#USA #Orlando #Community Oncology #Flatiron Health #Cancer Survival

Community Oncology: A Beacon for Cancer Care

Overview

A new study conducted by Flatiron Health and the Community Oncology Alliance sheds light on an encouraging trend in cancer treatment outcomes. It shows that patients with metastatic breast cancer and non-small cell lung cancer experience longer survival when treated in independent community oncology practices compared to national standards.

Study Findings

The researchers focused on nearly 98,000 patients diagnosed between January 2013 and December 2022. The data indicates that the median survival for metastatic breast cancer patients treated at a Flatiron Health Research Network (FHRN) community oncology practice exceeded the national benchmark by an impressive eight months. Similarly, those battling non-small cell lung cancer, the predominant type of lung cancer, enjoyed a median survival time surpassing the national benchmark by two months.

The survival rates after one, three, and five years were consistently higher for patients receiving care at these community oncology practices in comparison to national averages reported by the National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database.

The Significance of Community Oncology

Dr. Debra Patt, President of COA and Executive Vice President of Policy and Strategy at Texas Oncology, emphasizes the importance of where cancer treatment occurs, noting, "Community oncologists deliver care associated with longer survival, which translates to more quality time with family and friends." This is especially crucial amidst ongoing uncertainties in healthcare policy and business environments.

Community oncology primarily refers to independent, physician-led practices that are not affiliated with hospitals or health systems. This model fosters a more personal approach towards patient care, allowing doctors to focus on patients’ unique needs.

Quality of Care

Dr. Stephen Divers, a medical oncologist and board member at COA, further reiterates the importance of patient-centered care in community oncology. He states, "Survival is the gold standard of cancer care's effectiveness, and this research highlights community oncology’s ability to provide excellent outcomes with the added benefit of convenience and personalized attention."

Rigorous Data Analysis

The findings reflect comprehensive data analysis compared to national healthcare benchmarks, reinforcing the essential role independent oncology practices play in treating cancer across America. Quincy Weatherspoon, VP General Manager at Flatiron Health, remarked on the importance of provider partnerships, emphasizing the commitment to advancing community oncology's capabilities.

As Flatiron Health seeks to expand its collaboration with the COA, future analyses are expected to explore various aspects of patient experiences, including the average times to diagnosis and treatment.

Conclusion

The findings of this comprehensive study will be showcased at the Community Oncology Conference in Orlando, Florida. By demonstrating that treatment in community settings can result in significantly increased survival times, the study not only highlights the effectiveness of community oncology but also positions it as a vital component in the American healthcare landscape, advocating for broader accessibility and quality care in cancer treatment. For further insights, accessing the full study can provide a deeper understanding of its implications.

Read more on the quality of care in community oncology.

About the Organizations

The Community Oncology Alliance (COA) is a non-profit group dedicated to advocating for the practices and patients within community oncology. By focusing solely on community oncology, COA aims to ensure that cancer patients have access to high-quality, affordable, and locally accessible care.

Meanwhile, Flatiron Health leverages technology to improve oncology practices, aiming to revolutionize patient experiences through data-driven solutions.

Through this unprecedented collaboration, both organizations excel in their mission to prioritize patients amidst an evolving healthcare landscape.