Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
One of the most recognized oncology institutions in the USA, affiliated with Harvard Medical School. Adults are treated at Dana-Farber; children at Boston Children's Hospital — a separate partner institution in the same Longwood Medical Area ecosystem.
First contact
International Patient Center — email or phone +1-617-632-4916. You can submit an inquiry without a referral (acceptance depends on case review). Typically required: summary records, imaging and pathology results; the center will indicate next steps.
Center websiteAbout the center
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is one of 51 NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers in the USA and a leading oncology institute affiliated with Harvard Medical School. Strong academic ties support participation in clinical trials and adoption of new therapies. Adults are treated at Dana-Farber; children at Boston Children's Hospital — a separate partner institution (collaboration within the Harvard system). Both operate in Longwood Medical Area.
Location
Boston, Massachusetts
Longwood district in Boston — next to Brigham and Women's Hospital and other Harvard-affiliated sites. Logan airport (BOS) — about 20–30 minutes by taxi. Boston is a compact academic city with good air links from Europe (direct from London, Paris, Frankfurt).
Why patients choose this center
- ✓Harvard Medical School affiliation — strong academic and research position.
- ✓Global leader in hematology: leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma.
- ✓Pediatric oncology in a partner network with Boston Children's Hospital (separate institution).
- ✓International Patient Center — coordination of records and visits for international patients.
- ✓Boston — compact academic city with good infrastructure and air connections.
Specializations
Breast cancer, hematology (leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma), immunotherapy, bone marrow transplants; pediatric oncology in a partner network with Boston Children's Hospital.
- Medical and surgical oncology
- Radiotherapy delivered within the Harvard-affiliated hospital partner system
- Bone marrow and stem cell transplants
- Immunotherapy and targeted therapy
- Pediatric oncology (Boston Children's Hospital — partner institution)
Clinical trials
Dana-Farber runs over 300 active clinical trials (the number changes over time) in Phases I–IV. Particularly strong in hematology and pediatric cancers. Check our radar — many Boston protocols are listed there. Check the clinical trials radar →
International patient program
International Patient Center coordinates international intake: record review, visit planning, cost estimates. You can submit an inquiry without a referral — this does not guarantee acceptance. Response to inquiry: usually a few business days (about 5–10), but timing may vary.
Documents to prepare
- •Medical summary in English
- •Pathology report
- •Imaging results (reports + CD/DICOM if available)
- •Medication and therapy list
- •Blood test results
Costs and insurance
Paid treatment — individual estimate after case review; therapy costs are comparable to other leading US centers. Dana-Farber works with selected international insurers. Cost of living (especially accommodation) in Boston is often lower than in New York City. Grants database →
Typical timeline
Record review: usually a few business days (about 5–10). First visit: 2–4 weeks. Treatment plan: often within the first week.
Accommodation
Longwood Medical Area has hotels and apartments nearby. Dana-Farber publishes accommodation recommendations. Boston also has good transit — you can stay further out and take the Green Line metro. Accommodation in the USA →
Languages
Practical tips
- 💡If treating a child — ask about coordination between Dana-Farber and Boston Children's (a separate partner institution).
- 💡Boston winters are cold — plan appropriate clothing for a longer stay.
- 💡Green Line metro connects Longwood to downtown — buy a CharlieCard for longer stays.
- 💡Logan airport has direct flights from Europe — convenient connection from Poland via hubs.
The data in the directory is informational and may change. Before making any decisions, always verify current information directly with the center. This is not medical advice.