The Tucker Gosnell Center for Gastrointestinal Cancers is one of the largest and most experienced centers in New England for the treatment of cancers of the colon and rectum.
Your gift enables our team at the Tucker Gosnell Center for Gastrointestinal Cancers to pursue new treatment options for patients with gastrointestinal cancers. Make a gift.
Explore the Colorectal Cancer Treatment Program
Overview
The Tucker Gosnell Center for Gastrointestinal Cancers offers a collaborative and caring approach to the diagnosis and treatment of patients with confirmed or suspected colorectal cancer and is consistently ranked as one of the best in the country by U.S. News & World Report.
Expertise in Diagnosing and Staging Colorectal Cancer
Precise diagnosis, tumor characterization and staging (determining whether the cancer has spread) are the basis for designing the most appropriate treatment plan for you. Our GI cancer pathologists sub-specialize in colorectal tumors and are internationally recognized and consulted on the diagnosis of colon and rectal cancer. They share information about each patient’s unique cancer in weekly tumor board meetings to help guide treatment planning.
Our diagnostic radiology team are nationally recognized for expertise in using the most advanced imaging tools to diagnose and stage colorectal cancer and to detect tumor changes. Our imaging technologies include:
3D imaging for pre-surgical planning and for monitoring treatment effects
Medical Oncology
Chemotherapy can be the most effective treatment for patients with colorectal cancer. Some new therapies that are currently available or in development are designed to block mutations and pathways that cause tumor cells to proliferate. By targeting tumor gene mutations, these “smart drugs” are helping doctors to understand how to stop cancerous cells in some patients' tumors without using standard chemotherapy and radiation.
Are pioneers in leading-edge colorectal surgical procedures, including sphincter-sparing rectal cancer surgery, an innovative procedure that helps avoid permanent colostomies
Performed the world’s first NOTES resection (Natural Orifice Translumenal Endoscopic Surgery) of a rectal cancer, avoiding the need for any incisions
Make each patient’s needs the key factor in choosing the best approach
We offer one of the few operating rooms specially designed to facilitate complex procedures, allowing multiple surgical subspecialists to work side-by-side.
In this video, Mass General provides its outcomes and performance data for colorectal surgery including rates of recovery and complications.
Our high volume of colectomies and proctectomies—and skilled team of highly rated colorectal surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses and pathologists—help us to attain expected results in treating patients with conditions of the colon (large intestine). Patients at Mass General have fewer complications compared to the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP) norms.
Our radiation oncologists use the most advanced therapies to treat colorectal cancer, many of which are available at only a few select hospitals. Radiation therapy may be given alone, or in combination with surgery and chemotherapy.
Our team approach ensures that every patient benefits from an individualized, coordinated and compassionate treatment plan, with care provided by leading experts from many specialties. We consider patients and their family and friends involved in their care to be part of this team. We are dedicated to ensuring that patients fully understand their diagnosis and treatment options. Depending on the stage and other characteristics of your colorectal cancer, your treatment plan may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation or a combination of these therapies.
Pathologists and diagnostic radiologists who sub-specialize in colorectal cancers to provide a precise diagnosis of your cancer, including any “tumor markers” that can help your care team determine the best treatment.
Gastroenterologists specializing in digestive health
Endoscopists skilled in performing minimally-invasive interventional procedures
Medical Oncologists who prescribe the most effective chemotherapy and immunotherapy treatments
Radiation Oncologists who specialize in delivering the optimal therapeutic dose while protecting healthy tissue
Oncology nurses and nurse practitioners who care exclusively for patients with cancer
Oncology psychiatrists, social workers and chaplains experienced in helping with the cognitive side effects of cancer and treatment, as well the emotional and spiritual aspects of the cancer experience
A nutritionist to help you with questions about diet and nutrition during treatment
Palliative care providers to improve quality of life
Members of your care team communicate regularly with you and your referring physician to ensure clear understanding and seamless coordination of care.
Center for Young Adult Colorectal Cancer
The Center for Young Adult Colorectal Cancer at Mass General Cancer Center was created to address the vast unmet needs of colorectal cancer patients under the age of 50 and to provide specialized and personalized care for these patients. Learn more.
Clinical Trials
Mass General Cancer Center is a leading provider of clinical trials in New England for colorectal cancers, making clinical trial evaluation of new therapies a key treatment option. The goal of clinical trials is to seek and answer scientific questions and to find better ways to prevent, diagnose or treat cancer. Current clinical trials for colorectal cancer include:
Genetic evaluation for colon, gastric, esophageal and other GI cancers
Targeted agents in combination with radiation for GI cancers
Description: PATHWAYS is a randomized controlled trial assessing the efficacy of an informational and supportive care intervention for patients with locally advanced rectal cancer who are receiving chemotherapy and/or radiation before possible surgery. This program consists of a comprehensive educational guide paired with four coaching sessions to help participants build skills for managing and coping with any challenges that may arise during their treatment.
Meet the Team
Meet our multidisciplinary team of colorectal cancer specialists.
Director, Gastrointestinal Service, Department of Radiation Oncology
Patient Stories
Rick & Sally Mastalerz
A colon cancer diagnosis was no match for airline pilot and member of the Air National Guard, Rick Mastalerz. Read about Rick and his wife Sally’s cancer experience at the Mass General Cancer Center.
Diagnosed with young-onset colorectal cancer at 29 years old, Alexa shares her journey navigating motherhood, cancer treatment, and advocating for others.
As a patient in our Center for Young Adult Colorectal Cancer, Lauren has formed a close relationship with her surgeon, Motaz Qadan, MD, PhD, and together they have navigated the impact this disease has had on Lauren.
We offer a wide range of integrative therapies, workshops and support groups.
Videos
Learn about colorectal cancer and meet Aparna Parikh, MD, medical director of the Center for Young Adult Colorectal Cancer at Mass General Cancer Center, who details why colorectal cancer is being increasingly diagnosed in younger patients around the world.
What are complex gastrointestinal, or GI, cancers? Learn more about the multiple symptoms of gastrointestinal cancer, its diagnosis, and the treatment options available at Mass General Cancer Center.
In this presentation from February 3, 2022, Dr. Daniel Chung discusses specific risks for colon cancer that can help guide your choice of screening test.
Chandrika Kurpad, MS, LCGC, discusses colon cancer-causing genes and what you can do if colon cancer runs in your family.
Ted Hong, MD, radiation oncologist and avid hockey player explains how the Mass General Cancer Center’s multidisciplinary approach to developing care plans for patients is so beneficial to the patient. He also talks about his love for the game of hockey and the beauty of teamwork.
1
of
5
Leaders in Proton Therapy
Mass General has the only proton therapy site in all of New England, with two proton therapy centers.
Supportive Care Services
Our support programs can help patients and their families cope with the challenges of a cancer diagnosis.
Surgical Outcomes for Colorectal Procedures
Mass General provides its outcomes and performance data for colorectal surgery including rates of recovery and complications.
Andrew Chan, MD, MPH is co-leading the global team known as PROSPECT, which received a grant of up to $25m over five years, to study early-onset colorectal cancer from Cancer Grand Challenges after an international competition.
A new study reports a 50 to 60 percent lower risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) among women who started endoscopy screening at age 45 compared to those who had not undergone screening at all.
In this presentation from February 3, 2022, Dr. Daniel Chung discusses specific risks for colon cancer that can help guide your choice of screening test.
A colonoscopy is the primary and most effective screening technique used to screen patients for colorectal cancer. Learn more in this video from Dr. Ted Hong, GI Radiation Oncologist at the Mass General Cancer Center.
Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in both men and women in the United States. A portion of these colon cancers are due to genetic predisposition genes. The Blum Center shares more in a recent presentation.
1of
6
Contact the Mass General Cancer Center
Contact us to make an appointment or to learn more about our programs.