Cancer care stands as one of the most dynamic and rapidly evolving fields in healthcare today. A fresh pulse on this transformation comes from the latest “Oncology Care Index,” a survey conducted by Johnson & Johnson in partnership with The Harris Poll. The findings reveal a landscape both thrilling and overwhelming. Nearly three out of four oncologists report feeling daunted by the sheer speed of advances in treatment options, while seven in ten report struggling to keep pace with the ever-evolving clinical guidelines that govern their practice. This tension between rapid innovation and real-world application forms the crux of contemporary oncology, as clinicians strive to harness breakthroughs to save lives while navigating mounting complexity.
The Oncology Care Index survey shines a spotlight on the sheer volume of progress seen in just the past year. In the United States alone, oncology treatments received approval across more than 50 indications, including 11 first-in-class therapeutics—new drugs that represent entirely novel methods of fighting cancer. Such breakthroughs signal hope and steady forward momentum, but as Biljana Naumovic, president of U.S. Oncology at Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine, points out, “with progress comes complexity.” This complexity is more than just a buzzword—it manifests as an ever-widening gap between the invention of new cancer treatments and their integration into everyday patient care. Indeed, 73% of healthcare professionals surveyed said this gap persists, underscoring that innovation does not automatically translate into implementation.
To tackle these challenges head-on, Johnson & Johnson is pioneering several smart initiatives aimed at community oncologists and healthcare providers operating beyond the large academic medical centers where many breakthroughs are first studied. One such initiative is Trials360.ai, an AI-driven platform designed to identify and prioritize clinical trial sites in underserved communities, making experimental therapies more accessible to patients who might otherwise be excluded. Another, called Make It HAPPen, focuses on enhancing the critical role of Advanced Practice Providers (APPs)—nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and other non-physician clinicians—who increasingly play vital roles in cancer care delivery. Despite these efforts, the survey revealed that only 27% of clinicians say their practices offer a wide variety of clinical trial options locally. This is particularly concerning given that 91% of respondents agree that proximity to care strongly influences patients’ decisions about where and how to receive treatment. The ability to participate in a clinical trial close to home can be a lifeline for many patients, offering access to cutting-edge drugs while alleviating the burden of travel.
Veteran oncologist Stephen “Fred” Divers, M.D., Chief Medical Officer of the American Oncology Network, echoes the frontline sentiments about the deluge of information and emerging therapies. Dr. Divers acknowledges the excitement sparked by rapid innovation but warns that the pace strains current healthcare infrastructure. “Community oncology practices operate with a mindset of ‘trust but verify,’” he explains. Practitioners tirelessly comb through the latest research, biomarker data, and treatment updates, yet keeping pace demands more than dedication—it requires powerful tools and coordinated systems. Here, the Oncology Care Index serves as an instrumental gauge, revealing where clinicians need further education, better technology, or enhanced peer collaboration. Among the most promising tools on the horizon is artificial intelligence (AI), which holds potential to reduce diagnosis times by an estimated 20%. However, the survey also highlights that nearly half of providers feel hindered by a lack of education about AI’s practical use. Dr. Divers points to innovative examples, such as a system built by AON that automatically updates National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines within electronic health records daily, streamlining care decisions and cutting down the administrative load.
Both Johnson & Johnson leadership and oncology experts emphasize that technology alone won’t be the panacea—it must be paired with comprehensive training and infrastructure support to truly transform cancer care delivery. Naumovic insists that scaling AI solutions demands real-world practicality; implementing theoretical advances in a way clinicians can seamlessly integrate into their workflows is crucial. Bridging the divide between academic research centers and their community counterparts is another major priority. Nearly half of healthcare professionals surveyed expressed strong interest in increased opportunities to share insights and best practices across different care settings, reinforcing a collaborative spirit that promises to benefit patients regardless of where they live. Looking forward, Johnson & Johnson is using insights from the Oncology Care Index to advocate for supportive policies such as the Clinical Trial Modernization Act. This bipartisan legislation aims to enlarge the pool of clinical trial participants, particularly in underserved populations, reducing barriers that have historically limited access. As Dr. Divers aptly summarizes, “These challenges won’t be solved overnight, but having companies like Johnson & Johnson highlight these barriers is the first step toward meaningful solutions.” In the fast-paced world of oncology, the fusion of innovation, education, collaboration, and policy promises to forge a brighter path for patients everywhere.
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