Massachusetts General Hospital

Our Approach

Our radiation oncologists treat thousands of patients each year. In the Thoracic Program, our radiation oncologists have dedicated their careers to studying lung cancer, esophageal cancer and other thoracic (chest area) cancers. Due to this high degree of specialization, our patients always receive care from a physician with expertise in both radiation therapy and thoracic cancer medicine—a powerful combination.

Our clinical team treats cancers and tumors of the:

• Lungs
• Esophagus
• Thymus
• Trachea
• Chest wall
• Mesothelium (lining of lung and chest wall)

Innovating to Improve Patient Outcomes

We work closely with the Mass General Cancer Center, to develop and investigate advanced therapies and technologies used around the world to make treatment more effective and improve the quality of patients' lives.

Our breakthroughs in radiation therapy for thoracic cancers include:

• 4D CT scanning: Pioneered by our team, this imaging technology breakthrough enables us to plan more precise dosing of tumors in the lungs and esophagus by taking into account tumor motion associated with respiration
• Respiratory gating: With the aid of 4D scanning, our research team refined this technique, which delivers radiation to a tumor during a limited period of breathing cycle, such as the exhale phase. By doing so, we are able to treat the lung tumor with greater precision while sparing normal, surrounding tissue much better than with conventional therapy
• Proton beam therapy for non-small cell lung cancer: This breakthrough treatment has shown greater potential in protecting organs and tissues beyond the tumor region when compared with conventional photon therapy. We offer clinical trials for selected patients with non-small cell lung cancer, both early-stage and locally advanced-stage
• Molecular imaging: Current research led by Noah Choi, MD, is investigating molecular biomarkers for personalized radiation treatments in terms of optimized radiation dose and volume for individual patients. This is based on the response of each patient’s cancer to radiotherapy, chemotherapy and medication.

Compassionate Care from Accomplished Specialists

A hallmark of our program is the compassionate care and individualized attention patients receive from our physicians, nurses and support staff. Every step of your treatment is managed by a single, dedicated and experienced radiation oncologist.

Our staff includes:

• Noah Choi, MD, our program director, has practiced radiation oncology for over four decades. A pioneering researcher and educator, he has led research into novel radiation techniques and technologies for over 30 years and treats hundreds of patients with leading-edge therapies annually
• Henning Willers, MD, PhD, is a board-certified radiation oncologist who manages care for patients with thoracic cancer. He also studies molecularly targeted radiation therapies for treating lung cancer

Personalized Care through Collaboration

In the highly specialized Center for Thoracic Cancers, located in the Mass General Cancer Center, our radiation oncologists work side-by-side with your entire cancer treatment team. These world-class specialists may include medical oncologists, surgical oncologists, radiologists and pathologists. Our cross-specialty approach enables us to provide comprehensive care tailored to your needs.

What to Expect

Our team is dedicated to keeping you completely informed and encourages you to ask us about any step in the treatment process. The answers to many frequently asked questions also appear in Your Guide to Radiation Therapy (PDF).

Basal Cell Carcinoma

Basal cell cancer, sometimes called non-melanoma skin cancer, usually appears as a small, fleshy bump or nodule on the head, neck, or hands. Occasionally, these nodules appear on the trunk of the body, usually as flat growths.

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.

Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is a malignant tumor that grows in the skin cells and accounts for more than 50 percent of all cancers.

Thyroid Tumors

Thyroid tumors are either benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous) growths.

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.

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.

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.

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