Hematologic Program

Overview

For more than three decades, we have treated patients with all types of hematologic disorders including, but not limited to:

• Hodgkin Lymphoma: Early stage and/or bulky tumors, usually in conjunction with chemotherapy
• Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma: All subtypes of the disease, including the two most common variants in the United States, diffuse large b-cell lymphoma and follicular lymphoma.
• Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia/Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma: Slow growing b-cell disorders that are typically either observed or treated with systemic therapy.
• Mucosa-associated lymphatic tissue (MALT) lymphoma: Lymphoma involving the epithelial linings of organs and tissues such as the stomach, lungs, intestines, salivary glands and eyes.
• NK/T-Cell Lymphoma: Rare subset of aggressive lymphomas derived from Natural Killer cells and other subsets of T-cells.
• Cutaneous Lymphoma: B-cell and T-cell lymphomas involving the skin
• Multiple Myeloma and Plasmacytomas: Tumors of plasma cells that tend to primarily affect bone.
• Leukemia: A disease characterized by malignant white blood cells that circulate in the blood stream.
• Myelodysplastic Syndrome: Disorders of cells in the bone marrow that lead to ineffective production of blood cells.

Innovative & Effective Treatment

The role of radiation therapy in the management of hematologic disorders has evolved over the past several decades. Our physicians in the Mass General Cancer Center have remained at the forefront of these advanced therapies and technologies to make treatment more effective and improve the quality of patients' lives.

We use localized radiation therapies that precisely target the tumor while limiting radiation dose to adjacent healthy tissue. Techniques include:

• External beam radiation (3D)
• Intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT)
• Electron therapy
• Proton radiation therapy: Proton therapy is increasingly used to treat patients with lymphoma in which a clinical benefit is expected over the more readily accessible photon therapy.
• Brachytherapy
• Contact radiotherapy using 50kV beam

Precise targeting of the tumor is planned by our physicists, who use advanced 3D- and 4D-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."

Our collaboration with the Mass General Cancer Center Bone Marrow Transplant Program enables us to provide state-of-the-art total body irradiation as part of the conditioning regimen for some patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplant. Protocols include both reduced intensity and myeloablative condition regimens.

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 specialists may include medical oncologists, surgical oncologists, dermatologists, radiologists, pathologists, physical therapists, social workers and genetic counselors. Our cross-specialty approach enables us to provide comprehensive care tailored to your needs.

What to Expect

Most 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.

Clinical Trials

Massachusetts General Hospital invites patients and the community to participate in innovative clinical trials and research studies.

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