Research Presented by The US Oncology Network at ASCO 2025 Demonstrates Significant Cost Savings in Community Oncology Setting with Pharmacist-Driven Interventions
To address the rising costs of cancer drugs, investigators from The US Oncology Network (The Network), the largest organization of its kind dedicated to advancing local cancer care and better patient outcomes, explored the impact of engaging a remote clinical pharmacist in reducing the total cost of care (TCOC) within the Enhancing Oncology Model (EOM) from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). From July 1, 2023, to December 31, 2024, seven ClinReview pharmacists (CRPs) within five EOM-participating practices in The Network evaluated more than 5,600 patients for medication initiatives. During the same period, The Network had 12 practices in the EOM nationwide, accounting for approximately 50% of all providers participating in the program. A total of 1,271 interventions were identified, with 1,180 accepted. The sum of TCOC reduction amounted to $8,982,235. Six medication initiatives were implemented and the breakdown of each initiative and average TCOC reduction per intervention are shown in the table below and will be presented in a rapid oral presentation at the 2025 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting:
The US Oncology Network Launches Innovative Program to Foster Retention of New Oncology Nurses
In response to the increasing shortage of oncology nurses and the high turnover rates in the profession, The US Oncology Network (The Network), a leading oncology organization supported by McKesson dedicated to advancing local cancer care and better patient outcomes, has developed an innovative program to support the professional development and retention of new oncology nurses. Understanding the critical importance of fostering a supportive and empowering learning environment for nurses entering the oncology field, The Network launched the Oncology Core Education and Networking (OCEAN) program. This initiative has already made a significant positive impact, demonstrating its effectiveness in addressing these pressing challenges.
The US Oncology Network Extends its Reach in Illinois as Illinois CancerCare Joins The Network
The US Oncology Network (The Network), a leading organization of independent, community-based practices dedicated to advancing local cancer care and better patient outcomes, announced today that Illinois CancerCare (ILCC) has joined The Network, effective Sept. 1, 2024. The practice is the predominant oncology provider throughout central Illinois. By adding ILCC to The Network, the organization continues its ongoing growth trajectory by expanding its presence into central Illinois. The practice also gains many benefits, as it strengthens its independence and enhances its ability to provide convenient access in local communities to some of the most advanced cancer treatments in the world.
The US Oncology Network Expands its Tennessee Service Area as Tennessee Cancer Specialists Joins The Network
The US Oncology Network (The Network), the largest organization of its kind dedicated to advancing local cancer care and better patient outcomes, announced today that Tennessee Cancer Specialists (TCS) has joined The Network, effective August 1, 2024. The practice is the largest community-based oncology provider in eastern Tennessee and the third largest oncology practice in the state. With the addition of TCS, The Network significantly extends its reach into eastern Tennessee while the practice enhances its ability to provide cancer patients in the region convenient access to high-quality, cutting-edge cancer care.
Real-World Research Presented at ASCO 2024 Indicates Clinical Trial Participation by Older Adults with Cancer Does Not Affect Emergency Room Visits or Hospice Enrollment
To address a gap in knowledge surrounding clinical trial participation impacts on unplanned healthcare utilization and hospice enrollment in adults with cancer, investigators from The US Oncology Network (The Network), the largest organization of its kind dedicated to advancing local cancer care and better patient outcomes, evaluated the episode claims from a prospective longitudinal observational cohort of 121,717 patients receiving cancer care. All patients were from within The Network and participating in the oncology care model (OCM), an alternative payment model pilot from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to promote quality cancer care while reducing costs. Of the patients assessed, 94% were over 65 years of age. The results indicated that:
The US Oncology Network Further Expands Its Nashville, Tennessee Footprint and Research Expertise with the Addition of SCRI Oncology Partners
The US Oncology Network (The Network), the largest organization of its kind dedicated to advancing local cancer care and better patient outcomes, announced today that SCRI Oncology Partners has joined The Network. SCRI Oncology Partners, located in Nashville, Tenn., is a dedicated cancer treatment center led by globally recognized oncologists with disease expertise in cancer care and clinical research. This center offers patients state-of-the art personalized cancer care and opportunities to participate in clinical trials with innovative treatments.
The US Oncology Network Extends Its Reach into Tennessee with The Addition of Nashville Oncology Associates
The US Oncology Network (The Network), the largest organization of its kind dedicated to advancing local cancer care and better patient outcomes, announced today that Nashville Oncology Associates (NOA) has joined The Network, effective October 1st.
Cancer Center of Kansas Joins The US Oncology Network
The US Oncology Network (The Network), the largest organization of its kind dedicated to advancing local cancer care and better patient outcomes, announced today that Cancer Center of Kansas (CCK) has joined The Network, effective July 1, 2023, by entering into a new managed services partnership. This addition expands The Network’s service area into Kansas and continues its strong growth trajectory with nearly 240 providers joining The Network since the beginning of the calendar year.
Research Presented at ASCO 2023 Shows Implementing Value-Based Care Strategies Such as Dose Rounding Reduces Drug Waste and Total Cost of Care
Principal investigators from The US Oncology Network (The Network), the largest organization of its kind dedicated to advancing local cancer care and better patient outcomes, presented findings at the 2023 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting showing that dose rounding resulted in less drug waste and increased cost savings.
Regional Cancer Care Associates Joins The US Oncology Network
The US Oncology Network (The Network), the largest organization of its kind dedicated to advancing local cancer care and better patient outcomes, announced that Regional Cancer Care Associates (RCCA) entered into a strategic relationship with The Network effective April 1, 2023. RCCA has more than 20 sites of service located throughout New Jersey, Maryland, Connecticut, and the Washington, D.C. area. The practice’s 94 physicians and 59 advanced practice providers (APPs) offer medical, radiation, and gynecologic oncology and hematology care in addition to genetic testing, specialty pharmacy services, and clinical trials.
The US Oncology Network continues its rapid growth into new communities, adding Epic Care and Nexus Health
The US Oncology Network (The Network), the largest organization of its kind dedicated to advancing local cancer care and better patient outcomes, continues to expand its footprint into local communities with the addition of two large multidisciplinary practices, Epic Care and Nexus Health, effective January 1, 2023. Epic Care currently has 21 sites of service located throughout the Northern California Bay Area, with 47 physicians, including medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, multispecialty surgeons, and other expert providers. Nexus Health has 9 physicians in Santa Fe, New Mexico, representing a wide range of specialties, with plans for expansion in progress.
New MYLUNG Consortium Research Demonstrates Remote Pharmacist Intervention Significantly Increases Clinical Trial Enrollments in Community Oncology Setting
Results from the second phase of the broad, collaborative MYLUNG ConsortiumTM research study in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) were presented by The US Oncology Network (The Network), US Oncology Research and Ontada® at the 2022 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting. The findings show that the incorporation of a remote oncology pharmacist in clinical research teams significantly enhanced patient enrollment for Protocol 2 of the MYLUNG Consortium.
New Metrics Show The US Oncology Network Practices Leading the Way in Value-Based Care
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Innovation (CMMI) recently released results for the 8th Performance Period (PP8) of the Oncology Care Model (OCM), and practices in The US Oncology Network (The Network) participating in the program achieved high marks on quality metrics and provided significant cost savings to Medicare.
The US Oncology Network Announces Trusted Leader Jason Hammonds as New President
The US Oncology Network (The Network), the largest organization of its kind dedicated to advancing local cancer care and better patient outcomes, announced today that it has appointed Jason Hammonds as its new president.
First Phase Results of MYLUNG Consortium Provide Historical View of Biomarker Testing Patterns and Identify Data Gaps for Ongoing Prospective Research
Results from the first phase of the broad, collaborative MYLUNG Consortium™ research study in metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (mNSCLC) were released by The US Oncology Network (The Network), US Oncology Research and Ontada™ at the 2021 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting. The findings provide a close-up look at current biomarker testing rates and turnaround times for patients with mNSCLC treated in community practices within The Network. Most notably, Protocol 1 findings show that there are barriers that must be addressed as more than 80 percent of NSCLC is detected at Stage 4 and median time from diagnosis to first-line therapy is about five weeks.
