Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Lifespan Health System seek to form a partnership in Rhode Island

Shared goal to advance cancer care in the region

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Lifespan Health System have signed a letter of intent to enter into a partnership in Rhode Island. The goal of this innovative arrangement is to elevate the level of cancer treatment for patients seeking care at Lifespan-affiliated institutions, and to benefit both organizations’ clinical, teaching and research missions.

As envisioned, the partnership will provide a seamless system of care for patients needing treatment for rare and complex cancers. It will also facilitate access for Lifespan cancer patients to a broader array of clinical trials, and to emerging and novel cancer therapies.

"In addition to the specific benefits for appropriate patients, making clinical trials more widely available will also help hasten the development of new therapies," said Edward J. Benz, Jr., MD, president of Dana-Farber. "We are excited to begin developing a thoughtful and unique partnership with the superb system of caregivers and researchers at Lifespan."

"We share a deep interest in developing a top notch, patient-centered, cost effective and seamless cancer care delivery system for the region," said Timothy Babineau, MD, president and CEO of Lifespan. "I can’t think of a better partner to collaborate with than Dana-Farber."

As cancer treatment advances and patient outcomes improve, the institutions will gain considerable expertise in treating cancer as a chronic condition, with a focus on the special circumstances associated with cancer survivorship.

The Dana-Farber/Lifespan partnership will be supported, in part, by a similar electronic health record system (Epic platform) that will enhance the use of cancer care pathways, reduce clinical redundancies and facilitate patients’ participation in their care.