Cancer Treatments

You can count on UMass Memorial Health for comprehensive cancer care. We offer a wide range of therapies, including radiation therapy, chemotherapy (a type of medical oncology) and cancer surgery. You have access to newly approved options and innovative methods that aren’t widely available. 

Specialists work together to coordinate therapies and personalize your treatment plan. We also care deeply about your quality of life after treatment, which is why we often use methods that are gentler on your body and have fewer side effects. 

Cancer Treatments We Offer

Your personalized cancer treatment plan may include:

Cancer Surgery

UMass Memorial is home to a large team of surgical oncologists and surgical subspecialists. They have exceptional skills and maintain outstanding outcomes. Even if the cancer is in a difficult-to-reach spot or near critical structures, we can help you. Whenever possible, we use minimally invasive techniques that require smaller incisions and lead to a quicker recovery.

We use the latest research-based cancer surgery methods. For prostate cancer, care may include nerve-sparing prostatectomy, which preserves bladder control and sexual function. Mohs surgery removes fast-growing melanomas while minimizing changes to your appearance. We also offer sphincter-sparing colorectal cancer procedures that protect your ability to control bowel movements. These are some of the many cancer surgery options we offer.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy uses focused energy to destroy cancer cells. At UMass Memorial, our radiation therapists use technologies and methods that lead to safe, precise treatment. Some options deliver therapies in just one session and with few side effects.

Our commitment to excellence in radiation therapy has earned several UMass Memorial locations accreditation from the American College of Radiology. Only programs such as ours that meet or exceed rigorous national standards maintain this distinction. Get more information about radiation therapy at UMass Memorial.

Chemotherapy and Medical Oncology

Chemotherapy and medical oncology include cancer-fighting drugs and other substances that halt tumor cell growth. We offer a full range of options, including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy and bone marrow transplants. You may also be eligible for additional treatments that are only available through cancer research and clinical trials.

UMass Memorial is the first academic medical center to join the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute’s Cancer Care Collaborative. This partnership enables our team to coordinate with additional medical oncologists to plan care for difficult-to-treat cancers. It helps you receive optimal therapies for your diagnosis closer to home.

Focus on Quality of Life

At UMass Memorial, removing the cancer is part of a comprehensive treatment plan. We offer additional services during and after treatment that optimize your abilities and sense of well-being.

You may also benefit from:

• Reconstructive surgery: Care teams often include plastic and reconstructive surgeons who repair structures and restore a natural appearance. You may benefit from this service if cancer occurs in highly visible areas on your breasts, face or pelvis.
• Rehabilitative therapies: Certain cancers or the side effects of treatment may impact your strength and make once-simple tasks challenging. We coordinate special therapies to optimize your abilities. Find out more about rehabilitation therapy services.
• Palliative care: Trusted palliative medicine doctors deliver services that bring comfort, such as treatments that relieve nagging symptoms and address pain. We also help you identify your treatment preferences and communicate your wishes to the rest of the care team.
  Survivorship services: Our Cancer Survivorship Program helps you feel your best after cancer treatment. We address lingering symptoms and develop personalized plans that include screenings and lifestyle recommendations to preserve your health.