Tag: shaping-the-future-of-community-oncology-through-sustainable-practices

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.

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.

The inaugural Advancing Community Oncology Report from McKesson highlights key trends and opportunities in community-based cancer care. Released today, the report aligns with McKesson’s strategic goal of enhancing support for oncology care ecosystems and accelerating patient access to innovative treatments through partnerships between biopharma and community oncology practices. It emphasizes the vital role community oncology plays 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 at the forefront of cancer treatment, as well as feedback from industry leaders on how biopharma can support these providers in accelerating the advancement of cancer care.

The report includes input from over 100 community oncologists and more than 100 practice administrators and staff, depicting the current landscape and future outlook of community oncology. Additional perspectives were gathered from physicians, clinicians, practice leaders, and experts during McKesson’s inaugural Accelerate conference held in November 2025 in Las Vegas.

Key opportunities identified in the report to shape the future of community oncology include accelerating the adoption of novel and precision therapies, expanding access to community-based clinical trials, improving 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 enables patients to maintain daily routines, community practices face significant operational challenges. Administrative burdens such as prior authorization, coding, billing, and revenue cycle management are the greatest obstacles, cited as a top concern by 59% of physicians and 61% of administrators and staff. In adopting novel therapies, payment and reimbursement challenges were reported by 62% of administrators and staff, while 54% of physicians noted time constraints. Lack of specialized staff was the leading concern regarding clinical trial participation for 54% of physicians and 53% of administrators and staff. Other critical issues include keeping pace with clinical innovation (highlighted by 78% of community physicians), insufficient technology, limited operating budgets, and difficulties in clinical trial participation.

Ben Jones, senior vice president of marketing and government relations at McKesson Oncology and Multispecialty, emphasized that community-based providers not only deliver care but also influence its future. Their clinical expertise and commitment to patients drive advocacy for legislative and regulatory reforms aimed at expanding access to high-quality cancer care.

Precision medicine is rapidly transforming cancer treatment by enabling personalized care. The majority of survey respondents (95%) anticipate significant improvements in patient survival through personalized medicine, and over 70% believe innovative therapies such as chimeric antigen receptor T-cell and gene therapies could replace traditional methods within a decade. However, systemic barriers hamper the adoption of these advancements. The report stresses the importance of collaboration to overcome these challenges.

Expanding participation in clinical trials is critical for both advancing research and enhancing patient outcomes. While 93% of community physicians and administrators agree on the positive impact of clinical trial participation, 85% of physicians and 78% of administrators report that access is easier in academic settings. The patient population is also evolving—76% of oncologists observed younger patient diagnoses and an increase in long-term care needs, while 62% reported rising patient volumes.

In response to these changes, 64% of community physicians and 77% of administrators expressed a demand for improved patient education. There is also concern about the rapid integration of artificial intelligence into healthcare systems, including electronic medical records and prior authorizations. Only 2% of physicians and 6% of administrators feel fully prepared for these technological advancements. The report underscores that emerging technologies should augment, not replace, the human element central to community oncology.

The report concludes that oncology has never been more interconnected or complex. Continued progress requires effectively linking discovery, data, and care delivery to ensure innovations reach every patient who can benefit.

The inaugural Advancing Community Oncology Report from McKesson highlights key trends and opportunities in community-based cancer care. Released today, the report reflects McKesson’s strategic focus on enhancing oncology care ecosystems and accelerating patient access to innovative treatments through collaborations between biopharma and community oncology practices. It emphasizes the vital 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 advances and everyday oncology care. The report provides insights from frontline community practices and industry leaders on how biopharma can support providers in advancing cancer care for patients.

Insights in the report come from over 100 community oncologists and more than 100 practice administrators and staff, alongside feedback from physicians, clinicians, practice leaders, and experts gathered during McKesson’s inaugural Accelerate conference held November 3-5, 2025, in Las Vegas.

Key opportunities identified include accelerating 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 fostering collaboration and innovation through McKesson Accelerate.

Despite delivering high-quality, patient-centered care that allows patients to maintain their daily lives, community practices face significant operational challenges. Administrative burdens—such as prior authorization, coding, billing, and revenue cycle management—are the top obstacle, cited by 59% of physicians and 61% of administrators and staff. Payment and reimbursement issues are the leading concern for adopting novel therapies among 62% of administrators and staff, while 54% of physicians cite lack of time. Limited specialized staff is the biggest barrier to clinical trial participation for 54% of physicians and 53% of administrators and staff. Other challenges include keeping pace with clinical innovation (noted by 78% of physicians), inadequate technology, budget constraints, and clinical trial participation difficulties.

Community providers are not only delivering care but also shaping its future. Their clinical expertise and commitment to patients drive advocacy for legislative and regulatory reforms that improve access to high-quality cancer care, according to Ben Jones, senior vice president of marketing and government relations at McKesson’s oncology and multispecialty division.

Precision medicine is rapidly transforming cancer treatment by enabling personalized care. A vast majority of respondents (95%) expect personalized medicine to significantly boost patient survival, with over 70% anticipating that innovative therapies such as chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell and gene therapies could replace traditional treatments within the next decade. Adoption of these innovations is, however, limited by systemic barriers, underscoring the need for collaboration to overcome them.

Expanding clinical trial participation remains crucial for both research advancement and improved patient outcomes. While 93% of community physicians and administrators recognize the positive impact of clinical trials on outcomes, 85% of physicians and 78% of administrators report that access is easier in academic settings. Meanwhile, the patient population is evolving; 76% of oncologists note that patients are being diagnosed at younger ages and more require long-term care, with 62% reporting rising patient volumes.

The changing patient landscape drives increased demand for better patient education, expressed 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 authorization processes. Only 2% of physicians and 6% of administrators feel fully prepared for upcoming changes. The report emphasizes that emerging technologies will support—not replace—the human element central to community oncology.

The report concludes that oncology has never been more interconnected or complex. Progress depends on effectively linking research, data, and patient care to ensure innovations reach every patient who can benefit.