McKesson has released its inaugural Advancing Community Oncology Report, highlighting key trends and opportunities in community-based cancer care. The report reflects McKesson’s strategic emphasis on enhancing support for oncology care ecosystems and accelerating patient access to innovative treatments through collaborations between biopharma companies and community oncology practices. It emphasizes the critical role of community oncology in creating a more sustainable future for cancer care.
Jason Hammonds, president of oncology and multispecialty at McKesson, stated that the company aims to bridge the gap between scientific breakthroughs and everyday oncology care. The report provides insights from community practices on the front lines of cancer care and the role biopharma can play in supporting providers to advance cancer treatment for patients.
The report is based on feedback from over 100 community oncologists, more than 100 practice administrators and staff, and input from physicians, clinicians, practice leaders, and industry experts gathered during McKesson’s inaugural Accelerate conference held in November 2025 in Las Vegas.
Key opportunities identified to shape the future of community oncology include accelerating the adoption of novel and precision therapies, expanding access to community-based clinical trials, enhancing care to meet evolving patient needs, preparing community practices for technology-driven care, and promoting collaboration and innovation through McKesson Accelerate.
Despite delivering high-quality, patient-centered care that allows patients to maintain daily routines, community practices face significant operational challenges. Administrative burdens such as prior authorization, coding, billing, and revenue cycle management were cited as top concerns by 59% of physicians and 61% of administrators and staff. Payment and reimbursement challenges (62%) and lack of time (54%) were major barriers to adopting novel therapies. For clinical trial participation, lack of specialized staff was a key concern for 54% of physicians and 53% of administrators and staff. Other significant issues include keeping pace with clinical innovation (78% of physicians), inadequate technology, constrained operating budgets, and limited ability to participate in clinical trials.
Ben Jones, senior vice president of marketing and government relations for oncology and multispecialty at McKesson, emphasized that community providers are not only delivering care but also shaping its future through clinical experience and advocacy for legislative and regulatory reforms that expand access to quality cancer care.
Precision medicine is rapidly transforming cancer treatment through personalized care. An overwhelming 95% of survey respondents expect personalized medicine to significantly improve patient survival. More than 70% foresee innovative therapies such as CAR T-cell and gene therapies replacing traditional methods within the next decade. However, systemic barriers hamper the adoption of these innovations, underscoring the need for collaboration to bridge these gaps.
Expanding clinical trial participation is pivotal for both advancing research and improving patient outcomes. While 93% of physicians and administrators recognize the positive impact of clinical trials on outcomes, 85% of physicians and 78% of administrators acknowledge that access remains easier in academic settings. The patient population is evolving: 76% of oncologists reported younger age at diagnosis and an increased need for long-term care, while 62% noted rising patient volumes.
These changes drive a demand for improved patient education, cited by 64% of physicians and 77% of administrators and staff. There is also concern about the rapid integration of artificial intelligence into systems such as electronic medical records and prior authorizations. Only 2% of physicians and 6% of administrators feel fully prepared for upcoming changes. The report stresses that emerging technologies will support rather than replace the human connection central to community oncology.
The report concludes that oncology has become more interconnected and complex, and progress depends on effectively linking research, data, and clinical delivery to ensure innovations reach all patients who can benefit.
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