IRVING, TX - McKesson Corporation, headquartered in Irving, released its first Advancing Community Oncology Report on December 1, offering an in-depth look at the forces shaping community-based cancer care across the country. The report combines findings from a double-blind national survey of more than 100 community oncologists and over 100 practice administrators and staff, along with insights gathered at McKesson’s inaugural Accelerate conference, which drew more than 1,500 oncology professionals.
The report arrives at a moment when more than half of U.S. cancer patients receive treatment in community settings. McKesson leaders said that shift brings both opportunities and new complexity for practices and biopharma companies trying to expand access to emerging therapies.
“Cancer care in the United States is at a pivotal moment,” said Jason Hammonds, president of Oncology & Multispecialty at McKesson. “This report gives a direct view into the needs and challenges of the community practices at the front lines of cancer care and highlights how biopharma can support providers in accelerating the future of cancer care for patients.”
Survey responses and conference discussions pointed to several areas where biopharma can work more closely with physicians to improve patient access and build a stronger community oncology ecosystem:
Boost adoption of precision and novel therapies.
Nearly all respondents (95%) said personalized medicine will significantly improve survival rates, and more than 70% expect traditional treatment approaches to be replaced by innovative therapies within ten years. Still, 78% of community oncologists said it is challenging to keep pace with rapid clinical advances, signaling a need for more support tools and resources.
Expand access to clinical trials.
Ninety-three percent of both physicians and staff agreed that clinical trial participation benefits patients, but most said trial access remains harder in community settings. Eighty-five percent of oncologists and 78% of administrators reported barriers that make trial availability difficult and said they are eager for better collaboration to bring more studies into local practices.
Support evolving patient needs.
Respondents reported rising patient volumes (62%), more long-term and chronic care needs (76%), and an increase in younger patients diagnosed with cancer (76%). Many cited a clear need for stronger patient education tailored to younger demographics.
Prepare practices for AI-driven care.
A large majority—84% of physicians and 87% of administrators—expect artificial intelligence to play a major role in both clinical and administrative tasks. But many tools are still early-stage, and practices noted that better workflow integration will be key to realizing AI’s potential.
Strengthen collaboration through McKesson Accelerate.
Themes from the Accelerate conference focused on expanding precision medicine, streamlining complexity through AI, and improving access to community-based trials. The goal, McKesson said, is to help independent practices deliver high-quality care close to home.
“As therapies become more targeted and clinical trial needs evolve, community practices will play an increasingly critical role in translating innovation into patient access,” said Michelle Lockyer, chief strategy officer for McKesson’s Oncology business. “McKesson is uniquely positioned to help strengthen these practices and support biopharma partners in extending the reach and impact of their therapies.”
