Dana-Farber and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) are teaming up to build the future of cancer care. We know that cancer care is about more than treatment. It is also about being supported, informed, and cared for at every step. That is why Dana-Farber and BIDMC are working together to make care more connected and easier to navigate.
You, our patients and families, are at the center of every care decision. Your care team is here to support you, explain your options, answer your questions, and guide you every step of the way. As any changes happen, we will keep you informed on this page, during your visits, and through direct outreach from Dana-Farber.
What Does This Transition Mean for Patients?
Your cancer care at Dana-Farber is not changing. You will continue to see your Dana-Farber care team, have your clinic visits and cancer treatments at Dana-Farber, and contact your team the same way you always have.
If you need surgery, a hospital stay, or certain specialty services, you may receive that care at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC). Your Dana-Farber and BIDMC care teams will work closely together to make sure your care is connected and coordinated every step of the way.
For patients, families, doctors, physicians, and referring providers, this collaboration brings together leading expertise in clinical care, research, and operations to create a more connected cancer care experience. Dana-Farber's treatment centers remain at the center of each patient's care, coordinating any of the services needed.
You can explore our FAQs to learn more about the transition and what it means for your care.
How We're Moving to Our New Care Model
This change will happen step by step over the next few years, one treatment center at a time as Dana-Farber moves from our collaboration with Brigham and Women's Hospital (BWH) to BIDMC. This phased approach helps support patients, families, referring providers, and care teams throughout the transition.
What Changes When a Treatment Center Transitions?
Many parts of care will stay the same when a treatment center transitions. Patients continue to receive care in the same locations for:
- Medical oncology appointments
- Outpatient infusion treatments
- Outpatient pharmacy services
- Imaging services
- Radiation oncology care
Dana-Farber doctors will continue to lead your cancer care, and your Dana-Farber care team will remain your main point of contact. Some appointments or services may move from BWH to BIDMC. If that happens, your care team will explain what is changing and what you need to know and do. Care will continue to be closely coordinated across locations.
Why Dana-Farber Is Collaborating With BIDMC
Like Dana-Farber, BIDMC is a Harvard-affiliated teaching hospital with expert physicians and care teams. BIDMC shares Dana-Farber's goal of providing the best cancer care for patients and their families. Together, we aim to improve the patient and caregiver experience, expand access, and support scientific discovery.
This collaboration also helps Dana-Farber plan for the future of cancer care. That includes construction of the Lavine Bekenstein Cancer Hospital at Dana-Farber, a new dedicated adult inpatient cancer hospital, scheduled to open in the Longwood Medical Area in 2031.
