November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month and bringing heightened attention, understanding, and support to a disease that kills more people than any other cancer couldn’t be more important.  Every 2.2 minutes someone is diagnosed with lung cancer and one in 16 Americans will be diagnosed with lung cancer in their lifetime. ¹

Although smoking is a major risk factor for lung cancer, it is not the only cause.  According to the CDC, roughly ten to 20% of lung cancers, or 20,000 to 40,000 lung cancer cases each year in the United States occur in people who never smoked or smoked fewer than 100 cigarettes in their lifetime.

“A common misconception about lung cancer is that it’s a smoking related disease,” said Alexander Spira, MD, PhD, FACP, a medical oncologist and director of the Virginia Cancer Specialists Research Institute. “At this point, I have more non-smoker patients than patients who have smoked.  Anyone with lungs can get lung cancer.”

More than half of people diagnosed with lung cancer die within one year of diagnosis and the lung cancer five-year survival rate (18.6%) is lower than many other leading cancer sites, such as colorectal (64.5%), breast (89.6%) and prostate (98.2%) ² . However, lung cancer does not have to be a death sentence as new treatments are being developed and, if caught early enough, lung cancer may be curable.

“Lung cancer tends to be a more aggressive disease and more patients are diagnosed after it has progressed,” said Dr. Spira. “Lung cancer screening is very important to catch the disease early and there are guidelines for when patients with a significant history of smoking, or exposure, should get screened.”

According the American Lung Cancer Association only 5.7% of those at high risk are screened, however if everyone currently eligible were screened, close to 48,000 lives could be saved ³. The five-year survival rate for people diagnosed with late-stage lung cancer is approximately five percent. Lung cancer screening, with a low dose CT scan, is designed to detect cancers at an early, potentially curable stage when patients have no signs or symptoms of lung cancer.

Once a patient does receive a lung cancer diagnosis, biomarker testing can be performed to help doctors identify the potential for treatment with targeted therapies.  It is recommended that all patients with newly diagnosed lung cancer undergo complete biomarker testing with a full next-generation sequencing panel.  The testing results could inform which FDA-approved therapies or clinical trials in which the patient is eligible.

Unfortunately, not all patients have equal access to these promising therapies, as obstacles prevent certain patients from obtaining testing necessary to utilize some of these treatments. For new advances to reach their full potential, existing inequalities must be recognized and eliminated so all patients who seek care have equal opportunity to receive the best and most targeted therapies.

The MYLUNG Consortium™ is searching for a deeper understanding of molecular testing barriers to improve care for lung cancer patients, including those with mutations who may benefit from receiving precision medicine, the practice of leveraging targeted therapies across the continuum of care, and expand the opportunity for patients to participate in clinical trials.  This unique, collaborative real-world research consortium will study up to 12,000 NSCLC patients in the community setting over a five year period.

“In order to fulfill the promise of precision medicine for NSCLC patients, we need a broader understanding of the barriers, challenges, risks and opportunities around molecularly guided therapies,” noted Robert L. Coleman, MD, FACOG, FACS, chief scientific officer, US Oncology Research. MYLUNG will draw insights from these datasets that can lead to better therapy for patients in a timelier manner. Learn more about the MYLUNG Consortium™ research study and the first phase results.

 

1 LUNGEVITY Lung Cancer Facts https://www.lungevity.org/for-supporters-advocates/lung-cancer-awareness/lung-cancer-statistics

2 American Lung Association Facts : https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/lung-cancer/resource-library/lung-cancer-fact-sheet

3 https://www.lung.org/getmedia/381ca407-a4e9-4069-b24b-195811f29a00/solc-2020-report-final.pdf

Dr. Mark T. Fleming, a physician with Virginia Oncology Associates (VOA), a member of The US Oncology Network, has been named the new Chair of the National Policy Board (NPB)—the governing board comprised of physician and operational leaders that guides and leads the organization.

Elected by his or her peers, the NPB Chair serves as the voice for The Network physicians and works closely with the President and Chief Medical Officer to ensure alignment across the organization’s strategic initiatives during their three-year term. Starting on October 1, 2021, Dr. Fleming will fill the shoes of Lucy Langer, MD, who served as NBP Chair for the past six years with two consecutive terms.

A Strong Medical Background
Dr. Fleming is a board-certified medical oncologist with VOA. He received his medical degree from Medical University of Ohio prior to completing his residency at Temple University Hospital in Philadelphia, PA, and his Medical Oncology Fellowship at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York, NY.

A member of the NPB for the past two years, Dr. Fleming also serves as the medical director of The Network’s Genitourinary (bladder, kidney, prostate and testicular cancers) Research Committee. He is a passionate speaker on the importance of cancer education and the early detection of prostate cancer.

“With the selection of Dr. Fleming as NPB Chair, we are reaffirming our commitment to being a physician-led organization that champions community oncology,” said Jason Hammonds, president of The Network. “Physicians have a voice in every aspect of our organization, from our governing board to the various committees that lead and guide us. I look forward to working closely with Dr. Fleming as we continue our goal of advancing high-quality cancer care and improving outcomes for patients across the country.”

Dynamic, Impactful Leadership
Informing the decision-making process for the organization at every level, the NPB—made up of practice presidents, operational leaders and dozens of committee leaders—is critical to The Network’s success.

“A respected leader in the medical community, Dr. Fleming is a perfect fit for the role of NPB Chair,” said Marcus Neubauer, MD, chief medical officer of The Network. “I look forward to working with Mark on a range of initiatives important to community oncology practices, from operational matters, clinical research, pharmacy and therapeutics, cancer center workflows, staff diversity and inclusion and more. These are exciting times for oncology with promising new treatments coming to the fore, and I know that Dr. Fleming will help lead us into a bright future.”

As the complexities of oncology care continue to evolve, providers need the latest information technology solutions ranging from basic infrastructure to clinical applications and tools to support their practices. The US Oncology Network’s proven technology ecosystem allows providers to focus on what matters most – delivering the best patient care possible, while The Network’s IT team delivers timely, innovative, and effective technology solutions with 24-hour support. ​

Reliable telephone systems, a secure network infrastructure and a leading EHR are critical for practices to run efficiently. Practices need access to solutions and hands on support from the initial solution implementation to on-going maintenance.  The right IT solutions and service support can improve efficiency and reduce costs while aiding providers as they deliver high quality patient care.

Maintaining a healthy cybersecurity posture is also crucial to maintaining practice security in an increasingly hostile online environment. Protecting practice and patient information is more complex than ever and access to dedicated teams of experts committed to providing cybersecurity support and risk protection help aid in the prevention of threats such as phishing attacks, ransomware, and malware.

 Enterprise grade portfolio of solutions and leading support

Practices in The Network have access to a  diverse portfolio of software solutions and around the clock support. We deliver solutions that make practice operations more efficient and support patient care with transparency every step of the way. Our proactive approach to cyber security ensures practice information stays secure. Through innovation and enhanced service offerings, practices have the modern tools and support they need to deliver quality patient care.

As we look to the future, The Network is committed to bringing the latest technology innovations to our providers at a competitive pace. The right technology environment and support gives practices the freedom and flexibility to focus on patient care, and we are committed to operational, customer, financial and workforce success while driving value for The Network practices.​

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Mudasser Zaheer is the Vice President of Technology Services for The US Oncology Network. He is responsible for technology operations (also referred to as KTLO – Keeping the Lights on) and delivery of our 1,000 technology projects annually across the USON practices while ensuring alignment with the broader strategies of The Network – to enhance operational efficiency and security for practices

 

Tremendous progress has been made over the last decade in the battle against cancer, as many exciting new treatments, including novel targeted therapies, have been developed. Unfortunately, not all patients have equal access to these promising therapies, as obstacles prevent certain patients from obtaining testing necessary to utilize some of these treatments. Financial challenges, access to care, healthcare illiteracy and other complex issues prevent many patients from getting tested. For new advances to reach their full potential, existing inequalities must be recognized and eliminated so all patients who seek care have equal opportunity to receive the best and most targeted therapies.

“Achieving the goal of eliminating cancer, or even turning it into more of a chronic condition, is unlikely to occur without identifying and addressing barriers that affect testing,” explained Sarah Alwardt, PhD, VP of Operations for Ontada^TM, an oncology data, research and technology business dedicated to improving the lives of cancer patients. “We know inequalities exist that prevent certain patients from receiving testing and optimal treatments, but so far, little effort has been made to identify these obstacles so we can find ways to eliminate them.”

Unique collaboration brings the industry together to investigate testing barriers

 A five-year real-world evidence study of 12,000 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients is tackling the problem of identifying barriers to testing, in the hopes of developing practical strategies to overcome those obstacles. While the study focuses on NSCLC, the results may be helpful in dealing with other cancers linked to mutations. The MYLUNG Consortium^TM brings together The US Oncology Network, US Oncology Research and Ontada with several industry stakeholders including providers, life sciences companies and patient advocacy groups.

“The MYLUNG Consortium is a one-of-a-kind initiative, and we are proud to work alongside patient advocates, providers, the research community and other industry collaborators to achieve our common goal of personalizing and improving care for people with lung cancer,” said Jamie Freedman, MD, PhD, head of U.S. Medical Affairs at Genentech. “Through these collective, patient-centered efforts, we are helping identify barriers and evaluate solutions to optimal care – particularly to biomarker testing – to create a future where every patient with non-small cell lung cancer can access medicines that are precisely right for them.”

Testing is one of the most fundamental components of improving care for patients with NSCLC because the disease is defined by a number of specific treatable molecular alterations. While each participating entity plays a distinct role in the care continuum for cancer patients, we are united in recognizing the rate of testing is insufficient to optimize outcomes.

“The MYLUNG Consortium is an opportunity for Lilly Oncology and others working in precision oncology to come together to ensure people with advanced non-small cell lung cancer get timely access to high-quality and broad-based genomic profiling,” noted David Hyman, MD, chief medical officer, oncology at Lilly. “Identifying actionable oncogenic drivers is key to the optimal care for these patients, especially those with rarer mutations found through comprehensive next generation sequencing.”

“The identification of patients who would derive the most benefit from our medicines is a key focus of AstraZeneca’s commitment to precision medicine,” added Camille Hertzka, vice president, Head of Medical Affairs, U.S. Oncology at AstraZeneca. “We are confident that the MYLUNG Consortium will help us realize our ambition to provide the best available treatment for every patient and ultimately transform patient outcomes.”

Participating organizations are putting patients first, above their brands, to focus on understanding testing and treatment patterns, with the goal of identifying practical solutions that improve patient access to precision medicines.

“This collaboration is extremely exciting, as everyone is using resources and strategies they have leveraged in the past to implement prospectively to see what is most effective in increasing testing rates,” said Robert L. Coleman, MD, FACOG, FACS, chief scientific officer, US Oncology Research. “We need a greater understanding of the barriers and opportunities around targeted therapies to fulfill the promise of precision medicine. Insights from the MYLUNG Consortium may eventually lead to better, more timely therapy, not just for lung cancer, but for other cancers that have driver mutations.”

Patient advocacy groups are also playing a key role in the study, according to Alwardt, by keeping the patient at the center of all conversations. This patient-centric focus aligns participants so they are united in trying to figure out what is best for the patients they all serve directly or indirectly.

“One of GO2 Foundation for Lung Cancer’s key goals is ensuring every person diagnosed with lung cancer has access to comprehensive biomarker testing, no matter where they live,” explained Jennifer C. King, PhD, chief scientific officer of the organization. “We are pleased to be part of the MYLUNG Consortium as it will inform us on important best practices that can be implemented in community settings to facilitate precision medicine for everyone.”

Early findings identify gaps

 The MYLUNG Consortium consists of three protocols: the first part reviews electronic health records of patients, examining data on testing and identifying historical barriers to testing; the next part will monitor the patient’s treatment through their first line of cancer therapy, focusing on how testing information is obtained and utilized for decision-making; and the final part will launch interventional strategies based on data from the first two phases.

The early results are in for the first part of the study, and the findings show key areas for improvement:

• Only 80% of the population received some tests. This is a disease in which all patients should be tested, so this is a critical gap that needs to be closed.
• A large portion of patients received testing after treatment decisions were made, highlighting the importance of turnaround times.
• Only 50% of patients received next generation sequencing (NGS), the full gamut of tumor testing that lets physicians know specifically what alteration their patient’s tumor has. This is disappointingly low, demonstrating not all patients had the opportunity to get the best therapy available.

“The low percentage of NGS testing is concerning,” said Dr. Coleman, “as NGS is an extremely valuable and efficient tool for determining the most effective targeted therapy for a patient.” Testing between four and 600 different genes at once, inclusive of all types of genomic alterations that can occur, NGS reveals if something went wrong in one of them. In simple terms, Dr. Coleman explained, “NGS looks into a tumor with a microscope to identify what types of things have been turned on or off, much like a light switch, that make the cell do cancerous things, such as grow unchecked.”

Lung cancer has been increasingly subdivided into smaller and smaller subgroups defined by driver mutations, which are basically light switches being turned on when they should be off. There are mutations in many cancers, but they may not be drivers solely responsible for turning on the light bulb. Consequently, when the driver mutationꟷthe actual light switch that turns off the lightꟷcan be found, there may be an opportunity for a targeted intervention.

“If you are skipping NGS testing and not looking for the light switch, you are basically treating patients without much information,” said Dr. Coleman. “What is so exciting is that now because we have many drugs that hit a specific target and turn off that light switch, we have an opportunity to improve care.”

In lung cancer, for instance, NGS found certain mutations in the EGFR gene that drive cancer, so now there are drugs targeting that specific mutation. Thanks to NGS, life sciences companies are developing promising new treatments for patients who just a few short years ago had little hope.

“Approximately half of all patients with non-small cell lung cancer have identifiable oncogene biomarkers, yet despite the integral role that biomarkers play to identify lung cancer who may benefit from targeted therapies, many patients are not tested,” said Darryl Sleep, MD, chief medical officer and senior vice president of Global Medical at Amgen. “Amgen supports working with all stakeholders—healthcare providers, advocacy organizations and industry through the MYLUNG Consortium—to increase molecular testing rates. Based on a patient’s biomarker status, clinicians and patients can make informed decisions on tailored treatment plans that include targeted therapies which have significantly improved the prognosis for many patients.”

“With two new targeted therapy approvals in May, the need for comprehensive biomarker testing has only been amplified,” said Andrea Ferris, president and CEO of LUNGevity. “LUNGevity Foundation firmly believes that every patient diagnosed with NSCLC should have access to high-quality testing and treatments, and invests in programs and resources to remove barriers to access. We are delighted to see that efforts such as the MYLUNG Consortium will continue to push the needle to make precision medicine a reality for patients who are not treated at large, academic centers.”

 Education will help close the gaps

Education will play a key role in the development of future interventional strategies that will be tested in the last phase of the MYLUNG Consortium, according to Alwardt. To maximize testing, Alwardt said, “physicians must understand who and when to test, how to get the tests, and importantly, how to interpret the results, which should be incorporated in the physician workflow.”

Equally importantꟷespecially from the patient advocacy point of viewꟷis patient education to make sure patients know they should be asking for testing. Because disparities in healthcare literacy exist, there is a whole other level of educational needs related to helping patients understand the disease and its treatments.

“We are pleased to be collaborating with the MYLUNG Consortium to better understand and improve the experience for patients living with lung cancer,” said Joseph Leveque, MD, executive VP and chief medical officer at Mirati Therapeutics, Inc. “As a targeted oncology company with a significant focus on lung cancer, we recognize and appreciate the need to ensure patients have the knowledge and access to the tools necessary to optimize their experience with often complex cancer treatment decisions.”

MYLUNG will fuel more research in the future

 Even though the MYLUNG Consortium is a five-year project, there will still be many issues to address about healthcare disparities when the study concludes. According to Alwardt, results from the MYLUNG Consortium will provide a wealth of real-world evidence that will drive further research for years to come. Real-world studies using pragmatic trial designs like the MYLUNG Consortium are where the questions about testing disparities will be answered, she believes, and there is much work yet to be done.

Alwardt concludes, “Many treatments in NSCLC hold incredible promise, but their potential will only be reached if we find the right patients who will benefit the most from them. Identifying and eliminating the obstacles that prevent equal access to testing is the first step forward, and this will likely be an ongoing area of investigation for many years to come.”

Every May, we celebrate Oncology Nursing Month to recognize the critical role oncology nurses play in patient care. We honor them for their dedication, commitment, and passion for helping those in need. Oncology nurses play a key role in their patients’ cancer journey from explaining a diagnosis, to providing guidance through treatment, celebrating victories, and comforting patients through unimaginable setbacks.

This year’s Oncology Nursing Month theme is “Inspiring Innovation. Inspiring Care.” The word “inspiring” describes exactly what oncology nurses do, especially as we look back at your contributions over the past year. Despite the challenges of global pandemic and adjusting to the new normal, nurses have continued to show up for patients with fierce dedication and compassion.

As we salute oncology nurses across The Network, we recognize their contributions and impact. Farah Olson, RN, BSN of Minnesota Oncology describes her role in patient care and her source of inspiration, “As an oncology nurse, I have the privilege of helping patients when they are most vulnerable. I try to bring a sense of understanding to a scary diagnosis and guide patients through their disease process and treatment with empathy and compassion. In the process of getting to know my patients and helping them through their uncharted cancer journey, little did I know that they would be teaching me about life and even myself. Every day, I am in awe of my patient’s courage, strength, perseverance, hope, and love. They inspire me to not sweat the small stuff and to not take anything for granted. I truly love what I do, and I will always provide my patients with the care that they deserve.”

The US Oncology Network supports nurses year-round

The Network recognizes the important role nurses play in providing the highest quality patient care in a community setting and we are committed to supporting the professional growth and development of all our nurses and clinical staff. Nurses in The Network have access to clinical education programs, various certification courses, including the ONCC FreeTake^TM Certification Program. In addition, they have access to leadership courses and other learning resources to further their educational opportunities.

We thank you

Even when faced with the most difficult situations, oncology nurses remain fearlessly committed to provide endless compassion and comfort to patients. Never has there been a greater demonstration of oncology nurses’ fierce commitment to patients with cancer as in this past year. While struggling with their own fears, family and personal needs, oncology nurses continued their excellent care and commitment to patients. We celebrate all nurses of The US Oncology Network and beyond during Oncology Nursing Month, and every other day of the year. Thank you for all you do day in and day out!

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Beatrice Mautner, RN, MSN, OCN is the Vice President of Clinical and Innovent Services for The US Oncology Network. She’s responsible for leading The Network’s clinical services teams and ensuring that nurses and clinical staff at practices in The Network have the resources and support necessary to provide high-quality patient care every day.

 

In the past year, practices have not only been faced with the navigating the complexities of healthcare landscape, but also meeting patient needs during unprecedented times.  Market opportunity, competitive landscape, government regulations and research advancements all influence oncology practices. Navigating these changes through proper strategic planning is crucial to practice success.

With the onset of COVID-19, practices may have noticed areas of operational weaknesses, lack of cohesiveness or uncertainty on how to collaborate internally to navigate changes.  Implementing a solid strategic plan can provide a sense of direction in the middle of drastic change. Now it is more important than ever to develop a unified sense of direction through strategic planning for your practice.

Planning for the future

To support practices in the strategic planning process, The Network’s team of experts work hand in hand with practices to plan, evaluate and implement their long-term plans. Understanding data is crucial to developing a plan, setting goals, and driving decision making. We work with customized data and analytics to develop a clear picture of the practice and market to identify opportunities for growth.  By helping practices understand their current position in the market, we equip them to determine where they want to go and come up with a plan on how to get there.

Through one-on-one physician and practice leadership interviews, we identify common initiatives and perspective on the practice and analyze cohesiveness of workflows, communication, and leadership priorities. The information collected, along with our data analytics, informs the framework a practice’s strategic plan.

In addition, we facilitate further conversation and develop an action plan and timeline for execution via virtual retreats tailored to each practice. These facilitated planning sessions allow for peer-to-peer open dialogue with the goal of getting physicians and leaders aligned on initiatives for the plan. We work together to develop tangible planning session outputs, including a strategy roadmap with action items, accountability assignments, and timelines that will help keep you on track with your practice goals.

Our team understands the data and has deep expertise of the market. We know what it means to run an oncology practice and have in-depth institutional knowledge and draw from best practices.

Thrive with strategic planning

It is was once said, “When you fail to plan, you plan to fail.” Operating without clear direction can lead to knee jerk actions with lasting effects. Once a clear goal is in mind for your practice, your strategic plan will lay out the path to get there.

Having a plan in writing helps guide decision making so your practice is proactive versus reactive and provides a sense of stability to today’s evolving oncology landscape.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Marta Withers is the Director of Practice Strategy for The US Oncology Network. She is responsible for leading strategic planning collaborations for The US Oncology Network and McKesson’s specialty practice customers. Marta previously served as a Practice Administrator with Texas Oncology and has been with The US Oncology Network since 2011.

 

The US Oncology Network recently reached a major milestone of enrolling its 100,000^th patient in the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Innovation’s (CMMI) Oncology Care Model (OCM).  This momentous milestone is a result of the hard work and commitment from participating practices dedicated to delivering high-quality patient care.

Since the program’s initiation in 2016, participating practices in The Network have delivered more than $122 million in cumulative savings to Medicare over the program’s first six performance periods (PP), decreased emergency room visits by three percent, reduced hospitalizations by seven percent and increased hospice utilization by five percent. Practices across The Network are performing well in the OCM, and most continue to show improvement each performance period.

How practices in the OCM are enhancing the patient experience and services
Since the inception of the Oncology Care Model, practices have made several enhancements to their operations to improve the patient care before, during and after treatment.

• Enhanced treatment planning and shared decision making at the start of each treatment

Practices in the program utilize a shared decision-making approach to create treatment plans for each patient. Through comprehensive pre-treatment education, patients are informed about potential side effects and key contacts within the practice they can reach out to for concerns.

• Increased support through patient navigation and social work

Patient navigators and social workers play a key role in helping patients access clinic and local community resources. Physicians collaborate with their team of patient care coordinators, nurse navigators and medical assistants to ensure quality patient care is delivered.

• Increased adoption of team-based care and huddles

Practices have adopted team huddles to proactively identify and help at-risk patients. This enables physician teams to provide closer surveillance and schedule a visit focused on goals of care with the practice’s social worker.

• Improved access to care with Call Us First campaigns, proactive high-risk outreach, improved triage, electronic patient reported outcomes, and same day/next morning urgent care access

Practices have increased their availability to provide same day or next day urgent care access to help patients avoid emergency room visits and in close contact with their physicians and care teams.

How The Network supports practices in the OCM
The US Oncology Network remains committed to providing comprehensive, proven resources and support to help practices navigate the OCM and successfully transition to value-based care programs. These resources include industry-leading technologies that drive evidence-based decision-making at the point of care, advanced analytics for optimal data management and reporting, and innovative pharmacy solutions for efficient drug management. The Network also provides practices access to subject matter experts who have deep knowledge in the OCM and value-based care.

Congratulations to value-based care teams across The Network on this significant milestone and thank you for all that you’ve done to support the oncology patients that you serve.

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Stuart Staggs, the senior director, strategic programs is responsible for partnering with community oncology practices in The US Oncology Network to support their performance and the adoption of the Oncology Care Model (OCM) and Merit Based Payment System (MIPS).

 

This month, we celebrate American Pharmacists Month and recognize the critical role pharmacists play in oncology practices and patient care. From standing on the frontlines during the pandemic, to ensuring proper medication therapy management and bridging the gap between patient and provider communication, pharmacists in The US Oncology Network play a vital role in providing quality care to cancer patients.

Bringing value to practices

Pharmacists, along with physician researchers, help practices stay abreast of cutting-edge drug treatment options and regulations impacting the field of pharmacy. Cancer care can be costly, but by managing performance-based contracts and securing drug rebates, pharmacists are able to help offset costs to support the financial health of the practice.

In addition to providing patient medications, pharmacists and pharmacy technicians ensure a high level of safety with drug management. From compounding, preparing, and dispensing chemotherapy infusions, they ensure that patient care and safety is a top priority and compliant with all regulations and aligned with industry standards.

Improving patient care

From drug consultations to patient follow-ups, The Network pharmacists help support patients and providers to optimize cancer care. Pharmacists engage in multiple touch points with patients through prescription counseling, medication adjustments and side effect management. In-practice pharmacists are a part of the patient’s collaborative healthcare team and provide patient access to drug treatment information, financial support and educational resources.

Through collaboration with physicians, nurses, social workers and healthcare advocates, pharmacists in The Network are an additional resource available to patients to help them understand the scope of treatment options from costs, to drug availability, to side effects and provide additional resources. Pharmacists also follow-up with patients on oral medications to check for adherence, determine dosage adjustments and provide clinical updates to physicians when necessary.

During this unprecedented year due to the pandemic, pharmacists and pharmacy personnel have stepped up to make sure patients continue receiving life-savings medications and treatments. With the increase in telemedicine appointments and reduced in-office visits, pharmacists have had to quickly adjust to changing patient demands to ensure they receive their prescribed medications quickly and safely.

The future of pharmacy

As cancer treatment options become more personalized, the role of pharmacists continues to evolve to encompass all phases of patient care and support clinical decision making. With recent advances in precision medicine and clinical trials, there are many new opportunities to leverage the medication expertise of pharmacists. Pharmacy teams are an integral part of patient care and are equipped to be change leaders in the field of oncology.

Within The US Oncology Network there are over 90 pharmacists working tirelessly to support practices and patients. We thank you for your service and standing on the front lines to provide comprehensive cancer care in the community.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR  Derek Burns, PharmD, BCPS, BCSCP, DPLA is the Director of Pharmacy and Admixture Services for Rocky Mountain Cancer Centers (RMCC). He is responsible for overseeing all aspects of pharmacy operations and strategic growth development for RMCC.

New advances in precision medicine are rapidly altering the way physicians diagnose and treat cancer. Biomarker testing that factors in a patients’ genomic and cellular profile mean truly customized treatments are closer than ever before.

These major advancements in precision medicine are attributed to next-generation sequencing (NGS), a new laboratory technique for evaluating molecular sequences that can analyze millions of DNA mutations simultaneously. Through this new sequencing method, data is collected and leveraged for updated biomarker testing recommendations, patient care models, disease screening protocols, and treatment guidelines from professional medical societies – all of which can be used by physicians to make informed decisions on the most personalized and effective ways to treat cancer for each individual patient.

While these innovations are exciting, there are challenges and hurdles that many oncologists face.  Physicians must choose from an array of complicated tests to make a diagnosis and create a treatment plan for their patient in a timely manner. Testing and evaluating data can be a burden to manage, but through advancements in iKnowMed^SM Generation 2, McKesson’s leading oncology EHR, and access to top laboratory vendors, physicians in The Network can more easily navigate the complexities of precision medicine to provide better care for patients close to home.

Making precision medicine easier for practices

The US Oncology Network is committed to making precision medicine easier for physicians and has built tools to ensure their success.

• Vetted biomarker testing labs

To ensure quality results, a comprehensive list of vetted labs is embedded in our biomarker order guides, eliminating the need for physicians to find their own reliable testing source. Labs are evaluated by The Network’s biomarker committee consisting of physicians who examine each lab to determine their sustainability, quality and breadth of testing, and financial assistance programs.

• Comprehensive biomarker order guidelines

To eliminate the guesswork of identifying appropriate tests and treatment options, comprehensive biomarker order guidelines are embedded in iKnowMed^SM Generation 2. This feature is frequently updated to keep up with the latest developments on biomarker discoveries and new drugs.

• Auto-populated forms to streamline biomarker test ordering

To save time manually entering patient information and completing vendor forms, iKnowMed^SM Generation 2 includes an interactive auto-populating feature. This feature automatically populates the correct lab vendor order form with the patient’s information once the appropriate test is chosen.

Through efforts to continue to enhance the diagnosis and treatment of cancer patients, The US Oncology Network is proud to make precision medicine a standard of care for all patients with advanced cancers.

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR  Jen Buhay, PhD, is the precision medicine clinical program manager for The US Oncology Network, leading biomarker testing, education, and operational efforts to support personalized patient care for oncology. She is board-certified as a molecular biologist through the American Society for Clinical Pathology.

Oncology practices are constantly evolving and navigating changes in the healthcare landscape. While the increasing complexity of administrative and operational responsibilities can bring about unforeseen burdens, The US Oncology Network’s technology implementation services and support help ease those challenges. Our team leads the implementation of processes and tools that enable our physicians to focus on delivering leading edge care to patients.

Building a technology roadmap and supporting implementation

The right technology is critical to operating a successful practice. Our deep understanding of oncology practices drives the development of an individualized technology roadmap that serves as a plan for practices to navigate the implementation of our industry-leading technologies to support core clinical, operational and financial aspects of the practice.

Appropriate technology solutions are determined after discussing practice strategy and identifying gaps in patient care and practice efficiency. We work with practices the find the right solution from our portfolio of solutions and work with vendors to seek additional solutions to ensure we are truly solving practice problems. As practice needs evolve and new solutions become available roadmaps are modified to support continuous practice improvement.

 

Supporting practices through implementation

Technology projects are managed from the initial set-up to training and on-going support. Our team of project managers work closely with practices set timelines, coordinate meetings, manage communication and serve as a liaison to vendors to avoid the interruption of daily practice operations. A technology dashboard is easily accessible to keep practices up to date with ongoing projects and their technology roadmap.

 

Successful oncology practices navigate the evolving healthcare landscape with a well-planned roadmap to guide technology implementation to ultimately help practices treat patients and have better patient outcomes. As measures assessing cost, quality and other outcomes continue to evolve, the right technology is critical to meeting demands.  Our technology allows the providers in The Network to focus on the health of their patients, while our focus is on the health of their practices.

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Theresa Gray is the Senior Director of Network Technology for The US Oncology Network. Theresa is responsible for leading technology strategy and implementation for The Network while ensuring alignment with the broader strategies of The Network, to drive profitable and sustainable network growth. Theresa has been with the organization for over 30 years.

 

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to make an impact across the country, The US Oncology Network is committed to ensuring that community oncology practices have the resources and tools necessary to navigate these stressful times. Even those who are typically strong and resilient in crisis situations can experience intense fear and anxiety about the unknown.

To support physicians and practice staff holistically during these unprecedented times, The Network offers helpful tools and information on Self-Care and Resiliency to assist with easing day-to-day stress and maintaining the well-being of physicians, practice staff and their families. Resources include podcasts, apps, websites and videos with topics ranging from practical ways to incorporate self-care to adapting to situations to balancing new routines are available.

Tips for self-care

To stay mentally strong during stressful times and times of uncertainty, consider incorporating the following tactics into your daily life:

• Self-Care Activities – Discover practical ways to demonstrate self-compassion and mitigate compassion fatigue by taking time for yourself. Take time to listen to music, read a book, exercise or go for a walk.
• Practicing meditation, mindfulness and yoga – Calming the mind by redirecting focus and physical movement are powerful methods to reduce stress. Use apps and virtual tools designed to ease tension and promote relaxation.
• Listening to podcasts – Get relevant information and feel connected, whether you’re on the go driving or sitting in your office. Listen to audio programs that share expert insights and relatable coping strategies.
• Engage in family activities – Times of uncertainty prompted during a health crisis can impact the entire family. Implement new strategies for parents and caregivers to address the sensitive needs of children and incite engaging activities.
• Find balance while working from home – Working remotely can be a challenging and uncomfortable lifestyle change for some. Use resources that provide ways to stay productive while still caring for your mental well-being and finding balance.
• Explore financial and debt relief assistance – The economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has taken a financial toll on many families. Learn about programs offered through the government and other financial institutions that may provide some relief during these challenging times.

While balancing increased job demands, caring for patients and families during these unprecedented times, it is important for physicians and practice staff to manage their own mental health and well-being. Everyone must remember to take care of themselves in order to take care of others.

About the Author
Lydia Mills, MSW, LCSW, LICSW is the Senior Manager, Palliative Care and Social Work for The US Oncology Network. In this role she supports Network practices in their palliative care, advance care planning, and end-of-life initiatives, as well as working with and supporting the social workers across The Network.  Given her clinical social work background, she also has a passion for encouraging and promoting self-care.

Celebrating Oncology Nursing Month in 2020: The Year of the Nurse and Midwife

Every May, we celebrate Oncology Nursing Month and recognize the critical role oncology nurses play in patient care. This year’s Oncology Nurses Month is of additional importance because 2020 is designated The Year of the Nurse and Midwife by the World Health Organization (WHO) in commemoration of Florence Nightingale’s 200^th birthday. Further, it is the culmination of their three-year Nursing Now! campaign to elevate the status and recognition of nurses worldwide.

Every day oncology nurses deliver steadfast care to cancer patients by explaining diagnoses, providing education, administering critical treatments, coordinating care, celebrating victories, consoling during disappointments and so much more. This important role is especially critical during the current global crisis. Despite the threat to their personal health, oncology nurses everywhere have provided essential care, treatment and support for patients trying to navigate their cancer diagnosis in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The US Oncology Network supports nurses year-round

The Network recognizes the important role nurses play in providing the highest quality patient care in a community setting and we are committed to supporting the professional growth and development of all our nurses and clinical staff.

Through our collaboration with the Oncology Nursing Society (ONS), nurses in The Network have access to clinical education programs, various certification courses, including the ONCC FreeTake^TM Certification Program. In addition, they have access to leadership courses and other learning resources to further their educational opportunities.

We celebrate you

In recognition of Oncology Nursing Month, we would like to take a moment to turn our thoughts especially to the dedication and compassion of nurses in The Network. You represent the best of oncology nursing and the Florence Nightingale legacy! Thank you for what you do to support and deliver the best care possible to patients today and every day.