Expanding Access to Quality Cancer Care

There have been remarkable advancements in cancer care, with emerging therapies and clinical trials bringing hope to patients nationwide. However, gaining access to these new treatments can be challenging.

As part of STAT@ASH, Jason Hammonds, president of Oncology & Multispecialty at McKesson, and Dr. Nathan Shumway, medical oncologist and hematologist at Texas Oncology, joined industry peers for a discussion about how community oncology clinics are reshaping patient experiences by overcoming access challenges and broadening the availability of innovative therapies.

Accelerating Research to Expand Access to Clinical Trials

Clinical trials represent hope for patients fighting cancer — yet barriers to access still exist. An estimated 17% to 20% of Americans live in rural areas, but only 3% of oncologists practice there. This imbalance makes it difficult for patients to receive care close to home, and lack of awareness compounds the challenge: more than 40% of Americans don’t know trials are an option.

“A clinical trial should be the first option for a patient fighting cancer,” said Hammonds. “In the past, many patients have had to travel to academic medical centers to participate in clinical trials. We’ve changed that by bringing trials into the community setting.” 

Practices within The US Oncology Network, an organization of independent, community-based providers supported by McKesson, are working with our joint venture, Sarah Cannon Research Institute (SCRI) — one of the world’s leading oncology research organizations conducting community-based clinical trials — to expand patient access to innovative treatments. By leveraging real-world data and evidence, we enable representation of a broader range of patients in clinical research, including individuals from underrepresented communities. This approach also helps inform regulatory decisions by providing a better understanding of treatment outcomes and safety profiles across populations.

Harnessing the Power of Technology to Expand Access to Care

Healthcare and technology are converging faster than ever, and that intersection is creating new opportunities to improve access. Artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced information systems are helping community practices integrate clinical trials seamlessly and allowing physicians to treat their patients with the most up-to-date therapies and clinical trial options.

“When I trained in the early 2000s, less than 10 oncological drugs were approved each year,” said Dr. Shumway. “This year in 2025, we’re on pace to approve close to 50 new drugs. That explosion of new drugs is wonderful but trying to get that information out to the providers — especially when we’re seeing patients all day — is difficult.”

Through Ontada, a McKesson business dedicated to real-world oncology data, we embed evidence-based insights directly into the workflow of approximately 3,300 providers — updating content within 24 hours of changes to National Comprehensive Cancer Network Guidelines.

Ontada’s iKnowMed electronic health record integrates biomarker testing and real-time genomics to reduce time to diagnosis and treatment of complex cancers. Meanwhile, Genospace, our AI data-driven platform, helps match eligible patients with clinical trial options, ensuring access to advanced therapies without leaving their community.

Partnering in Cancer Care

People diagnosed with cancer rely on more than their oncologist. Patients rely on a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals — nurses, social workers, pharmacists, nutritionists, psychologists and more — to navigate treatment and recovery.

"With more than half of cancer patients receiving care in community settings, partnering across The US Oncology Network, biopharma and the broader oncology ecosystem gives me hope,” said Hammonds. “Oncology today is a paradox — we’re seeing more breakthroughs than ever, but with that progress comes complexity and burden for practices. Together, we help community oncologists navigate these challenges by providing research opportunities, advanced technologies and the support they need to deliver care where patients live — bringing hope and innovation to every corner of the community.”

At McKesson, we collaborate with healthcare teams to address every dimension of patient needs, from clinical to emotional support. By working with local organizations, advocacy groups and community leaders, we build trust and foster participation in research. These partnerships help ensure that patients feel supported and informed throughout their journey.

Offering Hope for the Future

McKesson empowers community-based oncology practices and research sites with technology, clinical trial resources and education that improve access and elevate care. Our objective is clear: make cutting-edge cancer care available where patients live. By combining innovation, collaboration and a relentless focus on access, we’re helping bring hope home.