The inaugural Advancing Community Oncology Report from McKesson highlights key trends and opportunities in community-based cancer care. Released today, the report underscores McKesson’s strategic commitment to supporting oncology care ecosystems and enhancing patient access to innovative treatments through partnerships between biopharma and community oncology practices. It emphasizes the critical role community oncology plays in building a 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 directly from community practices on the front lines of cancer care and includes perspectives from key industry leaders on how biopharma can support providers in advancing cancer care for patients.
The findings are based on feedback from over 100 community oncologists, more than 100 practice administrators and staff, as well as contributions from physicians, clinicians, practice leaders, and industry experts gathered at McKesson’s inaugural Accelerate conference held in November 2025 in Las Vegas.
The report identifies several top opportunities to transform community oncology: accelerating adoption of novel and precision therapies, expanding access to community-based clinical trials, enhancing care to meet evolving patient needs, preparing practices for technology-driven care, and fostering collaboration through McKesson Accelerate.
Despite the delivery of 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—are cited as a top concern by 59% of physicians and 61% of administrators and staff. Payment and reimbursement issues pose the greatest hurdle to adopting novel therapies, reported by 62% of administrators and staff, while lack of time is the main concern for 54% of physicians. In clinical trial participation, 54% of physicians and 53% of administrators/staff identify a shortage of specialized staff as a primary barrier. Other prominent challenges include keeping pace with clinical innovation, limited technology, operating budget constraints, and restricted clinical trial participation.
Ben Jones, senior vice president of marketing and government relations at McKesson Oncology, highlights that community-based providers not only deliver care but also drive advocacy for policy reforms to expand access to high-quality cancer care.
Precision medicine is rapidly reshaping cancer treatment by enabling personalized approaches. A vast majority of respondents (95%) expect personalized medicine to significantly improve patient survival. More than 70% anticipate that innovative therapies such as chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell and gene therapies could supplant traditional treatments within the next decade. However, systemic barriers slow the adoption of these advancements, making collaboration essential to overcoming such challenges.
Expanding clinical trial participation remains a critical priority for advancing research and improving patient outcomes. While 93% of community physicians and administrators/staff recognize the positive impact of trials, 85% and 78%, respectively, report that access is easier in academic settings. Additionally, the patient population is evolving, with 76% of oncologists noting younger cancer diagnoses and increasing demand for long-term care. Rising patient volumes are also reported by 62% of respondents.
Respondents express a strong need for improved patient education, with 64% of physicians and 77% of administrators/staff emphasizing this requirement. There is also concern about the rapid integration of artificial intelligence into healthcare systems, including electronic medical records and prior authorization processes. Only 2% of physicians and 6% of administrators/staff feel fully prepared for future technological changes, but the report stresses that emerging technologies will complement, not replace, the human touch integral to community oncology.
The report concludes that oncology is becoming more interconnected and complex. Success depends on effectively linking research, data, and clinical delivery to ensure that innovative treatments reach every patient who can benefit.
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