Clinical trials offer important treatment options for patients with cancer, but access remains limited. An estimated 17% to 20% of Americans live in rural areas, while only about 3% of oncologists practice there. Lack of awareness further reduces participation: more than 40% of Americans do not know clinical trials are an option.
“A clinical trial should be the first option for a patient fighting cancer,” said Hammonds. “In the past, many patients have had to travel to academic medical centers to participate in clinical trials. We’ve changed that by bringing trials into the community setting.”
Practices within The US Oncology Network, a group of independent community-based providers supported by McKesson, are partnering with Sarah Cannon Research Institute (SCRI) to expand patient access to innovative treatments through community-based clinical trials. By leveraging real-world data and evidence, these efforts aim to represent a broader range of patients in research, including individuals from underrepresented communities, and to better inform regulatory decisions about treatment outcomes and safety across populations.
Advances in technology are accelerating this work. Artificial intelligence and advanced information systems help community practices integrate clinical trials into routine care and enable physicians to offer the latest therapies and trial options. “When I trained in the early 2000s, less than 10 oncological drugs were approved each year,” said Dr. Shumway. “This year in 2025, we’re on pace to approve close to 50 new drugs. That explosion of new drugs is wonderful but trying to get that information out to the providers — especially when we’re seeing patients all day — is difficult.”
Ontada, a McKesson business focused on real-world oncology data, embeds evidence-based insights into the workflows of roughly 3,300 providers and updates content within 24 hours of changes to National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines. Ontada’s iKnowMed electronic health record integrates biomarker testing and real-time genomics to reduce time to diagnosis and treatment for complex cancers. Genospace, an AI-driven data platform, supports matching eligible patients with clinical trial options so they can access advanced therapies without leaving their communities.
Cancer care often requires a multidisciplinary team. Nurses, social workers, pharmacists, nutritionists and psychologists help patients navigate treatment and recovery alongside oncologists. “With more than half of cancer patients receiving care in community settings, partnering across The US Oncology Network, biopharma and the broader oncology ecosystem gives me hope,” said Hammonds. “Oncology today is a paradox — we’re seeing more breakthroughs than ever, but with that progress comes complexity and burden for practices. Together, we help community oncologists navigate these challenges by providing research opportunities, advanced technologies and the support they need to deliver care where patients live.”
McKesson works with local healthcare teams, advocacy groups and community leaders to address clinical and emotional needs, build trust and encourage participation in research. Those partnerships are intended to ensure patients feel supported and informed throughout their cancer journey.
McKesson and its partners provide community-based oncology practices and research sites with technology, clinical trial resources and education designed to improve access and elevate care. The objective is to make cutting-edge cancer treatment and research available where patients live by combining innovation, collaboration and a focus on access.
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