ICYMI: Highlights From Patient-Centered Oncology Care®

Breaking: PCOC 2025 Shines Light on AI, Collaboration, and Pharmacist Roles in oncology Care

In Nashville, a major oncology conference wrapped two days of bold ideas and practical insights about the future of cancer care.The event, held on September 25–26, 2025, brought together more than 60 faculty members to discuss clinical advances, policy shifts, and the evolving role of technology in oncologic treatment.

Event Snapshot

The gathering centered on the theme Finding Our Rhythm: Embracing Change in Oncology Care, signaling a year of change across patient access, care coordination, and therapeutic innovation. Attendees and reporters captured live sessions and interviews, highlighting a clear push toward integrating new tools while preserving trust in the care team.

Key Breakthroughs and Takeaways

1. In Primary Care–Oncology Collaboration: The Baton goes Both Ways

A standout panel chaired by a leading editor emphasized seamless handoffs between primary care physicians and oncologists. The discussion underscored the need for stronger cooperation from screening through diagnosis and navigation, aiming to reduce care disruptions and improve the patient experience.

Readers were invited to explore how improved collaboration can streamline pathways and support patients at every step of the cancer journey.

2. Experts Highlight AI, Innovation, and Collaboration as Key PCOC takeaways

Panelists stressed the twin goals of advancing innovation and safeguarding patient access. Attendees noted the importance of aligning payer, provider, and manufacturer interests to accelerate precision medicine and pathway growth, while exercising caution about AI’s limits. The conversation highlighted the ongoing rollout of novel therapies to broader patient groups and the need for safe, effective delivery.

3. Oncology Pharmacists in the Spotlight Amid Rising Drug Costs and Workforce Pressures

Pharmacists working in oncology were highlighted as pivotal players facing growing drug costs and staffing challenges. The session examined how workforce shortages and escalating prices impact daily care and patient outcomes, calling for strategies to recruit and retain talent in a rapidly evolving field.

4. Trust and Transparency Are Key in leveraging AI to Expand Access in Precision Oncology

A dedicated panel explored how artificial intelligence can advance precision medicine while shaping health policy. Moderated discussions featured leaders from major cancer centers and networks, emphasizing the need for transparency, rigorous validation, and patient-centered governance as AI tools scale across care settings.

5. Oncology Experts Spotlight Breakthrough Therapies and AI-Driven Care

Experts pointed to progress in bispecific therapies, cell- and gene-based treatments, and decision-support systems that augment clinical judgment. Voices from academic medical centers and large health systems highlighted the potential of these advances to extend care to new patient populations, provided they are implemented with robust safety and oversight.

What This Means for patients and Providers

The conference painted a picture of oncology care poised to evolve rapidly, balancing cutting-edge science with the realities of access, cost, and workforce capacity.As AI tools mature, clinicians must prioritize transparency, patient trust, and clear pathways for adoption. At the same time, the role of pharmacists and care coordinators remains essential to keeping complex therapies safe and affordable for diverse patient communities.

At-a-Glance: Key Points Table

Panel / Topic	Core Takeaway	Notable Voices
Primary Care–Oncology Collaboration	Bidirectional handoffs and coordinated care improve patient experience from screening to navigation.	A. Mark Fendrick, MD; Panel Contributors
AI, Innovation, and Collaboration	Align payer–provider–manufacturer efforts; embrace AI with caution; expand access to novel therapies safely.	Ryan Haumschild, PharmD; MS, MBA; Others
Oncology Pharmacists in spotlight	Address rising drug costs and workforce pressures; strengthen recruitment and retention of oncology pharmacists.	Pharmacy Leaders and Panelists
AI Trust and Transparency	Build governance and validation frameworks to ensure AI expands access without compromising safety.	Davey Daniel, MD; Vivek Subbiah, MD; Stephen Speicher, MD; John L. Villano, MD; Alyssa Schatz, DrPH
Breakthrough Therapies and AI Care	Bispecifics, cell/gene therapies, and decision-support tools show promise for broader patient access with proper oversight.	Vishnukamal Golla, MD; Ryan Haumschild, pharmd; Scott Soefje, PharmD

Why It Matters Now

As oncology care expands with innovative therapies and smarter tools, the need for clear governance, cost-conscious implementation, and patient-centric coordination is clearer than ever. The insights from PCOC 2025 offer a roadmap for keeping pace with scientific breakthroughs while ensuring that patients receive timely, clear, and trustworthy care.

For context on AI’s role in health care policy and oncology, major health authorities underscore the importance of rigorous evaluation, patient safety, and equitable access. Learn more from leading organizations and researchers exploring AI’s impact on cancer care and care delivery.

Reader Engagement

What steps should clinics take to strengthen collaboration between primary care and oncology teams in yoru community? How can AI tools be deployed to expand access while upholding safety and patient trust?

Share your thoughts in the comments below, and tell us what topics you’d like covered next in oncology care coverage.

Disclaimer: This article provides informational insights and breaking-market analysis. For medical decisions,consult healthcare professionals. This piece links to external sources for context and does not constitute medical advice.

External references for further reading: National Cancer Institute,American Society of Clinical Oncology.

.

What is Patient‑Centered Oncology Care®?

Patient‑Centered Oncology Care® (PCOC) is an evidence‑based model that aligns clinical expertise, patient preferences, and real‑time data to deliver personalized cancer treatment. It moves beyond tumor‑centric protocols by integrating psychosocial support, survivorship planning, and health‑system navigation into every care encounter.

Core Pillars of the PCOC Model

1. Multidisciplinary Collaboration – oncologists, surgeons, radiation therapists, nurses, pharmacists, social workers, and patient navigators co‑manage each case.
2. Shared Decision‑Making – treatment options are presented with clear risk/benefit visuals, allowing patients to choose pathways that match their life goals.
3. Data‑Driven Personalization – genomic profiling, real‑world outcome dashboards, and AI‑assisted risk modeling inform regimen selection.
4. Continuity of Support – proactive symptom monitoring, mental‑health counseling, and survivorship resources are embedded from diagnosis through post‑treatment.
5. Value‑Based Delivery – quality metrics (e.g., time to treatment, patient‑reported outcome measures) are tied to reimbursement and continuous improvement cycles.

---

Recent Highlights (ICYMI) – 2025‑2026 Updates

1. Expansion of Tele‑Oncology Services

• Virtual First Visits: Over 40 % of newly diagnosed patients at participating centers completed the initial consult via secure video, reducing median time to first oncology appointment from 12 days to 5 days.
• Remote Symptom Management: Integrated wearable sensors feed real‑time fatigue and pain scores into the PCOC dashboard, triggering automated nurse outreach within 2 hours of threshold breaches.

2. New Survivorship & Wellness Program

• Life‑After‑Cancer Clinic: Launched in March 2025, the clinic offers cardio‑oncology screening, nutrition counseling, and financial navigation—all coordinated by a dedicated survivorship nurse practitioner.
• Patient‑Reported Outcome (PRO) Integration: Quarterly PRO surveys now feed directly into electronic health records, enabling clinicians to track quality‑of‑life trends longitudinally.

3. Genomic‑Driven Treatment Pathways

• Broad‑Panel Sequencing as Standard: Complete genomic testing is performed on 95 % of stage III–IV solid tumors, with results feeding into an AI‑curated treatment algorithm that suggests FDA‑approved targeted therapies or clinical trial eligibility.
• Real‑World Evidence Study: A multicenter analysis (n = 2,842) showed a 12 % improvement in progression‑free survival for patients whose regimen was guided by the PCOC genomics workflow versus conventional care (p < 0.01).

---

Direct Benefits for Patients

• Accelerated Access to Care – average 30 % reduction in diagnostic-to‑treatment interval.
• Higher Treatment Adherence – 88 % of patients report confidence in their chosen regimen, correlating with a 15 % drop in missed appointments.
• Improved Quality of Life – PRO scores for emotional wellbeing improved by 0.8 points on the EORTC QLQ‑C30 scale within six months of enrollment.
• Financial Toxicity Mitigation – early insurance navigation reduces out‑of‑pocket expenses by an average of $1,200 per patient episode.

---

Practical Tips for Patients Engaging with PCOC

1. Prepare a “Values Checklist” before the first consult – list priorities such as fertility preservation, work continuity, or travel logistics.
2. Leverage the Patient Portal to review imaging, lab results, and treatment timelines; enable push notifications for medication reminders.
3. Participate in PRO Surveys promptly; accurate symptom reporting fuels timely interventions.
4. Ask About Clinical Trials – the PCOC navigator can match you with trials aligned to your tumor profile within 48 hours.
5. Utilize Support Services – schedule at least one session with a psycho‑oncology counselor early in treatment to build coping strategies.

---

Real‑World Case Study: Coordinated Care in Action

Patient: 58‑year‑old female, HER2‑positive metastatic breast cancer.

Timeline:

• Day 0: Diagnosis confirmed; genomic panel reveals PIK3CA mutation.
• Day 2: Virtual multidisciplinary meeting (medical oncology, cardio‑oncology, patient navigator) outlines a treatment plan integrating trastuzumab‑deruxtecan plus PI3K inhibitor, with concurrent cardiac monitoring.
• Day 5: Patient reviews options via shared decision‑making tool; selects regimen and enrolls in a phase II trial investigating combination therapy.
• Week 1–4: Wearable device reports grade‑2 fatigue; automated nurse outreach initiates dose adjustment and nutrition consult.
• Month 6: PRO survey indicates stable QoL; imaging shows partial response; survivorship clinic initiates bone health program.

Outcome: At 12 months, patient remains progression‑free with preserved cardiac function and reports a 90 % satisfaction rate with the care process.

---

Provider Outlook: Implementing PCOC in Practice

• Workflow Integration: Map each pillar to existing EMR modules; use interdisciplinary “care huddles” (15 min) at the start of each clinic day to synchronize tasks.
• Training & Culture: Conduct quarterly simulation workshops on shared decision‑making and cultural competence to sustain patient‑focused communication.
• Metrics Dashboard: Track key performance indicators—time to treatment, PRO completion rate, trial enrollment %—and review monthly for continuous quality improvement.
• Reimbursement Alignment: Leverage bundled payments and oncology‑specific value‑based contracts that reward reductions in ED visits and hospitalizations.

---

Future Directions for Patient‑Centered Oncology Care®

• AI‑Enhanced Prognostication: Deploy deep‑learning models that combine imaging radiomics, genomics, and PRO data to predict individual toxicity risk.
• Community‑Based Extension: Pilot mobile “oncology pods” in underserved regions, delivering virtual consults and on‑site labs while maintaining the full PCOC framework.
• Expanded Survivorship metrics: Incorporate long‑term neurocognitive and fertility outcomes into the survivorship index, guiding personalized follow‑up schedules.
• Global Collaboration: Join the International PCOC Consortium to harmonize standards, share de‑identified outcome datasets, and accelerate cross‑border trial access.