(Boston, July 9, 2026)—Today, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute announced its intent to file an application for a Determination of Need (DON) with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) to reestablish a radiation oncology clinic on the Dana-Farber license, in partnership with Merrimack Health, on the Merrimack Health Methuen Hospital campus. The previous radiation oncology center at Methuen Hospital closed in October 2025, following disruptions related to the Steward Healthcare bankruptcy. Reopening it would expand access to radiation oncology services for patients in the greater Merrimack Valley region.
For many cancers, radiation oncology plays a critical role in improving disease control, reducing symptoms, and enhancing treatment outcomes. If approved, the clinic will serve patients receiving care from the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute - Merrimack Valley team, as well as patients referred by other oncology providers in the region.
The proposed clinic would be a Dana-Farber licensed site, operated by Dana-Farber physicians and staff. Dana-Farber and Merrimack Health plan to revitalize the Radiation Oncology clinic, including upgrading equipment and improving the space.
“Reestablishing a Dana-Farber radiation oncology clinic at Merrimack Health Methuen Hospital, in partnership with Merrimack Health, would help ensure that patients have access to life-saving radiation treatment where they need it most — close to home and within their own community,” said Peter Orio, DO, MS, Chair of the Department of Radiation Oncology at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. “We look forward to discussing this proposal with the Department of Public Health and highlighting the opportunity to improve access, reduce travel burdens, and better serve patients and families across the Merrimack Valley region.”
“Partnering with world-renowned Dana-Farber Cancer Institute to restore these critical cancer care services is another example of our commitment to putting patients first as we work to expand access to high-quality care across the region,” said Diana Richardson, president and CEO, Merrimack Health. “This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to addressing important health care priorities in the communities we serve and ensuring patients have access to the services they need close to home.”
The DON process, overseen by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, is a framework for analysis to promote population health and increased public health value.
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About Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is one of the world’s leading centers of cancer research and treatment. Dana-Farber’s mission is to reduce the burden of cancer through scientific inquiry, clinical care, education, community engagement and advocacy. Dana-Farber is a federally designated Comprehensive Cancer Center and a teaching affiliate of Harvard Medical School.
Dana-Farber is the only hospital nationwide with a top 3
U.S. News & World Report Best Cancer Hospital ranking in both adult and pediatric care.
As a global leader in oncology, Dana-Farber is dedicated to a unique and equal balance between cancer research and care, translating the results of discovery into new treatments for patients locally and around the world, offering more than 1,200 clinical trials.
About Merrimack Health
Merrimack Health is the region’s first integrated health care system serving the Merrimack Valley, prioritizing care and services based on the needs of its patients and supporting those who deliver the expert care. Serving communities across Massachusetts and Southern New Hampshire, Merrimack Health includes hospitals in Lawrence, Haverhill, and Methuen, as well as a network of community-based physician practices. A recognized leader in heart care and stroke treatment, maternal and child health, orthopedics, surgical care, trauma and emergency services, behavioral health and outpatient programs, Merrimack Health delivers trusted, compassionate care close to home.
Media contacts:
Erica Hinsley
Erica_hinsley@dfci.harvard.edu
Lori Howley
Lori.Howley@MerrimackHealth.org