Massachusetts General Hospital

Our team includes some of the most experienced radiation oncologists treating genitourinary (GU) cancers in the United States. Every year, we manage radiation therapy for thousands of patients with cancers and tumors of the:

• Prostate
• Bladder
• Kidneys
• Testes
• Penis
• Ureters
• Urethra

Personalized, Targeted Therapies

Our radiation oncologists treat patients with sophisticated, state-of-the-art technologies, including proton beam therapy, and innovative techniques, such as intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT). What distinguishes our program, however, is our oncologists' expertise in targeting and customizing the right therapy or combination of therapies for each patient.

Treatment decisions are based on the patient's type of cancer, overall picture of health and other factors unique to the individual. Although we offer the full range of radiation therapies, including techniques available at few other hospitals, we recommend and administer only those methods that meet each patient's particular needs.

Leaders in Treating Genitourinary Cancers & Tumors
In the 1980s, William Shipley, MD, a pioneer in the field of GU radiation oncology, developed an innovative organ-sparing protocol that helps more patients with bladder cancer retain their naturally functioning bladders. Dr. Shipley studied and advanced this therapy with his colleagues at the Mass General Cancer Center.

At the highly specialized Claire and John Bertucci Center for Genitourinary Cancers, part of the Cancer Center, our radiation oncologists work closely with your treatment team, which may include:

• Medical oncologists
• Surgical oncologists
• Radiologists
• Pathologists

Our practitioners determine the best way to integrate radiation therapy into your treatment plan, especially when additional treatment methods are prescribed, such as surgery and/or chemotherapy.

Genitourinary Cancer Specialists

Every step of your radiation therapy is managed by an experienced radiation oncologist who has devoted his or her clinical practice, research and postdoctoral training to treating patients with GU cancers.

Our physician staff includes:

• Anthony Zietman, MD, program chief, uses advanced radiation technologies and a wide array of approaches, from conservative to leading-edge, to treat the full spectrum of GU cancers. In 2009 and 2010, Dr. Zietman is serving as president of the American Society for Therapeutic Radiation and Oncology, the nationwide association that sets the standards of care for the field
• William Shipley, MD has treated thousands of patients and led many groundbreaking studies in the detection and treatment of GU cancers over the past four decades. Since 1997 he has co-chaired the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group, the prestigious national organization that sponsors major research initiatives to improve patient outcomes
• John Coen, MD, annually treats hundreds of patients with a variety of cancers using external beam radiation and brachytherapy. His research includes developing next-generation treatments for bladder cancer and prostate cancer
• Jason Efstathiou, MD, PhD, treats many types of GU cancers, with a special interest in combining hormonal therapy with radiation therapy to treat prostate cancer. Additionally, he studies how optimal bladder function may be best preserved following radiation therapy

What to ExpectWe encourage you to ask us about any step in the treatment process, from understanding the safety of your therapy to managing side effects. The answers to many frequently asked questions also appear in Your Guide to Radiation Therapy (PDF).

Adrenal Tumors / Pheochromocytoma

Tumors of the adrenal glands can cause many problems by excess secretion of certain adrenal-produced hormones, most often resulting in high blood pressure, which can be extreme.

Bladder Cancer

Bladder cancer occurs when there are abnormal, cancerous cells growing in the bladder.

Kidney Cancer

Kidney cancer begins in the kidneys - two large, bean-shaped organs - one located to the left, and the other to the right of the backbone.

Prostate Cancer

Early prostate cancer may not present any symptoms and can only be found with regular prostate examinations by your physician.

Testicular Cancer

Cancer that develops in a testicle is called testicular cancer.

Your Guide to Radiation Therapy (PDF)

Read our patient information guide to learn more about the different types of radiation treatments and what patients can expect.

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.

MGH Urology celebrates 100 years

MGH Hotline 06.18.10 On the eve of the MGH bicentennial, one MGH department proudly celebrates its centennial.

Your Guide to Radiation Therapy (PDF)

Read our patient information guide to learn more about the different types of radiation treatments and what patients can expect.

James and Ruth Clark Center for Radiation Oncology

Phone: 617-726-8650
Fax: 617-724-2019
Email: InformationRadOnc@Partners.org

Public Transportation Access: yes
Disabled Access: yes

James and Ruth Clark Center for Radiation Oncology
Cox Building, Lower Level
100 Blossom Street
Boston, MA 02114
Telephone: 617-726-8650
Fax: 617-724-2019
e-mail: InformationRadOnc@partners.org