Written by Dr. Kristopher Bunting | Edited By Walter Pacheco | Last Update: June 4, 2024

Getting Treatment in Massachusetts

Massachusetts is home to some of the best cancer research and treatment centers in the world. Doctors at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, the Harvard Cancer Center and affiliated hospitals conduct cutting-edge cancer research and provide world-class mesothelioma treatment in Boston and the rest of the state.

Massachusetts ranks 11th in the U.S. for asbestos-related deaths. This is due to asbestos exposure in many industries in the state, mainly shipbuilding. The incidence rate of mesothelioma in Massachusetts is high. In 2019 there were 0.9 new cases of mesothelioma per 100,000 people.

The Mesothelioma Center has more than 15 years of experience working with mesothelioma survivors and their families, making it the most trusted source in the nation for information about mesothelioma. The Mesothelioma Center provides support and assistance through support groups, webinars, patient advocacy, VA claims and the Doctor Match program. Asbestos.com provides resources for people with mesothelioma in Massachusetts and the rest of the country, helping them get the best possible cancer care.

Top Mesothelioma Centers in Massachusetts

Choosing the best cancer treatment center in Massachusetts is a personal decision and one that should not be taken lightly. There are many cancer treatment centers in Massachusetts, so how do you choose the right one for you?

Consider these factors when choosing a cancer treatment center:
  • Is it accredited by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer?
  • Is it a National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center?
  • Does it provide palliative care in addition to surgical and oncology services?

Boston is home to several world-renowned cancer centers. The Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is one of the first National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers in the country. The Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center consortium is a collaboration between seven Harvard-affiliated hospitals that conduct groundbreaking cancer research and expert cancer treatment. 

The International Mesothelioma Program at Brigham and Women’s Hospital provides individualized mesothelioma care through collaboration between various specialists focused on treating mesothelioma. Massachusetts General Hospital and the Tufts Medical Center also provide top-notch mesothelioma care.

Tufts Medical Center, mesothelioma cancer center

Tufts Medical Center

800 Washington St, Boston, MA 02111

Year Built: 1796
Number of Physicians: 2

Massachusetts Doctors Who Treat Mesothelioma

Choosing the right cancer doctor is essential. Clinical skill and experience are important, but so is personality. You want to find a doctor that is a good fit for you and your personal needs.

Things to consider when choosing a mesothelioma doctor in Massachusetts:
  • Are they confident as well as knowledgeable?
  • Do they have experience with your specific type of mesothelioma?
  • Do they make you feel comfortable and respected?

Mesothelioma treatment care continues even once you are in remission. Choose a doctor who is a good fit for you. You will be working together as a team, so be sure you have the best possible teammate for the journey that lies ahead.

Dr. Elizabeth Baldini, Radiation Oncologist

Boston, Massachusetts

Elizabeth Baldini

Pleural Specialist | Thoracic Radiology

Expertise: Thoracic Malignancies Clinical Research

Languages: English

Dr. Jennifer Bellon, Radiation Oncologist

Boston, Massachusetts

Jennifer Bellon

Pleural Specialist | Radiation Oncology

Expertise: Multidisciplinary Treatment

Languages: English

Dr. Laurance Brinckerhoff, thoracic surgeon

Boston, Massachusetts

Laurence H. Brinckerhoff

Pleural Specialist | Thoracic Surgery

Expertise: Minimally Invasive Surgery Clinical Trials

Languages: English

Dr. Raphael Bueno, Experienced Pleural Mesothelioma Doctor

Boston, Massachusetts

Raphael Bueno

Pleural Specialist | Thoracic Surgery

Expertise: Pleurectomy and Decortication Extrapleural Pneumonectomy

Languages: English

Dr. James Cusack, surgical oncologist

Boston, Massachusetts

James C. Cusack

Peritoneal Specialist | Surgical Oncology

Expertise: Cytoreductive Surgery HIPEC

Languages: English

Dr. Henning Gaissert, lung cancer specialist

Boston, Massachusetts

Henning A. Gaissert

Pleural Specialist | Thoracic Surgery

Expertise: Multimodal Therapy Thoracic Malignancies

Languages: English, German, French

Dr Martin Goodman, peritoneal mesothelioma specialist

Boston, Massachusetts

Martin D. Goodman

Peritoneal Specialist | Surgical Oncology

Expertise: Cytoreductive Surgery HIPEC

Languages: English

Dr. Pasi A. Janne, mesothelioma oncologist

Boston, Massachusetts

Pasi A. Janne

Pleural Specialist | Thoracic Oncology

Expertise: Immunotherapy Heated Chemotherapy

Languages: English

Dr. Bruce Johnson, Director, Lowe Center for Thoracic Oncology

Boston, Massachusetts

Bruce Johnson

Medical Oncology

Expertise: Genetic Research Thoracic Malignancies

Languages: English

Dr. Hassan Khalil, thoracic surgeon

Boston, Massachusetts

Hassan A. Khalil

Pleural Specialist | Thoracic Oncology

Expertise: Thoracic Surgery Robotic Surgery

Languages: English

Dr. Scott Swanson, thoracic surgeon

Boston, Massachusetts

Scott J. Swanson

Pleural Specialist | Thoracic Surgery

Expertise: Minimally Invasive Surgery Video-Assisted Surgery

Languages: English

Clinical Trials and Cancer Research in Massachusetts

Cancer research is an essential part of improving cancer care. Cancer centers in Massachusetts provide access to numerous clinical trials that test the latest mesothelioma treatments. 

For example, doctors at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute are conducting research using the latest advances in cancer immunotherapy to provide nonsurgical treatment for mesothelioma. Other research is taking place across the many institutions involved in the  Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center consortium.

By enrolling in a clinical trial, you can benefit from the latest advances in mesothelioma research. Not only will you receive cutting-edge mesothelioma care, but you will also be helping others with mesothelioma for years to come. Are you interested in participating in a mesothelioma clinical trial? If so, let The Mesothelioma Center help you find a clinical trial that’s right for you.

Clinical Trial
Chemotherapy With or Without Immunotherapy for Peritoneal Mesothelioma

This study is testing the addition of atezolizumab and bevacizumab immunotherapy to standard surgery or chemotherapy.

  • Condition: Peritoneal Mesothelioma
  • Intervention: Immunotherapy
  • Locations: Boston, Massachusetts
  • Recruiting: August 2021 – Present
Clinical Trial
Testing the Addition of Targeted Radiation Therapy to Surgery and the Usual Chemotherapy Treatment for Stage I-IIIA Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma

This study adds radiation therapy to the usual regimen of surgery and chemotherapy for early-stage pleural mesothelioma.

  • Condition: Pleural Mesothelioma
  • Intervention: Radiation Therapy
  • Locations: Boston, Massachusetts
  • Recruiting: November 2019 – Present

Stories from Survivors

In 2006, after experiencing joint pain believed to be due to a fall, an unexpected diagnosis of lung cancer turned Hildy Grossman’s life upside down. She is now a cancer survivor and has poured her heart and soul into battling cancer through song and dance. She founded Upstage Lung Cancer, a nonprofit group that raises money for lung cancer research. In addition to being a psychologist, she is a singer with a lifelong love of musical theater. She, along with other singers and musicians, puts on cabaret shows that highlight the work of singers and songwriters who have died of lung cancer. Her organization has provided millions of dollars for cancer research grants.
Hildy Grossman
Lung Cancer Survivor

Cancer Support Services in Massachusetts

Cancer support services work to meet the needs of cancer patients, caregivers and families dealing with mesothelioma. This can include financial support as well as emotional and spiritual support. Both national and local resources are available to help Massachusetts residents with mesothelioma.

American Cancer Society

The American Cancer Society’s cancer resource centers provide free wigs, hats, treatment information and other support for cancer patients. The services available also include help finding emotional support networks, financial assistance and lodging during treatment.

Mesothelioma Survivor, Caregiver & Family Support

The Mesothelioma Survivor, Caregiver & Family Support group on Facebook helps connect mesothelioma patients and caregivers in Massachusetts and around the country with other people dealing with mesothelioma. Newly diagnosed patients, survivors and others can share their experiences and offer peer support.

Cancer Support Community Massachusetts

Cancer Support Community Massachusetts provides support for people impacted by cancer. It offers online support via its helpline, educational materials and MyLifeLine, an online community of people affected by cancer. It works to help people cope with the effects that cancer has on their lives and the lives of their loved ones.

Massachusetts General Hospital

Massachusetts General Hospital provides support for cancer patients through the Maxwell V. Blum Cancer Resource Program. It provides educational materials for people with cancer and their caregivers. It also offers access to acupuncture, art therapy, yoga and other therapies that can benefit cancer patients through the Katherine A. Gallagher Integrative Therapies Program.

Joe Andruzzi Foundation

The Joe Andruzzi Foundation provides a variety of cancer support services for people with cancer in Massachusetts and other parts of New England. It offers assistance with transportation, financial support, food security and other services that can improve the lives of those living with cancer.

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