Thoracic Oncology Program

Clinical Program Overview

The Thoracic Oncology Program at Tufts Medical Center is made up of a group of specialists with expertise in the care of patients with cancers of the chest cavity (thorax).   We provide a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to the diagnosis and treatment of all malignancies originating in the chest.

We specialize in the evaluation and treatment of:

• Lung nodules (Lung Nodule Evaluation Center)
• Lung cancer
• Esophageal cancer
• Mesotheliomas
• Thymomas
• Tracheal tumors

This integrated approach is provided for each patient, leading to a fast and accurate diagnosis. Once diagnosed, the team works closely together to optimize the care of each patient.

Members of our program include:

• Thoracic surgeons
• Medical oncologists
• Radiation oncologists
• Medical and interventional pulmonologists
• Gastroenterologists
• Pathologists
• Radiologists
• Anesthesiologists and pain specialists   

Our surgeons are expert in minimally invasive surgery for treatment of lung, esophageal and pleural diseases, which can lead to a quicker recovery and less pain.   These approaches optimize surgical results while limiting the trauma of surgery. This expedites the delivery of multimodality therapy and may improve chances for long term survival.

We also offer Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT), a non-invasive treatment for patients with early stage lung cancer who, due to other medical conditions, are not able to have surgery.   This alternative treatment deposits large amounts of precisely focused radiation to kill the tumor cells.   Because of the precision of this technique there are usually minimal side-effects.

Clinical Trials

Our patients have access to novel therapies through participation in both Tufts Medical Center clinical trials and national clinical trials.   

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Our Experts

Surgery	Laurence Brinckerhoff, MD Daniel Wiener, MD
Pulmonary/Critical Care	Maher Tabba,  MD Geraldine Finlay, MD Greg Schumaker, MD Kari Roberts, MD
Medical Oncology	Gary Strauss, MD
Radiation Oncology	John Mignano, MD, PhD Katherine Huber, MD, PhD
Radiology	Neil Halin, MD Mark Bankoff, MD
Pathology	Maria Garcia-Moliner, MD Barbara Weinstein, MD

Clincal Support Services

Tufts Medical Center's Thoracic Oncology Program emphasizes personalized patient care. You and your family receive individualized attention from a team of health care professionals who work closely together to optimize care.