Hundreds of patients in southern New Hampshire will now have convenient access to comprehensive cancer treatment and oncology services. Dartmouth Cancer Center (DCC) has officially opened its new radiation oncology facility located at Dartmouth Hitchcock Clinics, 100 Hitchcock Way in Manchester, NH. A ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by Dartmouth Health CEO and president Joanne M. Conroy, MD, DCC director Steven D. Leach, MD, Manchester Mayor Jay Ruais, and other leaders in attendance marked the opening.
This significant expansion brings all three primary cancer treatments—surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy—to patients locally, a major step forward in expanding care for the region. Previously, patients often had to travel long distances for radiation therapy. Now, patients can see their oncologists, get test results from the in-house lab, and receive all their primary cancer treatment modalities in one convenient location.
The new, dedicated 6,750-square-foot space provides the same high level of comprehensive care available in Lebanon to the greater Manchester area. This multi-million-dollar investment by Dartmouth Health aims to significantly improve access and coordination of care for patients in southern New Hampshire.
“Radiation therapy is often needed several days a week, for several weeks,” said Charles R. Thomas Jr., MD, chair of the department of radiation oncology and applied sciences at DCC. “Being able to offer this level of care in southern New Hampshire means hundreds more patients won’t have to drive long distances while managing logistics, finances, fatigue and other side effects. They can stay close to home, stay connected to loved ones, and still receive the same evidence-based treatment protocols you’d find at major academic centers.”
DCC is one of only 57 National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers in the United States. Research shows that receiving care at an NCI-designated cancer center can improve outcomes by up to 25%.
Teamwork to enhance patient care
The expansion project, a partnership with Wise Construction, includes a brand-new linear accelerator (LINAC) vault (the machines that deliver radiation therapy), a CT imaging suite, and multiple exam and support spaces, enabling more patients to receive high-quality treatment close to home.
The construction itself was a testament to careful planning and collaboration. The new structure was tightly integrated with the existing facility, backing directly onto active pediatric suites and a seven-day-a-week urgent appointments department. Wise Construction worked around the clock, scheduling utility tie-ins during overnight hours and making daily adjustments to avoid interrupting patient care.
Even with the addition of a full second floor midway through the project, the team made clever adjustments to maintain the original delivery schedule. “Everyone was committed to making it work. That sense of collective ownership was a huge reason why this project was so successful,” said Senior Project Manager at Wise Construction, Noreen McDonnell.
Benefits for patients and families
This expansion means more than just a new building; it means less stress and a more manageable treatment journey for patients and their loved ones. Benefits of receiving radiation therapy close to home include:
- High-quality, personalized care: Patients will receive individualized treatment plans from experienced professionals using advanced technology at an NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center.
- Convenience and accessibility: Daily radiation therapy sessions are now easier to get to, minimizing travel time and allowing patients to maintain their routines.
- Emotional and social support: Staying close to home reduces disruption to daily life and enables patients to remain connected with their support networks. DCC also offers complementary care programs for patients and their care partners.
- Financial and practical benefits: Reduced travel for appointments means lower costs associated with transportation, parking, lodging, and meals, and allows patients to start treatment quickly.
“With more than half of all cancer patients receiving radiation therapy as part of their treatment, this new center dramatically expands access to comprehensive cancer care in the greater Manchester region,” said Deborah F. Scribner, vice president of oncology services at DCC. “We’re proud to bring world-class oncology expertise and multiple treatment options under one roof, closer to where people live. It’s part of Dartmouth Health’s commitment to meet patients where they are with the highest standard of care.”
DCC now officially expands its services to nine LINACs, increasing access to life-changing cancer treatment and reinforcing its commitment to providing world-class cancer care close to home and building lasting trust with the community it serves.