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Remote Cancer Expertise Benefits Disadvantaged Patients

AccessHope, LLC, is making strides in cancer treatment accessibility with groundbreaking research unveiled on October 11, 2025, at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Quality Care Symposium. This research highlights the transformative power of remote expert oncology opinions in improving cancer care for patients residing in socioeconomically disadvantaged and non-urban communities.

The study analyzed 5,137 cancer patient cases from all 50 states, revealing that expert opinions can initiate significant modifications to treatment plans. Remarkably, over half of the expert reviews resulted in recommendations for changes in cancer therapies, showcasing the critical role that remote expert oncology can play in overcoming barriers to quality care. These findings strongly assert that expert insights should not be limited by a patient's income or geographical location.

Key Findings of the Study

The research yielded several vital insights:

• - Change in Treatment Plans: A staggering 52% of the expert opinions recommended changes to cancer treatment protocols. Additionally, supportive care recommendations were proposed in over a third of the reviews.
• - Disproportionate Impact on Disadvantaged Patients: Patients from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds and non-urban areas exhibited a 25% higher likelihood of receiving recommendations for alterations in cancer treatment compared to their more affluent urban counterparts. This emphasizes the critical need for enhanced access to oncology expertise for these vulnerable populations.
• - Supportive Care Gaps: Notably, patients in non-urban settings had 33% higher odds of receiving revised recommendations for supportive care than those situated in urban areas. This indicates that significant care gaps still exist, largely stemming from limited access to comprehensive healthcare resources in rural regions.

The Importance of Remote Oncology Expertise

According to Dr. Debra Wong, the lead author of the study and the VP of Development and Integration at AccessHope, the findings affirm a compelling truth: “Expert oncology insights shouldn’t be confined by income or zip code.” Wong emphasized that remote oncology expertise can redefine cancer care across the country by equipping healthcare providers everywhere with the essential knowledge and guidance needed to ensure superior care quality.

This research serves as a critical advancement for AccessHope, highlighting its mission to dismantle long-standing barriers within cancer care and ensuring that exceptional healthcare delivery becomes a standard rather than a privilege. The company collaborates with prominent National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer centers, leveraging collective expertise to empower local oncologists and enhance patient care without necessitating patient relocations or physician switches.

Future Implications and Research

AccessHope’s peer-reviewed research is set to be published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, Oncology Practice later this year. This publication will further pave the way for more profound investigations into the effectiveness of remote oncology opinions on care delivery and patient outcomes, particularly in areas where existing socio-economic and geographical barriers hinder access to specialist cancer expertise.

As AccessHope continues integrating real-time oncology support into comprehensive cancer care, the growing body of evidence indicating the efficacy of remote consultations reflects a progressive shift towards equitable healthcare solutions. With an expansive network reaching approximately nine million members through over 700 employers, including more than 70 Fortune 500 companies, AccessHope is at the forefront of redefining cancer treatment accessibility for all, regardless of where they live or their financial standing.

For further insights about AccessHope’s initiatives and research efforts, visit myaccesshope.org and follow their updates on their LinkedIn and X platforms.