With the recent completion of a multi-agency, state and city regulatory process, the clinical collaboration among Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (Dana-Farber), Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) and Harvard Medical Faculty Physicians at BIDMC (HMFP) is moving forward. The collaboration will support a new Dana-Farber cancer hospital, and the joint clinical teams are developing comprehensive plans to transform cancer care around the world and push the boundaries of research and innovation.
First announced in September 2023, the region's only dedicated inpatient cancer hospital will expand access to highly specialized, fully integrated cancer care. The 18-month, rigorous review was conducted by several state and city agencies, including the Massachusetts Health Policy Commission, Massachusetts Department of Public Health and Boston Planning and Development Agency.
The 300-bed inpatient hospital will span 450,000 square feet across ten inpatient floors, offering an enhanced patient experience focused solely on the needs of oncology patients. Known the world over for delivering revolutionary science and expert, highly specialized cancer care, Dana-Farber will own and manage the new facility.
"This new clinical collaboration pairs Dana-Farber's singular focus on cancer and renowned clinical leadership with the world-class expertise of BIDMC and its affiliated faculty physicians at HMFP to care for all the cancer and sub-specialty needs of patients with cancer. With the new hospital, we will be well-positioned to care for the region's patients and families well into the future," said Benjamin L. Ebert, MD, PhD, president and CEO, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
The collaboration will advance a patient-first care model, minimizing treatment barriers, enhancing patient access to clinical trials and continuing innovative treatment protocols for patients living with the burden of cancer.
"Our shared commitment with Dana-Farber to provide high-quality patient care will be at the center of our collaboration. We will continue to work together to deliver our plans for seamless and innovative care for our patients and their families," said Kevin Tabb, MD, president and CEO of Beth Israel Lahey Health.
The American Cancer Society notes that more than two million new cancer cases are expected to be diagnosed in the United States this year, including 44,000 new cases in Massachusetts. The International Agency for Research on Cancer estimates that the number of cancer deaths worldwide per year will climb to 11.9 million in 2030 and reach 18.5 million by 2050.
"We are pleased to reach this milestone in the regulatory process and thank the City of Boston and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for their thoughtful review," said Alexa B. Kimball, MD, MPH, president and CEO of HMFP. "With cases of cancer on the rise, it is more important than ever that we seize opportunities to transform how and where we deliver the highest-level of care to all the patients who need us in our community."
Projected to open in 2031, the new hospital will fuel significant economic growth in the region, creating approximately 2,400 new jobs across all levels including clinical, nursing, support services, radiation oncology, imaging, laboratory services and pharmacy. Dana-Farber, HMFP and BIDMC expect to recruit more than 200 additional physicians over the next five years and are actively engaged in searches for key leadership and clinical positions.
"Our commitment to enhancing cancer care for patients is strengthened through the new hospital and clinical collaboration with BIDMC and HMFP, benefitting patients everywhere," said Craig Bunnell, MD, MPH, MBA, senior vice president and chief medical officer of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. "Our joint clinical teams include some of the world's most renowned faculty. What we do here truly changes lives everywhere."
Construction on the new facility is expected to start next year. Situated on the current site of Joslin Diabetes Center along Brookline Avenue in the Longwood Medical Area, the new cancer hospital will physically connect Dana-Farber with BIDMC, creating an interlocking campus and fostering a seamless patient experience. Joslin, which is part of Beth Israel Lahey Health and is world-renowned for its deep expertise in diabetes care, treatment and research, is in the process of relocating to BIDMC's East Campus and the Center for Life Sciences.
