A New Era in Cancer Care: Construction Process Begins for Dana-Farber’s New Hospital

Deconstruction of Former Joslin Diabetes Center Building Marks the First Step Toward a 300-Bed Inpatient Cancer Hospital

BOSTON – Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) reached a major milestone in their Cancer Collaboration, officially initiating the construction process for the region’s only dedicated adult inpatient cancer hospital. Work begins with the deconstruction of the former Joslin Diabetes Center building at One Joslin Place — marking the first step toward a next-generation facility designed to transform cancer care.

Over the past two years, Joslin Diabetes Center relocated its clinics, clinical research center, and research laboratories to sites on BIDMC’s East Campus and the Center for Life Science to enable deconstruction of its former building.

The new 300-bed cancer hospital, first announced in September 2023, will deliver more specialized care and improved outcomes for patients. Spanning 450,000 square feet across 10 inpatient floors, the facility is designed to provide a seamless, oncology-focused patient experience. Built to evolve with rapid advances in cancer treatment, the hospital will expand capacity, address the growing incidence of cancer, and ensure timely access to world-class care. Construction will continue through the hospital’s planned opening in 2031.

“Kicking off this construction process is a tremendous step forward in the Dana-Farber Beth Israel Deaconess Cancer Collaboration as we transform the future of cancer care in the region,” said Pete Healy, president, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and divisional president, Metro Boston, Beth Israel Lahey Health. “Our teams will continue working closely together in the months ahead to ensure our surrounding community, patients, staff, and visitors to the Longwood Medical Area are kept updated on any impacts.”

“This moment brings us closer to a new inpatient cancer hospital that will enable us to continue setting the standard for cancer care here in Boston and around the world,” said Dr. William C. Hahn, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating and Transformation Officer at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. “We are proud to partner with Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and its world class clinical teams. We are united by a shared commitment to delivering highly specialized, compassionate oncology care.”

The facility, situated in the Longwood Medical Area, will offer an enhanced patient experience designed exclusively around the needs of oncology patients. Supported by a clinical collaboration among Dana-Farber, BIDMC, and Harvard Medical Faculty Physicians (HMFP), BIDMC’s affiliated physician organization, the interlocking campus will connect Dana-Farber and BIDMC — enabling integrated, multidisciplinary care across the full continuum of the patient journey.

Visit our construction updates page to learn about our progress.