Treating Cancer

We work together with our clinical partner, Massachusetts General Hospital, to offer you:
  • MGH genetic and treatment specialists (most who also see patients locally)
  • The most advanced treatment options tailored to the individual’s cancer type
  • Clinical trials

Types of Cancer Treatment

Together with our MGH specialists, we treat cancer using medications, radiation and surgery. Most people need a combination of treatments. Some people may benefit from clinical trials either locally or at MassGeneral, special research studies that test new cancer treatments, and procedures.
 

Medical Oncology

Medical oncologists with Foundation Hematology/Oncology will help coordinate your care. These doctors treat cancer using medications:

  • Chemotherapy

  • Hormonal therapy

  • Immunotherapy

  • Targeted therapy treatment to attack certain types of cancer cells without damaging nearby healthy cells

  • Biological therapy, like vaccines or antibodies, to kill cancer cells. 

 
Our team includes doctors, pharmacists and nurses who are certified in either chemotherapy or oncology.  Together, we provide timely, efficient, and compassionate care.
 
Reclining chairs, televisions with headsets, Wi-Fi access, a library and education center, and a refreshment center help to make your visits as comfortable as possible.

 
Radiation Oncology

Radiation oncologists are doctors who use high-energy radiation (like x-rays or gamma rays) to shrink tumors or kill cancer cells. We can use a machine to target cancer and send radiation to different parts of your body. Or we can put radiation inside your body – using radioactive seeds, for example, or liquid in an IV line – to target cancer cells.
 
We partner with radiation oncologists at the Radiation Center of Greater Nashua to provide state-of-the-art radiation therapy. 


Cancer Surgery

Our board-certified and fellowship-trained surgeons do cancer biopsies and surgeries – from minimally invasive to complex. Operating rooms are specially equipped for breast, colorectal, gynecology, melanoma, neurosurgery, orthopaedics, spine, thyroid, urology, and ear, nose and throat (ENT) procedures.
 
State-of-the-art technologies and procedures include:

  • da Vinci® robot-assisted surgical system for less invasive surgery with smaller cuts and fewer stitches.

  • Mohs surgery, to treat skin cancer by removing – and examining under a microscope – one layer of cancer tissue at a time, until the cancer is gone, leaving the smallest scar possible.

We offer inpatient, outpatient and same-day surgery. Our inpatient unit has:

  • a CaringBridge computer so you can stay in touch with family and friends
  • ​two palliative (comfort) care suites to offer you and your family support and relief   


Tumor Conferences

Cancer specialists at Mass General also participate in our tumor board meetings at Southern New Hampshire Health. At these conferences, a team of experts from many different specialties meet to share information and discuss the best treatment plan for you. The Board reviews individual cases in light of nationally recognized clinical guidelines and also considers clinical trials that may benefit you.


Thoracic Surgery

We offer thoracic surgery opinions at Southern New Hampshire Health or through our clinical partner, Massachusetts General Hospital. Thoracic oncologists from MGH, for example, host monthly clinics at SNHH. These doctors, specialists who treat lung and chest cancer, review your diagnosis and treatment plan.