Cancer Centers in Massachusetts
Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center
Center for Thoracic Cancers55 Fruit Street
Boston, MA 2114
877.726.5130
Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research
Massachusetts Institute of Technology500 Main Street,Building 76
Cambridge, MA 2139
617.253.6403
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
450 Brookline Avenue
Boston, MA 2215
877.442.3324
Brigham and Women’s Hospital
International Mesothelioma Program75 Francis Street
Boston, MA 2115
617.732.6824
Choosing a Cancer Center
When selecting a cancer center in Massachusetts for mesothelioma treatment, several factors matter more than rankings or marketing. Ask how many mesothelioma cases the center treats in a typical year, since volume tracks with outcomes for rare cancers. Look for a multidisciplinary team where thoracic surgeons, medical oncologists, and radiation oncologists work together in one program rather than referring across silos. An active clinical trial program can open access to treatments not yet standard of care. Support services, including palliative care, social work, and patient navigation, shape day-to-day life with the disease. Practical factors also count: travel distance, insurance acceptance, and scheduling flexibility often decide whether the center is actually usable.
Questions to Ask
Before your first appointment, consider asking the cancer center:
- Do you have physicians who specialize in mesothelioma?
- What surgical procedures do you perform for mesothelioma?
- Are there clinical trials I might qualify for?
- What is your approach to multimodal treatment?
- What support services are available for patients and caregivers?
- Can you help coordinate care if I need to see specialists at other facilities?
Getting a Second Opinion
A second opinion is standard practice for cancer patients and especially important for mesothelioma due to its complexity. Most cancer centers welcome second opinion consultations and can often review your records remotely before an in-person visit.
Legal Options in Massachusetts
If your mesothelioma diagnosis is connected to workplace asbestos exposure, you may have legal options in Massachusetts. Compensation may be available through asbestos trust funds or a mesothelioma lawsuit. Filing deadlines vary by state, so it's important to understand your state's statute of limitations.