Oncology News Central

“Complexity isn’t a dealbreaker.” In oncology, prior authorizations can derail care over pennies. Samyukta Mullangi argues it’s time to rethink our reliance on UM—and invest in value-based care instead. Read her perspective on restoring autonomy to physicians and sanity to cancer care. https://bit.ly/3XJDhvF Thyme Care Tennessee Oncology

Study in IJROBP: The U.S. #RadiationOncology landscape is consolidating—physicians ↑16% (2015–2023), but practices ↓13%. Large practices expanded 51%, while solo practices declined 27%. Rural areas face disproportionate retirement rates. https://bit.ly/4hUvId5 Kunal Sindhu SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University Nicolas Ferreyros American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO)

Despite federal pushback on #DEI, the American Cancer Society remains committed to studying cancer risk & disparities in Black women. The ACS study, VOICES of Black Women Study aims to improve knowledge of cancer and other health conditions that affect Black women. Read insights from Lauren McCullough and Laura Esserman on how this study could improve care for all. https://bit.ly/4hCZaUF

Navigating the Learning Curve: Expert Guidance on Claudin 18.2-Targeted Therapy Toxicities The recent approval of zolbetuximab for CLDN18.2-positive gastric cancers marks an important therapeutic advance, but requires oncologists to master new toxicity management strategies. Two key takeaways from my conversation with Raghav Sundar MBBS, PhD(Yale Cancer Center): ?? Mechanism-Driven AEs: As CLDN18.2 is expressed in gastric mucosa, treatment commonly induces nausea/vomiting - particularly during initial cycles ?? Evidence-Based Management: Consensus guidelines recommend quadruple antiemetic prophylaxis (NK1 + 5HT3 + dexamethasone + olanzapine). Tap for more insights: https://bit.ly/4iNS9Sn

Rethinking End-of-Life Cancer Care: Bridging the Gap Between Treatment and Patient Priorities A provocative study analyzing SEER-Medicare data (2012–2017) revealed a startling reality: Oncologists’ approaches to end-of-life care vary dramatically. The communication imperative: When patients understand the trade-offs—minimal survival gains vs. side effects/hospitalization—many choose comfort over futile treatment (Nathan Cherny). Team-based alignment: Trust is built not just through oncologists, but via nurses, social workers, and families who help patients navigate these decisions (Ray Page, DO, PhD). How often are patients’ voices truly heard? https://bit.ly/423BFi2 ESMO - European Society for Medical Oncology Rutgers Institute for Health, Health Care Policy and Aging Research The Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders

Community Oncology: A System in Crisis and a Call to Action Independent oncology practices are rapidly disappearing due to outdated reimbursement models, unchecked consolidation, and rising administrative burdens. Financial pressures, workforce burnout, and vertical integration by insurers and PBMs have created an unsustainable landscape. Despite these challenges, community oncology remains a critical pillar of accessible, high-quality cancer care. In Georgia, only a few independent practices remain—a stark contrast to 20 years ago. Let’s reverse the trend before it’s too late. https://bit.ly/4kLR1A5

Record-Breaking Match Day 2025 This year’s NRMP Match was the largest in history, with 47,208 applicants and 43,237 residency positions. Notable trends include a surge in primary care positions (+877), a strong recovery in emergency medicine fill rates, and stable high interest in OB-GYN. Where does your speciality line up? https://bit.ly/41JOcqF

Radiation Oncology Faces a 40% Cut – Looming Medicare cuts threaten freestanding radiation oncology centers, accelerating consolidation & reducing patient access. The #ROCR Act could be the solution. https://bit.ly/3FFVwMu Christopher Jahraus Amar Rewari, MD, MBA, FASTRO

When asked about the Jan. 28 disruption to Medicaid portals in connection with the Trump administration's freeze on federal funding, over one-third of physicians (92, or 36%) said that it affected their patient care. From Medicaid disruptions to shifting public health communications, the landscape is changing fast. Learn what physicians are saying: https://bit.ly/3Qr6HuN

Tarlatamab, a bispecific antibody targeting DLL3 & CD3, shows promise in #SCLC with a 40% response rate & durable CNS control. But managing CRS & ICANS is key. Maya Khalil, MD, thoracic oncologist at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Eric Singhi, assistant professor at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston and Sandip Patel, M.D., professor of medicine at the University of California San Diego, discuss this important advancement. https://bit.ly/4bHjrHj