Dana-Farber acquires Commonwealth Hematology-Oncology

Partnering for high-quality cancer care to communities in Eastern Massachusetts

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is extending its sophisticated cancer care model further into the community by including the Commonwealth Hematology-Oncology (CHO) physician practice in its growing network of care, effective July 1, 2014. The acquisition will provide convenient, high-quality oncology care to patients close to home, while also streamlining access to the latest treatments, clinical trials, and a wide range of other specialized services. The new entity will be named Dana-Farber Community Cancer Care, with locations throughout eastern Massachusetts.

CHO is currently the largest community-based cancer care program in New England. The eight CHO sites being purchased by Dana-Farber are located in Lawrence, Haverhill, Newburyport, Stoneham, Weymouth, Quincy, Dorchester, and Milton.

"We are committed to making Dana-Farber care and services accessible to a wider range of people," said Edward J. Benz, Jr., MD, president of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. "By joining with CHO, we can provide people with cancer and blood disorders the care they need most, when and where they need it."

Providing high-quality oncology and hematology care in Eastern Massachusetts for nearly two decades, CHO has been a consistent leader in setting standards for treatment. In 2010, CHO was one of only two physician practices in Massachusetts to become certified by the Quality Oncology Practice Initiative, a rigorous oncologist-led, practice based quality improvement program.

"CHO and Dana-Farber have a shared vision of a community network of cancer care. This transaction will have important benefits to patients – now they can continue receiving care from their local oncologists, knowing that their care is supported by the knowledge and resources of a major academic medical institution." said Michael J. Anderson, MD, president of CHO.

Approximately 140 CHO employees including physicians, nurses, nurse practitioners, administrative and corporate professionals will become Dana-Farber Community Cancer Care staff. Thirteen physicians will join the Dana-Farber medical staff, collaborating with Dana-Farber colleagues and participating in Dana-Farber conferences, tumor boards and research meetings.