What's Happening?
A study conducted by Flatiron Health in collaboration with the Community Oncology Alliance (COA) has revealed that patients treated in independent community oncology practices have higher survival rates compared to national benchmarks. The research analyzed
data from nearly 98,000 patients treated at Flatiron Health Research Network (FHRN) practices between 2013 and 2022. The study found that patients with metastatic breast cancer treated in these settings had a median survival eight months longer than the national SEER benchmark. Similarly, patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (mNSCLC) experienced a median survival two months longer than national standards. These findings underscore the effectiveness of community oncology practices in managing complex cancer treatments and maintaining care continuity.
Why It's Important?
The study's results highlight the critical role of independent community oncology practices in providing effective cancer care. As these practices face increasing regulatory and financial pressures, the findings provide evidence of their value in delivering superior patient outcomes. The study suggests that the multidisciplinary and locally embedded nature of community oncology contributes to better survival rates, offering patients more time with their families. This research could influence healthcare policy and patient referral patterns, encouraging support for independent practices in the face of hospital consolidation. The study also emphasizes the importance of real-world data in evaluating healthcare quality and guiding future cancer care strategies.
What's Next?
The study represents the first phase of a multiyear collaboration between COA and Flatiron Health, with future research expected to explore additional disease areas and patient-centered approaches. As the findings are presented at the Community Oncology Conference in Orlando, they may impact policy decisions and encourage payers and health systems to support independent practices. The research aims to provide actionable insights into the realities of cancer care, potentially shaping the future landscape of oncology treatment in the U.S.
