Massachusetts General Hospital

Our Approach

For more than three decades, we have treated patients with all types of lymphomas including:

• Hodgkin's disease: Usually low-grade, low-stage forms of this lymphoma, often in conjunction with chemotherapy (and in some cases surgery)
• Non-Hodgkin's lymphomas: All forms of these diseases, including follicular lymphoma, Burkitt's lymphoma and other typically slow-growing varieties
• Mucosa-associated lymphatic tissue (MALT) lymphoma: Very rare diseases of the epithelial linings of organs and tissues such as the stomach, lungs, intestines, salivary glands and eyes

Innovative & Effective Treatment

Over the last 20 years, the role of radiation oncology in treating lymphoma has evolved. Our physicians have remained at the forefront of these advanced therapies and technologies to make treatment more effective and improve the quality of patients' lives.

Research shows that administering radiation to tissue around the tumor or to larger sections of the body containing multiple diseased lymph nodes or organs rarely benefits the patient. We use extremely localized external beam radiation therapies that precisely target the tumor mass while avoiding adjacent healthy tissue.

Precise targeting of the tumor is planned by our physicists, who use advanced 3D-imaging technologies to tailor treatments to each patient's unique needs. This personalized approach ensures patients receive effective therapy but are protected against "over-treatment."

Personalized & Comprehensive Care

In the highly specialized Center for Lymphoma, located within the world-renowned Mass General Cancer Center, our radiation oncologists work side-by-side with your entire cancer treatment team. These world-class breast cancer specialists may include medical oncologists, surgical oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, physical therapists, social workers and genetic counselors. Our cross-specialty approach enables us to provide comprehensive care tailored to your needs.

Compassionate Care from Accomplished SpecialistsEvery step of your therapy is managed by a highly experienced radiation oncologist. Our physician staff includes:

• John Coen, MD, program chief, uses advanced, external beam radiation techniques to treat a wide array of lymphomas. Also an accomplished specialist in treating genitourinary cancers, Dr. Coen regularly participates in multidisciplinary clinics at our Cancer Center and works on developing the next generation of radiation therapies
• Yen-Lin Chen, MD, is experienced in treating lymphomas with various external radiation therapies. An active researcher and Harvard Medical School instructor, Dr. Chen also manages care for patients with ocular melanoma, sarcomas and connective tissue tumors

What to ExpectMost patients tolerate external radiation therapy very well, including those who have received chemotherapy. Depending on the part of the body treated, however, the patient may experience some discomfort afterward.

To help patients cope with side effects, our nurses provide nutritional advice and pain management when necessary. Patients also have access to the many support services available at the Cancer Center.

Our team is committed to making sure you always are completely informed. We 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).

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.

Hodgkin's Disease

Hodgkin disease is a type of lymphoma, a cancer in the lymphatic system.

Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma

Non-Hodgkin disease is a type of lymphoma, which is a cancer in the lymphatic system.

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.

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