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The European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Annual Congress 2025, held in Berlin, highlighted significant advancements in oncology, emphasizing the integration of technology and biology. Key themes included the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in clinical workflows, expansion of targeted therapies to earlier disease stages, and innovations in immuno-oncology beyond checkpoint inhibitors.
Artificial intelligence has progressed from a conceptual tool to practical application in oncology. Sessions demonstrated how AI-based imaging biomarkers are transforming radiology and pathology, with platforms like Google’s Med-Gemini and Alpaca showing high accuracy in whole-slide imaging. Spatial models such as SMMILe enable detailed interpretation of tumor microenvironments. However, challenges remain in digitizing pathology labs, with only about 5% of Swiss labs fully digital, reflecting broader European trends. Upgrading infrastructure involves significant costs, estimated at €5 million per site. Emerging AI agents aim to integrate imaging, genomics, and clinical data into unified decision-making tools. The CREATE study, conducted by Qure.ai and AstraZeneca, showcased an AI-driven chest X-ray tool identifying 96% of lung cancer cases, including early-stage disease in non-smokers, signaling AI’s potential to democratize precision oncology.
Antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs) continue to revolutionize cancer treatment, moving from metastatic settings into early disease. AstraZeneca’s DESTINY-Breast05 and DESTINY-Breast11 trials demonstrated that trastuzumab deruxtecan (T-DXd) achieved pathologic complete response rates near 67% in high-risk HER2-positive early breast cancer and showed superior invasive disease-free survival compared to trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1). Safety concerns include interstitial lung disease occurring in about 9.6% of patients, mostly mild and reversible, with low cardiac toxicity. Debates continue on optimal sequencing, with a general preference for post-operative administration following neoadjuvant therapy. ADCs are also reshaping bladder cancer treatment, as evidenced by KEYNOTE-905 results showing significant benefits of perioperative enfortumab vedotin combined with pembrolizumab in cisplatin-ineligible muscle-invasive disease, marking a shift toward curative intent.
Immunotherapy is evolving beyond PD-1 checkpoint inhibition, addressing resistance through novel approaches. Arenavirus-based immunotherapy ABX-001 from Abalos Therapeutics activates systemic immunity and is entering first-in-human trials after promising preclinical complete remissions. CatalYm’s visugromab, a GDF-15 blocker, restored PD-1 inhibitor sensitivity in refractory tumors, delivering durable responses over 32 months in non-small cell lung and urothelial cancers, while also mitigating cancer cachexia. Simcha Therapeutics introduced ST-067, a decoy-resistant IL-18, enhancing bispecific T-cell engager efficacy. Oncolytic virus therapy combining BT-001 with pembrolizumab demonstrated tumor shrinkage in injected and distant lesions, reinforcing the potential of multifunctional viral platforms. The future of immunotherapy will focus on combination strategies and novel immune modulators to overcome resistance.
Radioligand and alpha therapies also featured prominently. AdvanCell’s ADVC001, a PSMA-targeted Lead-212-based alpha therapy, showed encouraging safety and efficacy in metastatic prostate cancer, marking the first clinical validation of this approach. Novartis’ Pluvicto expanded into hormone-sensitive disease, reducing progression risk by 28% when added to standard treatment. These advances highlight the increasing role of targeted radiotherapy in earlier treatment lines, offering potent, localized cytotoxicity with manageable toxicities.
Targeting cancer metabolism emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy. Faeth Therapeutics’ Phase 2 DICE trial in platinum-resistant ovarian cancer showed a 34% reduction in progression risk and 45% extension in progression-free survival when combining sapanisertib with paclitaxel. This multi-node inhibitor targets PI3K, mTORC1, and mTORC2, addressing metabolic plasticity associated with resistance. Metabolic targeting is poised to become a foundational pillar alongside immunotherapy and ADCs, especially in tumors linked to obesity and metabolic disorders.
Precision oncology advanced with circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) guiding treatment decisions. The DYNAMIC-III trial in stage III colon cancer and IMvigor011 in urothelial cancer validated ctDNA as a prognostic marker for minimal residual disease. Patients negative for ctDNA after surgery achieved favorable outcomes without intensive chemotherapy, reducing toxicity and healthcare costs. This approach signals a shift toward molecularly informed adjuvant therapy.
Emerging targets at ESMO 2025 included KRAS G12D inhibition with Incyte’s INCB161734, showing overall response rates up to 34% in heavily pretreated pancreatic cancer. Bispecific antibodies like INCA33890, targeting TGFβR2 and PD-1, achieved responses in microsatellite stable colorectal cancer, traditionally resistant to immunotherapy. Next-generation ADCs from Tubulis demonstrated a 59% overall response rate in platinum-resistant ovarian cancer without biomarker selection, validating NaPi2b as a novel target.
Pharmaceutical companies highlighted robust pipelines. AstraZeneca expanded its ADC portfolio with TROPION-Breast02 in triple-negative breast cancer and strengthened HER2 programs. Ipsen acquired ImCheck Therapeutics for €350 million, focusing on BTN3A-targeted immunotherapy in acute myeloid leukemia. Arcus reported a median overall survival of 26.7 months with domvanalimab plus zimberelimab in gastric cancer, supporting TIGIT as a next-generation checkpoint target. Merck, Exelixis, and others advanced ADCs, kinase inhibitors, and immuno-oncology combinations addressing critical needs.
ESMO 2025 underscored three key imperatives for oncology’s future: integrating technology and biology through AI and multi-omics; diversifying therapeutic modalities beyond chemotherapy and checkpoint inhibitors to include ADCs, radioligands, metabolic inhibitors, and novel immune modulators; and scaling personalization through ctDNA-guided strategies and biomarker-driven trials to match treatment intensity with individual risk.
As these innovations transition from research to clinical practice, challenges remain in implementation, ensuring access, affordability, and equity. The congress conveyed a clear message: the future of cancer care will be targeted, integrated, intelligent, and transformative.
A new study published in the American Journal of Public Health reveals that independent community oncology practices significantly reduce financial toxicity experienced by cancer patients compared to those treated in hospital outpatient settings.
Led by Lucio Gordan, MD, president and managing physician of Florida Cancer Specialists and Research Institute (FCS), the study analyzed real-world claims data to compare costs associated with cancer care in different settings. Financial toxicity refers to the economic burden of cancer treatment on patients and their families that negatively impacts their wellbeing.
The research found that the mean monthly cost of care in community oncology clinics was 24% lower than in hospital outpatient settings, with average costs of $12,548 versus $16,555 respectively. When focusing on branded chemotherapy, costs were 39% lower in community oncology at $6,674 compared to $10,900 in hospital-based clinics.
The cost differences are largely driven by lower drug markups, reduced facility fees, and more efficient care delivery in independent community practices. These factors contribute to significantly lower out-of-pocket expenses for patients. The study also notes that many health plans, including Medicare, do not cap out-of-pocket costs for infused drugs, further emphasizing the financial impact of drug markups in hospital settings.
“These findings reinforce what many of us in community oncology have long observed,” said Gordan. “Patients benefit not only from compassionate, personalized care close to home, but also from dramatically lower financial strain during one of the most difficult periods of their lives.”
Ted Okon, executive director of the Community Oncology Alliance (COA), which represents independent community practices, stated, “This new data reaffirms what COA has championed for years—that community oncology is the backbone of cancer care in this country, delivering better value and outcomes for patients. As policymakers and stakeholders evaluate solutions to rising cancer costs, it is critical that we do everything we can to support and strengthen the independent community oncology system.”
Independent community oncology practices significantly reduce financial toxicity for cancer patients compared to hospital outpatient settings, according to a study published in the American Journal of Public Health. The study, led by Dr. Lucio Gordan, president and managing physician of Florida Cancer Specialists and Research Institute (FCS), analyzed real-world claims data to assess cost differences between care settings.
Financial toxicity, a term coined around 2013 with the rise of immunotherapy, refers to the economic burden of cancer care on patients and their families that negatively impacts their wellbeing.
The study, titled “The Role of Utilizing Community Oncology Care To Decrease Cancer-Related Financial Toxicity,” found that the mean monthly cost of care for patients treated in community oncology clinics was 24% lower than those treated in hospital outpatient settings—$12,548 versus $16,555. When focusing on branded chemotherapy, costs were 39% lower in community oncology, averaging $6,674 compared to $10,900 in hospital-based clinics.
Dr. Gordan stated that these findings confirm observations in community oncology: patients benefit from compassionate, personalized care close to home while incurring significantly less financial strain during treatment.
The research highlights the disproportionate impact of drug markups and facility fees on total care costs in hospital-based oncology departments. These higher charges directly affect patient out-of-pocket expenses due to health plan structures, including Medicare. Notably, Medicare’s $2,000 out-of-pocket cap applies only to Part D prescription drugs, not infused drugs covered under medical benefits.
Ted Okon, executive director of the Community Oncology Alliance (COA), emphasized that the data supports COA’s long-standing position that community oncology forms the backbone of cancer care in the United States, delivering better value and outcomes. Okon urged policymakers and stakeholders to prioritize support for independent community oncology to address rising cancer care costs effectively.
The European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Annual Congress 2025 in Berlin highlighted significant advancements in oncology, reflecting a growing integration of technology and biology. This year’s event showcased the evolving landscape where artificial intelligence (AI) meets immunotherapy, and precision medicine blends with novel drug modalities.
Key themes included the integration of AI into clinical workflows, the expansion of targeted therapies into earlier treatment stages, and innovations in immuno-oncology beyond checkpoint inhibitors. The congress underscored a field rapidly shifting toward personalization, data-driven decision-making, and the pursuit of lasting outcomes.
Artificial intelligence is transitioning from a theoretical concept to a practical tool in oncology. Presentations highlighted AI-based imaging biomarkers revolutionizing radiology and pathology. Technologies such as Google’s Med-Gemini and Alpaca demonstrated high accuracy in whole-slide imaging, while models like SMMILe advanced the interpretation of tumor microenvironments. However, implementation challenges persist, with only about 5% of pathology labs in Switzerland—and similar rates across Europe—fully digitized. The high costs of upgrading laboratory systems remain a significant barrier. Despite this, AI agents for multi-omic modeling and computational companion diagnostics are emerging, with studies like CREATE demonstrating the potential to integrate imaging, genomics, and clinical data into cohesive decision-making frameworks. An AI-driven chest X-ray tool achieved 96% lung cancer detection, including early-stage cases among non-smokers, suggesting AI’s promise in expanding precision oncology access, especially in resource-limited settings.
Antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs) continued their evolution, moving from metastatic to early-stage disease treatment. AstraZeneca’s DESTINY-Breast05 and DESTINY-Breast11 trials revealed trastuzumab deruxtecan (T-DXd) delivering high efficacy in high-risk HER2-positive early breast cancer, with pathologic complete response rates nearing 67% and favorable invasive disease-free survival compared to trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1). Safety concerns centered on interstitial lung disease, occurring in about 9.6% of patients but mostly mild and reversible, while cardiac toxicity remained low. Ongoing discussions focus on the optimal sequencing of T-DXd, particularly its use before or after surgery. ADCs also showed promise in bladder cancer, with the KEYNOTE-905 study reporting significant benefits for perioperative enfortumab vedotin plus pembrolizumab in cisplatin-ineligible muscle-invasive disease. These developments indicate a shift of ADCs from salvage treatments to potentially curative therapies across cancer types.
Immunotherapy beyond PD-1 inhibitors addressed resistance challenges with innovative approaches. Arenavirus-based immunotherapy (Abalos Therapeutics) demonstrated complete remissions in preclinical models and is approaching first-in-human trials. GDF-15 blockade using visugromab (CatalYm) restored PD-1 inhibitor sensitivity in refractory tumors and alleviated cancer cachexia, showing durable responses in non-small cell lung and urothelial cancers. Decoy-resistant IL-18 agonists (Simcha Therapeutics) enhanced bispecific T-cell engager efficacy, targeting inherent T-cell limitations. Oncolytic virus therapies (Transgene/BioInvent) combined with pembrolizumab induced tumor regression in both local and distant sites. These strategies highlight a new phase in immuno-oncology focused on combination treatments and novel immune modulators to overcome resistance and broaden patient benefit.
Radioligand and alpha therapies also featured prominently, with AdvanCell’s Lead-212-based PSMA-targeted alpha therapy (ADVC001) showing encouraging safety and efficacy in metastatic prostate cancer—the first clinical validation of this approach. Novartis’ Pluvicto expanded into hormone-sensitive prostate cancer, reducing progression risk by 28% when added to standard care. These innovations demonstrate targeted radiotherapy’s growing role in earlier lines, offering potent local cytotoxicity with manageable toxicities.
Metabolic targeting emerged as a promising therapeutic approach. Faeth Therapeutics’ Phase 2 DICE trial revealed that sapanisertib combined with paclitaxel reduced progression risk by 34% and extended progression-free survival by 45% in platinum-resistant ovarian cancer. The drug’s multi-node inhibition of PI3K, mTORC1, and mTORC2 addresses metabolic plasticity, a major driver of resistance. This approach suggests metabolic targeting may become a fundamental pillar alongside immunotherapy and ADCs, especially in tumors linked to obesity and metabolic disorders.
Precision oncology advanced with the growing use of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) to guide treatment. Trials including DYNAMIC-III in stage III colon cancer and IMvigor011 in urothelial cancer confirmed ctDNA’s value as a prognostic biomarker and a tool to de-escalate therapy, enabling patients with negative post-surgery ctDNA to avoid intensive chemotherapy without compromising outcomes. This molecularly guided approach signals a shift toward personalized adjuvant treatment, aligning intervention intensity with individual risk.
New targets and modalities gained attention, including KRAS G12D inhibition by Incyte’s INCB161734, which achieved overall response rates of up to 34% in heavily pretreated pancreatic cancer—a notable breakthrough for this historically elusive mutation. Bispecific antibodies such as INCA33890 targeting TGFβR2 and PD-1 showed activity in microsatellite stable colorectal cancer, a group traditionally resistant to immunotherapy. Next-generation ADCs from Tubulis demonstrated a 59% response rate in platinum-resistant ovarian cancer without biomarker selection, validating new targets and technology platforms.
Large pharmaceutical and biotech companies showcased robust pipelines. AstraZeneca expanded its ADC portfolio, including approaches for triple-negative breast cancer, and strengthened its HER2 strategies. Ipsen acquired ImCheck Therapeutics for €350 million, focusing on BTN3A-targeted immunotherapy in acute myeloid leukemia. Arcus reported a median overall survival of 26.7 months with domvanalimab plus zimberelimab in gastric cancer, supporting TIGIT as a next-generation checkpoint target. Merck, Exelixis, and others advanced ADCs, kinase inhibitors, and immuno-oncology combinations addressing unmet needs.
ESMO 2025 underscored three key imperatives for the future of oncology: the integration of technology and biology, with AI and multi-omics guiding decision-making; diversification of therapeutic modalities beyond chemotherapy and checkpoint inhibition to include ADCs, radioligands, metabolic inhibitors, and immune modulators; and personalization at scale, using ctDNA and biomarkers to tailor treatment intensity, improve outcomes, and reduce toxicity and cost.
As these innovations transition from research to clinical practice, challenges remain in implementation, access, affordability, and equity. For clinicians, regulators, and industry, the message from Berlin is clear: the future of cancer care is targeted, integrated, intelligent, and transformative.
UnityPoint Health has appointed two new leaders to oversee its oncology services as part of its efforts to expand access to cancer care across Iowa.
Greg Kennedy has been named chief medical officer for oncology services. In this role, Kennedy will lead clinical strategy, quality improvement, and the integration of cancer care across UnityPoint’s network, focusing on enhancing patient outcomes and access to advanced treatments.
MarCia Ekworomadu will serve as vice president of operations for oncology. She will manage day-to-day operations, drive growth, and coordinate services to provide a smoother experience for patients and their families.
These appointments support UnityPoint Health’s broader initiative to meet the increasing demand for integrated cancer care by uniting surgery, medical oncology, radiation oncology, and supportive services into a more cohesive system.
Alpha-9 Oncology, a clinical-stage radiotherapeutic company, has initiated dosing in a Phase 1 study evaluating A9-3408, a novel Actinium-225-based radiotherapeutic targeting the melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) for treating melanoma. This multi-center, open-label trial will assess the safety, dosimetry, and dose escalation of A9-3408 in patients with MC1R-positive melanoma who have progressed on standard therapies.
The study builds on the company’s prior progress with A9-3202, a Gallium-68-based imaging agent introduced last year to assess MC1R expression and select suitable patients for the A9-3408 therapeutic trial.
Paul Blanchfield, Chief Executive Officer of Alpha-9 Oncology, stated that dosing the first patient with the MC1R radiotherapeutic marks a significant milestone and validates the company’s internal research and development platform. He expressed optimism about advancing additional therapeutics through clinical development to provide new treatment options for cancer patients.
Robert Meehan, M.D., recently appointed Chief Medical Officer at Alpha-9 Oncology, highlighted MC1R as a promising target due to its high expression in melanoma and limited presence in healthy tissues. He noted that despite progress in immunotherapy, there remains a critical need for new treatments for patients who have progressed on standard care. In the A9-3202 imaging study, 92% of patients showed strong MC1R expression following immunotherapy progression, underscoring the potential of this program.
Dr. Meehan brings extensive experience in biopharma and biotechnology, with a background in hematology and oncology and expertise in all phases of drug development. Prior to joining Alpha-9, he held senior clinical leadership roles at Dragonfly Therapeutics, Moderna, and the National Cancer Institute.
Alpha-9’s platform focuses on designing molecules that optimize binders, linkers, and chelators to enhance tumor uptake and retention of radiotherapeutics while minimizing off-target effects. The advancement of the MC1R program exemplifies the company’s ability to develop targeted, precision oncology treatments.
Alpha-9 Oncology is dedicated to developing a pipeline of novel radiotherapeutics that selectively deliver tumor-killing radiation with limited off-target effects, aiming to improve outcomes for cancer patients.
For more information, visit www.a9oncology.com.
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network® (NCCN®), an alliance of leading cancer centers that publishes free, evidence-based guidelines for cancer prevention and care, has appointed Renuka Iyer, MD, as its new Chief Medical Officer (CMO).
Dr. Iyer brings extensive experience in oncology leadership and innovation. She currently serves as Professor of Oncology at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, one of NCCN’s member institutions, and holds positions as Section Chief of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Vice Chair of Faculty Affairs in Roswell Park’s Department of Medicine, and Medical Director for Medical Oncology across the Roswell Park Care Network. She is also a Professor of Medicine at the Jacobs School of Medicine at the University of Buffalo.
Dr. Iyer completed her fellowship in medical oncology at Roswell Park, earned her medical degree from Grant Medical College at the University of Mumbai, and completed her residency at Cornell University School of Medicine. She is board certified in internal medicine and oncology and has received awards from the North American Neuroendocrine Tumor Society, The Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation, and the American Cancer Society. Her research focuses on novel therapies for rare cancers, immunotherapy, biomarkers, and quality of life and includes hundreds of peer-reviewed publications.
“Renuka is the perfect person to take on this important role impacting cancer treatment and outcomes worldwide,” said Crystal S. Denlinger, MD, NCCN Chief Executive Officer. “She has demonstrated a strong commitment to advancing research and improving care, contributing significantly to NCCN’s mission. We look forward to her leadership in enhancing access to high-quality, patient-centered cancer care.”
Dr. Iyer has been a member of the NCCN Guidelines Steering Committee since 2023, providing strategic oversight for the Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology, including panel assignments and future program direction. She has served as a panelist for guidelines on Occult Primary Cancer and Hepatobiliary Cancer and contributed to other professional organization guidelines.
As CMO, Dr. Iyer will assume clinical leadership of the NCCN Guidelines program, which encompasses 90 guidelines covering most cancer types, prevention, screening, and supportive care. The guidelines are updated regularly and available in multiple formats, including the interactive NCCN Guidelines Navigator™. She will also oversee related point-of-care resources, the NCCN Continuing Education department, the Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (JNCCN), and participate in global and policy initiatives.
“I am honored to assume this role and excited to contribute to NCCN during a time of significant updates and innovation,” said Dr. Iyer. “After 21 years in academic oncology, I am eager to advance high-quality cancer care and support the NCCN mission.”
Dr. Renuka Iyer will begin her role as NCCN Chief Medical Officer on February 26, 2026.
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.
Independent community oncology practices significantly reduce financial toxicity for cancer patients compared to hospital outpatient settings, according to a new study published in the American Journal of Public Health.
The study was led by Lucio Gordan, MD, president and managing physician of Florida Cancer Specialists and Research Institute (FCS), with several coauthors from FCS leadership. Financial toxicity, a term that emerged around 2013 with the rise of immunotherapy, refers to the economic burden of cancer care on patients and their families, impacting their overall wellbeing.
Titled “The Role of Utilizing Community Oncology Care To Decrease Cancer-Related Financial Toxicity,” the study analyzed real-world claims data and revealed significant cost differences due to lower drug markups, reduced facility fees, and more efficient care delivery in independent community settings.
Results showed that patients treated in community oncology clinics incurred a mean monthly cost of care 24% lower than those treated in hospital outpatient settings, averaging $12,548 versus $16,555. When focusing specifically on branded chemotherapy, costs were 39% lower in community oncology clinics, at $6,674 compared to $10,900 in hospital-based clinics.
“These findings reinforce what many of us in community oncology have long observed,” Gordan said in a statement from the Community Oncology Alliance (COA), which represents independent community practices. “Patients benefit not only from compassionate, personalized care close to home, but also from dramatically lower financial strain during one of the most difficult periods of their lives.”
The study highlights how drug markups and facility fees substantially contribute to patients’ total cost of care, with hospital-based oncology departments charging notably higher fees. The design of many health plans, including Medicare, means drug markups directly affect patient out-of-pocket costs. Notably, the popular $2,000 out-of-pocket cap applies only to Medicare Part D and does not cover infused drugs paid for under patients’ medical benefits.
“This new data reaffirms what COA has championed for years—that community oncology is the backbone of cancer care in this country, delivering better value and outcomes for patients,” said Ted Okon, executive director of COA. “As policymakers and stakeholders evaluate solutions to rising cancer costs, it is critical that we do everything we can to support and strengthen the independent community oncology system.”