Insights from community oncologists and practice staff uncover strategies to accelerate precision medicine, expand trial access and prepare for technology-driven care
IRVING, Texas–(BUSINESS WIRE)–McKesson Corporation today announced the publication of its first-ever Advancing Community Oncology Report, a comprehensive look at the trends influencing community-based oncology practices across the United States, combined with expert perspectives on the opportunities for physicians in these settings to shape the next era of patient care.
The report features findings from a double-blind national survey of over 100 community oncologists and more than 100 practice administrators and staff, as well as insights from McKesson’s inaugural Accelerate conference, which brought together more than 1,500 physicians, clinicians, practice leaders and industry experts to discuss the future of community-based care.
“Cancer care in the United States is at a pivotal moment, with over half of cancer patients now treated in community settings. This shift creates both opportunities and added complexities for community providers and biopharma companies working to expand access to cutting-edge therapies,” said Jason Hammonds, president, Oncology & Multispecialty, McKesson. “Through our Oncology services, we are focused on bridging the gap between scientific breakthroughs and day-to-day oncology care. This report offers a unique opportunity to hear directly from the community practices at the front lines of cancer care, as well as key leaders in the space, on how biopharma can actively support these providers in accelerating the future of cancer care for patients.”
These insights uncover clear ways biopharma can collaborate with community practices to accelerate patient access to innovative therapies and strengthen the community oncology ecosystem. Opportunities for the greatest impact include:
- Accelerate adoption of novel and precision therapies: Nearly all survey respondents (95%) expect personalized medicine to significantly improve patient survival rates, and more than 70% believe that traditional treatment methods will be replaced by innovative therapies within the next decade. However, the vast majority of community physicians (78%) say keeping pace with clinical innovations and novel therapies is challenging. Additional support tools for practices may be needed to address these potential barriers.
- Unlock access to community-based clinical trials: The majority of community physicians and administrators/staff (93% each) say that clinical trial participation benefits patients, yet 85% of community physicians and 78% of administrators/staff stated it’s harder to access trials in the community and are eager to engage with stakeholders to enable better access.
- Elevate care for changing patient needs: Surveyed community oncologists reported rising patient volumes (62%), more chronic and long-term care needs (76%) and a growing number of younger patients diagnosed with cancer (76%). To support younger cancer patients, survey respondents pointed to strong demand for tailored patient education (64% of community physicians and 77% of administrators/staff).
- Prepare community practices for technology-driven care: 84% of community oncologists and 87% of administrators/staff anticipate AI playing a major role in both administrative and clinical functions. However, many of these tools are early in their development, and better integration in practice workflows will be required to unlock efficiencies and enhance patient outcomes.
- Foster collaboration and innovation through McKesson Accelerate: McKesson’s inaugural Accelerate conference convened more than 1,500 oncology leaders to share strategies for advancing cancer care in the community. Key themes included accelerating precision medicine adoption, leveraging AI to reduce complexity and improve outcomes, and expanding access to community-based clinical trials—all aimed at empowering independent practices to deliver high-quality, patient-centered care close to home.
“As therapies become more targeted and clinical trial needs continue to evolve, community practices will play an increasingly critical role in making sure innovation translates into meaningful access for patients. The insights in our Advancing Community Oncology Report highlight practical, near-term opportunities for biopharma to expand its impact in these care settings,” said Michelle Lockyer, chief strategy officer, Oncology, McKesson. “McKesson is uniquely positioned in this complex ecosystem, bringing together biopharma innovators, providers, payers and technology partners to help translate scientific progress into real-world outcomes. Our deep roots in community oncology allow us to strengthen practices — while helping biopharma extend the reach and impact of their therapies to advance patient outcomes.”
Download the 2025 Advancing Community Oncology Report here.
About McKesson Corporation
McKesson Corporation is a diversified healthcare services leader dedicated to advancing health outcomes for patients everywhere. Our teams partner with biopharma companies, care providers, pharmacies, manufacturers, governments, and others to deliver insights, products and services to help make quality care more accessible and affordable. Learn more about how McKesson is impacting virtually every aspect of healthcare at McKesson.com and read Our Stories.
About McKesson Oncology & Multispecialty
Our Oncology & Multispecialty segment delivers a portfolio of integrated solutions that support patient care by accelerating drug development, expanding access to high-quality care close to home and ensuring life-saving therapies reach the patients who need them most. We provide practice management, technology solutions, specialty drug distribution, clinical trial and group purchasing services, along with pharmacy solutions for community-based oncology practices and multispecialty providers in retina and ophthalmology. We partner behind the scenes with healthcare providers in local communities, supporting their operations so that they can stay focused on who matters most – patients.
Contacts
Media Contact
Claire Crye, Communications
281-825-9927
Claire.Crye@mckesson.com