team and chief of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, Howard is running his 22nd Boston Marathon and his15th marathon to fight pediatric cancer. This year, he’s running in honor of his patient-partner, Lily.
Greg Gonzales, 2012 Mass General Marathon Team Runner
As a veteran of the Mass General Marathon Team, he rose to the challenge his mother, a Mass General nurse, presented to him five years ago to start running marathons. His patient-partner, Matthew, continues to provide the inspiration necessary to keep running.
Jenna Norton, 2012 Mass General Marathon Team Runner
Jenna started running three years ago, when she lost her father to his fight against cancer. His passing inspired her to become healthier — watch her video to learn just how much her life changed when she started running.
Jonathan Friedstat, 2012 Mass General Marathon Team Runner
As a burn and critical care fellow at Mass General, Jonathan has worked closely with MGHfC staff. Why is he running to raise money for pediatric cancer care and research? “None of these kids asked for this problem, and neither did their families."
Marisa Levine, 2012 Mass General Marathon Team Runner
Marisa Levine, a Mass General employee, is running her first marathon in honor of her patient-partner, Lizany, and in memory of Eric, a close friend who passed away from leukemia.
Sarah Visocchi, 2012 Mass General Marathon Team Runner
Sarah is running in memory of her father and in honor of her patient-partner, Emma, age 8. She shares her thoughts on the many impressive programs available for pediatric cancer patients at Mass General, and the need for philanthropic support to ensure kids have access to these programs during challenging times.
MGHfC Oncology
Yawkey Center for Outpatient Care32 Fruit Street, Suite 8B
Boston, MA 02114
Phone: 617-726-2737
Fax: 617-724-0702
Public Transportation Access: yes
Disabled Access: yes
To schedule an appointment with a MassGeneral for Children pediatric specialist, please call 888-644-3248 or complete our online appointment form to request an appointment.
Physicians may call 888-644-3211 or use the online referral form and the Access & New Appointment Center will call your patient within 1 business day.
To obtain a second opinion or consultation by our multidisciplinary team please call
Carol Danner at 617-724-3315
Make an appointment 
Contact MassGeneral Hospital for Children to schedule an appointment with one of our specialists.
Family-centered care
We respect that the family is the center of a child’s life and we welcome families to participate in every aspect of their child’s care.
