Cancer Treatments
Offering the latest in effective cancer care options
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Multidisciplinary Oncology Treatment
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) medical oncologists each specialize in a type or group of cancers. Close to home in Boston, you’ll benefit from access to the latest and most effective treatment options. For example, our medical oncologists treat lung cancer, breast cancer, and many other types.
Your oncologist coordinates and guides the care you need for your particular cancer. We’ll talk with you and your family about treatment decisions and answer any questions you have.
Your Cancer Treatment Plan
Your multidisciplinary oncology care team will personalize your cancer treatment plan based on many factors, including:
- Cancer type and location
- Cancer stage
- Your health needs and preferences
- Type of drugs and therapy you need
Receiving Cancer Therapy
There are multiple ways that you may receive your cancer drugs.
- Intravenous (IV) drugs. In most cases, you’ll receive cancer drugs through a vein. Your doctor may deliver the drug through an artery to treat a single area, such as the liver.
- Injections. Your doctor may inject the drugs into a muscle or into the tumor itself. Alternately, the doctor may inject the drugs directly into the abdominal or chest cavity, or into the spinal canal.
- Oral medications. Sometimes, cancer specialists also prescribe oral medications (a pill or capsule to swallow).
- Topical drugs. You’ll rub these types of medications directly onto your skin.
Latest Cancer Treatment Options
Our oncologists offer research-backed cancer treatment options, including:
- Chemotherapy (chemo). These are drugs that directly target and kill cancer cells.
- Hormonal and targeted therapy. These treatments interfere with a process in the cancer cell that is critical to its function. They interfere with specific (targeted) molecules that fuel tumor growth, often sparing healthy cells.
- Infusion services. During the course of your cancer treatment, you’ll likely need infusions of medications, blood or fluids.
- Biologic therapy (immunotherapy). Immunotherapy uses your own immune system to help fight cancer or use drugs that target specific weak points in the cancer cell.
Additional Cancer Services & Treatments
BIDMC imaging and laboratory experts help your cancer care team diagnose, stage, plan treatment and monitor treatment effectiveness. We offer the latest services like PET and SPECT nuclear imaging and sentinel node study.
Our genetics specialists can determine if a specific type of cancer is hereditary (genes passed down in families).
Our specialty pharmacy offers many helpful services to those having cancer treatment, including:
- 24/7 personalized support
- Counseling and education on safely taking and storing medications
- Filling multiple prescriptions
- Financial resources to help you cover costs
- Monitoring medication side effects
- Safely coordinating care
In a stem cell transplant — or bone marrow transplant — a specialist replaces cancerous bone marrow with new, healthy cells. Some people with advanced cancer that’s resistant to standard therapies may benefit from combined high-dose chemotherapy and stem cell transplant.
Interventional oncology uses minimally invasive procedures to diagnose and treat certain types of cancer and cancer-related issues. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) uses radiofrequency waves to heat and destroy cells in the body.
Radiation therapy uses high-energy waves to shrink or even destroy cancerous tissue. Our experts offer comprehensive simulation and treatment planning for the most targeted care and best possible outcomes. We offer the latest radiation therapies including CyberKnife Stereotactic Radiosurgery.
Cancer Clinical Trials
You may qualify for one of our extensive clinical trials. We’ve designed these research studies to find better treatments for cancer patients based on the most updated information from around the world. We are committed to bringing the latest in effective treatment options to you.
Supportive Cancer Care
We provide supportive care to help you manage symptoms of cancer and side effects of cancer treatments. We also offer ongoing survivorship services during and after treatment.
Cancer Care
Our oncologists provide leading-edge cancer screening, diagnosis and treatment for all types of cancer.
Additional Services
Our oncology team works with other specialists throughout BIDMC to ensure you receive the care you need.
Advancing Care, Research & Education
Cancer Center
The Cancer Center is renowned for exceptional cancer care and for pioneering discoveries in cancer treatment.
Cancer Research Institute
The Cancer Research Institute is an interdisciplinary center focused on understanding cancer with the goal of curing it.
Cancer Education & Training
The Cancer Center offers comprehensive education and training opportunities for residents, fellows and researchers.
