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01. History

History of Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center

The Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center at Mass General Hospital in Boston, MA is a leading cancer institution with expert services in hematology and oncology, pediatric hematology and oncology, radiation oncology, surgical oncology, psychiatric oncology, oncology nursing, and oncology social work. The Mass General Hospital Cancer Center is affiliated with an extensive network of cancer programs throughout New England, New York, and Florida. As a national cancer provider, the center offers multidisciplinary care for both adults and children. The highly acclaimed surgeons are experienced in their craft and perform a high volume of cancer surgeries.

In the early 1800s, the Boston area was in great need of a hospital. In response to this need, Reverend John Bartlett collaborated with doctors and other leading citizens to arrange various fund-raising campaigns to raise enough money to begin building the needed facility. On September 3, 1821, the first Boston hospital opened and began administering healthcare to the public. The facility also became the first teaching hospital to be affiliated with the Harvard Medical School within the first year of service. In 1811, a charter was passed by the state legislature to incorporate the Massachusetts General Hospital into Boston. With various gifts and generous donations, the trustees bought the estate in Charlestown and began renovations. The Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center was established in 1986. Kurt Isselbacher, M.D., founded the Center for Cancer Research in Boston’s Charlestown Navy Yard in order to study the various stages of cancer.

02. Mesothelioma Care

Mesothelioma Care at Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center

Today, the Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center features a Center for Thoracic Cancers that provides treatment to mesothelioma patients. Massachusetts General Hospital is affiliated with the Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center (DF/HCC), which is an NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center. The Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center offers clinical care through a multidisciplinary approach, allowing patients to get personalized treatment from professionals experienced in different areas of cancer care. The compassionate physicians offer personalized care for patients using surgery, chemotherapy, radiation or a multimodal approach using multiple treatment types, a common treatment approach for malignant mesothelioma.

In addition to the Center for Thoracic Cancers, the Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center has more than 37 treatment programs. Along with their expertise in standard mesothelioma treatments like chemotherapy and surgery, the center also has programs around cancer genetics, diagnostic improvements, research to improve patient outcomes from to treatment, nutrition, palliative care and more. The center is well-connected, which enables patients to receive care and second opinions from physicians throughout New England and the southeast.

However, patients do not need to travel to experience cutting-edge treatment options. The physicians at Massachusetts General Cancer Center conduct over 400 clinical trials each year at different locations. Participating in these trials offers patients, including mesothelioma patients, access to experimental treatment options.

03. Specializations

Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center Specializations

  • Chemotherapy
  • Mesothelioma
  • Targeted immunotherapy
  • Thoracic radiation oncology
  • Thoracic surgery
04. Accreditations

Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center Accreditations

  • Cancer Center ranked as High Performing according to U.S. News & World Report Best Hospitals report
  • NCI Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center
05. Mesothelioma Clinical Trials

Mesothelioma Clinical Trials at Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center

The following clinical trials are in progress or actively recruiting participants at Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center:

A Study of CPI-0209 in Patients With Advanced Solid Tumors and Lymphomas


Conditions: Lymphoma, Neoplasms, Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse, Mesothelioma, Mesothelioma, Malignant, Prostatic Neoplasms, Lymphoma, T-Cell, Prostatic Neoplasms, Castration-Resistant

Last Updated: October 6, 2022

Status: Recruiting

Locations: Atlanta, GA. Chicago, IL. Baltimore, MD. Boston, MA. Boston, MA. Ann Arbor, MI. Grand Rapids, MI. Hackensack, NJ. Bronx, NY. New York, NY. Cincinnati, OH. San Antonio, TX. Charlottesville, VA. Seattle, WA.

Improving Patient and Caregiver Understanding of Risks and Benefits of Immunotherapy for Advanced Cancer


Conditions: Carcinoma, Melanoma, Mesothelioma

Last Updated: September 1, 2022

Status: Recruiting

Locations: Boston, Massachusetts.

Safety and Tolerability of TNG908 in Patients With MTAP-deleted Solid Tumors


Conditions: Mesothelioma, Locally Advanced Solid Tumor

Last Updated: August 22, 2022

Status: Recruiting

Locations: Boston, Massachusetts. Boston, Massachusetts. Nashville, Tennessee. Houston, Texas. San Antonio, Texas. Fairfax, Virginia.

Study to Evaluate VT3989 in Patients With Metastatic Solid Tumors Enriched for Tumors With NF2 Gene Mutations


Conditions: Mesothelioma

Last Updated: November 2, 2021

Status: Recruiting

Locations: Chicago, Illinois. Boston, Massachusetts. Boston, Massachusetts. Houston, Texas. San Antonio, Texas.

Feasibility of the LUM Imaging System for Peritoneal Surface Malignancies


Conditions: Neoplasms, Peritoneal Neoplasms

Last Updated: September 13, 2021

Status: Recruiting

Locations: Boston, MA.

Feasibility of the LUM Imaging System for Peritoneal Surface Malignancies


Conditions: None

Last Updated: September 13, 2021

Status: Recruiting

Locations: Boston, MA.