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Pediatric Radiation Therapy

We provide radiation therapy to treat a variety of cancerous and noncancerous tumors in children using the latest and most advanced techniques available, including proton therapy, adaptive radiotherapy, and MR-guided radiation.
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855-776-4224

Call the Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute at 855-776-4224

8557764224

Specialized pediatric expertise

Our pediatric radiation oncologists have extensive training in pediatric cancer care and radiation oncology. They focus exclusively on radiation treatment for children and teens. Their expertise ensures that your child receives safe, effective treatment.

Your child will receive care from many of the world’s most experienced radiation oncologists, nurses, and pediatric specialists at Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute, as well as internationally recognized pediatric subspecialists at Mass General Brigham for Children.

Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute is home to one of the most experienced proton therapy programs. Working with the Harvard Cyclotron Laboratory (HCL), our physicians became the first in the world to discover how to harness the extraordinary physical characteristics of high energy protons for medical care.

Part of the Cancer Institute

Part of Mass General Brigham for Children

Our approach to care

Our approach involves understanding your child’s unique needs, designing a personalized plan, and using state-of-the-art technologies to ensure effective treatment. Our team is here for your family every step of the way.
Communication and consultation
We begin with a consultation to ensure our team thoroughly understands and addresses each child’s unique needs. If radiotherapy is part of your child’s cancer treatment plan, our radiation oncologist will walk you through this process step-by-step and is always available to answer questions.
Coordinated care team

Once you and your radiation oncologist decide to pursue radiation therapy for your child, we’ll plan the specific technique for his or her treatment.

Our pediatric radiation therapy team works closely with pediatric oncologists, pathologists, neuro-oncologists, surgeons, and neurosurgeons. Together, we design a custom treatment plan to achieve the best possible outcome for your child.

State-of-the-art technology

We start treatment by using CT simulators to map our approach. These tools allow us to target radiation directly to the tumor, which minimizes your child’s risk of side effects.

We also use several advanced technologies to deliver radiation, including:

  • Brachytherapy
  • Pencil beam scanning proton therapy
  • Image-guided radiation therapy
  • Intensity-modulated radiation therapy
  • Stereotactic radiosurgery
  • MR-guided radiation
Exclusive treatment
Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute is home to New England’s only proton therapy center. This innovative treatment uses proton beams instead of X-rays to target and destroy cancer cells. Proton therapy minimizes damage to healthy tissues and may result in fewer long-term effects on growth and development.
Extra support

Your care team includes Child Life Specialists and Licensed Social Workers who help you and your child cope with the stress of diagnosis, treatment, and hospitalization.

The Child Life team works with your family to create a customized plan to help your child prepare for medical procedures and minimize emotional trauma. Their support includes developmentally appropriate explanations of treatments and medical equipment to help your child feel more at ease.

Pediatric conditions and radiation treatments

Radiation therapy might be appropriate for a range of childhood cancers. We carefully consider the benefits and risks of radiation therapy and other cancer treatments when recommending a care approach for your child.

Cancer clinical trials and research

Our research is shaping the future of cancer care. We offer access to clinical trials and emerging therapies, including treatments that may not yet be widely available. Eligibility depends on a person’s diagnosis, treatment history, and more. Explore our research and clinical trials or talk with your care team to learn about available options.
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Explore our cancer research

Learn how cancer research informs patient care

https://research.massgeneralbrigham.org/en/institutes-centers/cancer-institute-research
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Search clinical trials
https://research.massgeneralbrigham.org/en/institutes-centers/cancer-institute-research/cancer-clinical-trials

Patient resources and support

We offer a range of resources to support patients and caregivers before, during, and after cancer treatment. These services address physical, emotional, and practical needs and are available alongside your medical care.
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Contact the Cancer Institute

Call us to speak with a team member who can help you understand your options and guide you to the care that is right for you. With locations throughout New England and support for patients traveling from outside the United States, we make it easier to access coordinated, expert care.
primary
phone
855-776-4224

Call the Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute at 855-776-4224

8557764224
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International Patient Services

Contact International Patient Services

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