Dana-Farber Proposes Joint Radiation Oncology Clinic, in Partnership with Merrimack Health, Offering Leading Edge Treatment to Patients in the Greater Merrimack Valley

Radiation oncology improves disease control, reduces symptoms, and enhances treatment outcomes for many cancer types

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.