ICYMI: Highlights From ACCC Fall 2024

The top 5 most-viewed content from Association of Cancer Care Centers (ACCC) fall conference covered sessions on patient participation in clinical trials, wellness initiatives, and innovations in prior authorization processing.

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Here are the top 5 most-viewed content pieces from ACCC fall in 2024. View all our ACCC content here.

5. Combatting Misconceptions of Clinical Trials to Improve Patient Participation

Terry L. Keys, research advocacy manager, University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center, discussed the ways the center is working with patients to change perceptions about clinical trials. Markey Cancer Center addresses these misconceptions by emphasizing that participants receive the standard of care along with potential additional benefits and by changing the language used, such as replacing "clinical trial" with "clinical research," to improve trust and understanding, especially among marginalized communities.

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4. Making Cancer Care Easier With Community Bispecific Antibody Programs

The Cowell Family Cancer Center in northern Michigan has launched a community bispecific delivery program to provide patients with access to novel therapies without the need to travel long distances, which can be financially and emotionally burdensome, explained Courtney VanHouzen, PharmD, PGY-2 oncology resident, Cowell Family Cancer Center, Munson Healthcare. By offering these treatments locally, patients can remain close to their support systems, improving their overall cancer journey and helping those who might otherwise forgo therapy due to logistical or financial barriers.

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3. Wellness Initiatives Spotlighted in ACCC's Opening Poster Exhibit

At the 41st National Oncology Conference, presentations highlighted the importance of health literacy and wellness programs in improving cancer care. Fox Chase Cancer Center's "Just in Time" program tailors patient communication to individual needs, addressing language barriers and diverse demographics, while Northwell Health's wellness initiative for staff and patients demonstrated the positive impact of wellness activities, reducing stress and increasing engagement. Both efforts emphasize the value of meeting patients and health care providers where they are to enhance overall care.

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2. Creating Equitable Cancer Care for Americans of Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage

Naoto T. Ueno, MD, PhD, director and interim program coleader, Cancer Biology Program, Translational and Clinical Research, University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center, highlighted the historical underrepresentation of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities in clinical trials, emphasizing the need to address access and trust issues in these populations. The Hawai'i Cancer Consortium is working to overcome these challenges by expanding clinical trial access, offering professional education, and engaging community advisory boards to foster trust and improve outcomes, particularly for Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders, and Filipinos.

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1. Streamlining PA Process, Promoting Biosimilars With Automated Informatics

At The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, an innovative informatics program has streamlined biosimilar selection by automating the prior authorization process, reducing administrative burdens and increasing biosimilar utilization by 21.9%. Recognized with an Innovator Award at the 2024 ACCC National Oncology Conference, the program incorporates insurance data and contractual agreements to optimize treatment plans, significantly reducing turnaround times for authorizations and improving patient care efficiency. This tool is set to expand to other therapeutic agents and supportive care treatments to further reduce delays and manual interventions.

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