Thymoma and thymic carcinoma are rare cancers of the thymus gland, located in the chest area behind the breast bone. In children, the thymus gland produces immune cells; in adults, the thymus gland no longer serves an important function.
Thymomas are generally slow-growing, although some can be aggressive and spread in the bloodstream. In contrast, thymic carcinomas are the most aggressive tumors of the thymus gland.
Our team works together to bring you minimally invasive and advanced surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and supportive care options that deliver the best clinical and functional outcomes.
City of Hope is a recognized leader in thymus cancer research. We offer access to numerous clinical trials and new therapies that are not readily available elsewhere.
When you come to City of Hope, you automatically gain access to an unparalleled array of support services to help you and your family take each step during and after your treatment for thymoma or thymic carcinoma.
Hiring world-class medical oncologists and thymic malignancies experts and bringing their unique perspectives to City of Hope sets us apart from other health care providers.
Our Program Highlights:
- Surgeons with the most experience in robotic surgery for thymoma and thymic carcinoma on the West Coast
- Comprehensive diagnostic tools for thymic malignancies
- Innovative, minimally invasive surgical approaches that reduce side effects and recovery time
- Highly precise radiation delivery, including helical Tomotherapy
- Individually customized chemotherapy and hormone therapy regimens
- Clinical trials that offer promising new approaches to detect and treat thymic malignancies
We offer an extensive slate of supportive care services to help our patients and caregivers achieve a better quality of life during and after treatment for thymic malignancies.
City of Hope is one of the few facilities designated a comprehensive cancer center by the National Cancer Institute.
Our developments in the areas of breakthrough cancer drugs, bone marrow transplants and CAR T cell therapy are recognized internationally.
Our leadership in research and innovation continually enhances our ability to provide novel and differentiated approaches to cancer care.
Arya Amini, M.D., is a radiation oncologist and assistant professor in the Department of Radiation Oncology at City of Hope
Jae Y. Kim, M.D., is the chief of the Division of Thoracic Surgery and an associate professor in the Department of Surgery. Dr. Kim specializes in esophageal cancer and lung cancer, robotic surgery, mesothelioma and thymoma.
City of Hope's Marianna Koczywas, M.D., is heavily involved in research and clinical trials, searching for more effective drug therapies for lung cancer.
Erminia Massarelli, M.D., Ph.D., M.S., is the co-director of the Lung Cancer and Thoracic Oncology Program, an associate professor in the Ddepartment of Medical Oncology & Therapeutics Research at City of Hope. She specializes in lung and head and neck cancers.
Dan Raz, M.D., M.A.S., is co-director of the Lung Cancer and Thoracic Oncology Program and an associate professor in the Division of Thoracic Surgery. Dr. Raz specializes in esophageal and lung cancer surgery – and in raising public awareness about cancer risks.
Ravi Salgia M.D., Ph.D., is the Arthur & Rosalie Kaplan Chair in Medical Oncology at City of Hope and an expert in the study and treatment of lung cancer, mesothelioma, thoracic and thymic malignancies and bronchial carcinoids.
Sagus Sampath, M.D., radiation oncologist | City of Hope, Los Angeles, CA
