June 2017

State-of-the-art technology is as valuable in oncology as it is everywhere else. However, new technology is not always available to providers, and when it is, it may not be used to its fullest potential.

Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Brigham and Women’s Hospital are attempting to improve personalized medicine by analyzing DNA samples for known cancer biomarkers.

A divide has developed between pathways that primarily serve physicians and those that cater to payers that are trying to rein in costs.

Genomics, proteomics, precision analytics, Big Data analysis, and artificial intelligence now in use or in late phases of development can help healthcare providers to achieve the promises of the Triple Aim of medicine: improve clinical outcomes for all, reduce total cost of care for the populations served, and improve patient experiences

After a trio of mergers and sustained organic growth, Tennessee Oncology has 81 physicians who provide care in 30 locations in central and east Tennessee.

For about a decade, patient portals have been hailed as the wave of the future. However, many still require some work before they reach peak functionality, partly because many patients are reluctant to use them.

The number of accountable care organizations across the country has grown rapidly in the last 5 years, creating opportunities and challenges for oncology practices as they seek to benefit from the organizations’ referral networks, shared-savings programs, and care-improvement efforts.

Several provider challenges and opportunities were highlighted during the 2017 State Oncology Society Forum, hosted by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network at its annual conference, held in March in Orlando.