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Merrimack Health Methuen Hospital says it will bring radiation cancer treatment back to its Methuen campus if the state allows.
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute said Thursday it plans to file a Determination of Need application with the state Department of Public Health to reestablish a radiation oncology clinic.
Officials said the previous radiation oncology center at Methuen Hospital closed in October 2025, following “disruptions related to the Steward Healthcare bankruptcy.” They said reopening it would expand access to radiation oncology services for patients in the Merrimack Valley region. It would be operated by Dana-Farber physicians and staff and revitalize the Radiation Oncology clinic, including upgrading equipment and improving the space.
“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 of 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.”
For many cancers, they said, 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.
“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, chair of the Department of Radiation Oncology at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.