ICYMI: Highlights From COA 2025

The 2025 Community Oncology Conference, hosted by the Community Oncology Alliance (COA), underscored a shared commitment to patient-centered care, access, and innovation in community oncology. From evolving policy landscapes to practical programs that improve trial access and navigation, contributors emphasized the importance of advocacy, collaboration, and technology in strengthening cancer care outside of academic centers. Themes of equity and partnership were prominent as panelists and experts explored how community practices can better serve diverse populations, leverage clinical research opportunities, and integrate emerging tools.

Here are the top 5 articles and videos from the 2025 COA Community Oncology Conference.

5. Enhancing Patient Navigation Through Tailored Technology: Mike Fazio

Mike Fazio, director of value-based care at Navista, Cardinal Health, discussed how tailored technology solutions can strengthen patient navigation in community oncology settings. Rather than replacing human navigators, the right technologies support and amplify the practice’s existing efforts, facilitating care coordination and enabling more efficient value-based care models. Fazio noted that successful tools are chosen with input from clinical teams who will use them, ensuring buy-in and practical utility. When thoughtfully implemented, technology can reduce administrative burden, streamline communication, and help practices better track patient needs across the care continuum. Ultimately, technology should be seen as a partner to human navigation, enabling practices to deliver more personalized, equitable, and efficient cancer care while preserving the patient-focused relationships that drive better outcomes.

Watch the video here.

4. Patient Navigation Is Nonnegotiable in Cancer Care

Navigation programs are crucial in helping patients traverse the complexities of cancer treatment, according to a panel of experts from several practices. Panelists described how they implemented and structured navigation systems that blend technology with human connection, recognizing that streamlined processes are essential but cannot replace empathetic, personalized support. The discussion examined diverse approaches, from leveraging electronic medical records to automate workflows to tiered and risk-stratified models targeting high-need patients. Speakers also highlighted the importance of effective communication, consistent points of contact, and addressing social determinants of health in navigation efforts. Across the discussion, there was strong consensus that technology should enhance, not replace, the human relationships needed for effective patient support.

Read the article here.

3. Advancing the Art of Medicine Through Partnership

Another panel discussion emphasized the importance of collaboration between community practices and hospital or academic partners to enhance patient care and expand resources. Leaders from independent community oncology practices and hospital systems described how strategic alliances facilitate resource sharing, cost reduction, and improved patient outcomes, highlighting real-world examples. They stressed that success hinges on mutual respect, local decision-making, and adapting services to meet unique community needs. Throughout the conversation, panelists agreed that while partnerships can be complex, aligning around patient-centered goals leads to sustained improvements in community oncology care.

Read the article here.

2. Keep Patients at the Center of Clinical Research

In a session devoted to expanding clinical trial infrastructure within community oncology, speakers emphasized that as cancer incidence rises and novel therapies proliferate, equitable access to trials close to home is increasingly critical. Panelists discussed strategies for motivating physicians and practices to invest in research programs, including beginning with smaller, manageable trials and leveraging partnerships with site management organizations to streamline operations. A central theme was the dual benefit of such research: it provides patients local access to cutting-edge treatments while diversifying revenue and enhancing clinical credibility for practices. Efforts to increase trial participation among underserved and rural populations were also spotlighted, with a focus on culturally competent staffing and technologies that reduce enrollment barriers.

Read the article here.

1. Community Oncology Reacts to Trump's Drug Pricing Executive Order

A panel moderated by Ted Okon, MBA, executive director of COA, discussed the implications of President Donald Trump’s executive order aimed at increasing transparency in drug pricing, curbing anticompetitive practices, and encouraging competition to lower drug costs. While the order itself lacks statutory authority, panelists noted it signals policy intentions that could shape future congressional or HHS action. They highlighted opportunities for site-neutral payment reforms and pharmacy benefit manager fee transparency that align with longstanding community oncology priorities, while also acknowledging areas of ambiguity and potential risk in the executive order’s language. The discussion pivoted to the need for proactive advocacy to ensure reforms benefit patients and providers alike, with particular focus on preserving affordable access to cancer care and addressing systemic challenges, such as adequate coverage for patient support services and the continued value of patient-centered navigation.

Read the interview here.