CANCER BUZZ
CANCER BUZZ features fresh perspectives on hot topics in oncology care delivery. CANCER BUZZ is where stakeholders from the front lines of care to the C-suite, from research to the registry, from chairside to benchside, talk about top-of-mind questions and real-world impact.
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Bridging the Gap: Enhancing Cancer Care Through Financial Navigation
09/11/2025
Bridging the Gap: Enhancing Cancer Care Through Financial Navigation
The high cost associated with cancer diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship makes the burden of financial toxicity an unavoidable reality for many patients—and makes financial navigators central to the delivery of high-quality cancer care. In this vodcast episode, CANCER BUZZ speaks with Heather Simpson, BCPA, patient financial navigator lead, who shares her experience using the ACCC Financial Advocacy Network’s financial advocacy services guidelines assessment tool to pinpoint financial navigation challenges within her cancer program. Heather Simpson, BCPA Patient Financial Navigator Lead Allina Health Cancer Institute River Falls, WI “When [ACCC] came out with a gap assessment tool in 2024...it allowed us to see where we had hit the mark with our program and where we had some gaps we could take care of to really be in line with the [Financial Advocacy Network’s] guidelines.” Resources: This podcast is made possible by funding and support provided by Genentech, Eisai, Pfizer, and Regeneron and in partnership with AONN+, NPAF, Triage Cancer, and CancerCare.
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Managing CDK4/6 Inhibitor Toxicities in Breast Cancer
09/02/2025
Managing CDK4/6 Inhibitor Toxicities in Breast Cancer
Effective management of adverse events and addressing barriers to care are critical to optimizing outcomes and maintaining quality of life for patients receiving CDK4/6 inhibitors. In this episode, CANCER BUZZ speaks with Julia Lea Ziegengeist, PharmD, BCOP, clinical pharmacist coordinator in solid tumor oncology at Atrium Health Levine Cancer Institute about proactive, team-based strategies to identify, monitor, and manage treatment-related toxicities in patients with early-stage and metastatic HR-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer. Dr. Ziegengeist sheds light on the patient journey, the roles of various multidisciplinary care team members, and useful resources for language and literacy barriers. “I think the biggest thing that is specific to CDK4/6 inhibitors is... eligibility criteria and when we’re using the drugs in what setting, having those monitoring protocols and getting that multidisciplinary collaboration is really key.” – Julia Lea Ziegengeist, PharmD, BCOP Julia Lea Ziegengeist, PharmD, BCOP Clinical Pharmacist Coordinator, Solid Tumor Oncology Levine Cancer Institute Atrium Health Charlotte, NC Resources:
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Increasing Access and Representation in Clinical Trials
08/26/2025
Increasing Access and Representation in Clinical Trials
Clinical trials are vital to offering and developing the most effective treatment options. However, there are large disparities in enrollment across race, ethnicity, geography, and type of cancer care center. Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center in Baton Rouge, LA uses local partnerships, culturally tailored outreach, and workforce innovation to drive sustainable and equitable participation in clinical trials. Minorities now make up 21% of their clinical trial participation, surpassing the national average. Following these meaningful gains in attracting local minority populations and underserved communities to take part in clinical trials, the Mary Bird Perkins research team received a grant to further support this work. In this episode of CANCER BUZZ, Victor Lin, MD, PhD, research medical director at Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center, shares strategies for success in their community, including awareness campaigns and partnerships. CANCER BUZZ also speaks with TaeJeanne “TJ” Taylor-Lawrence, RN, registered nurse and patient navigator, about building relationships and supporting patients in clinical trials. “We really, really have to be thinking, from a trial design standpoint, about the barriers that we're throwing up in the name of trying to keep the science and the data clean.” - Victor Lin, MD, PhD “There's been this long-standing perception that cancer clinical trials are really the domain of only academic cancer centers. But I think increasingly we're finding that ... community cancer centers can be more nimble and are perfectly capable of running the same trials and seeing these patients where they live.” - Victor Lin, MD, PhD “I think that representation builds trust. If people don't see themselves in this process, whether it's in the data, whether it's in the staff, or any of the outreach programs that we have, they're just less likely to believe that this is for them. In my community, black and brown communities especially, I think there's a deep need to feel seen, respected, and understood. When a patient sees someone that looks like them or shares their background talking about clinical trials, I think that that shifts the energy.” - TaeJeanne “TJ” Taylor-Lawrence, RN “If the research does not reflect all of us, the solutions won't either.” - TaeJeanne “TJ” Taylor-Lawrence, RN Victor Lin, MD, PhD Research Medical Director Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center Baton Rouge, LA TaeJeanne “TJ” Taylor-Lawrence, RN Registered Nurse Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center Baton Rouge, LA Resources:
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Stay Ahead of the Curve on CDK4/6 Inhibitor Toxicities
08/07/2025
Stay Ahead of the Curve on CDK4/6 Inhibitor Toxicities
Anticipating and managing CDK4/6 inhibitor toxicities in HR+ HER2- breast cancer is essential to improving patient quality of life and optimizing clinical outcomes. In this episode, CANCER BUZZ speaks with Diana Van Ostran, PharmD, BCOP, clinical pharmacy specialist – breast clinic at Miami Cancer Institute, Baptist Health South Florida, about strategies to monitor and manage treatment-related adverse events in patients with early-stage and metastatic breast cancer receiving CDK4/6 inhibitors. She discusses the importance of individualized care and robust patient education around lifestyle and dietary techniques to improve tolerance of this treatment. Diana Van Ostran, PharmD, BCOP Clinical Pharmacy Specialist – Breast Clinic Miami Cancer Institute Baptist Health South Florida Miami, FL “Clinical pharmacists play a vital role in managing the patient's treatment. Because, as we know, if you're having excessive side effects, patients are going to be less likely to take their medications.” Resources:
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Transforming Cancer Detection and Treatment
08/05/2025
Transforming Cancer Detection and Treatment
In this episode, CANCER BUZZ speaks with Bart Daugherty, vice president of clinical technology and systems at Georgetown Cancer Center, Lifepoint Health, about his program’s receipt of a 2025 ACCC Innovator Award. Lifepoint’s innovation, Transforming Cancer Detection and Treatment with the AI-Driven Healthy Person Program, leverages artificial intelligence (AI) to analyze the health records of all patients who have received care at Lifepoint Health’s facilities and identify those who are at risk of developing catastrophic diseases. This initiative, dubbed the Healthy Person Program, has already impacted over 280,000 patients since the deployment of Lifepoint’s AI tool and made significant strides in improving population health in its communities. Bart Daugherty Vice President, Clinical Technology and Systems Lifepoint Health Brentwood, Tennessee “We’ve taken a lot of the administrative burden off of [our cancer team] and allowed them to focus on critical patient [cases].” – Bart Daugherty This podcast is part of a special series featuring the 2025 ACCC Innovator Award winners. For a deeper dive into this topic and other content that will help your team reimagine how care is delivered at your cancer program or practice, , October 15-17 in Denver, Colorado. Resources:
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Adopting Machine Learning-Enabled Decision Support to Improve Oncology End-of-Life Outcomes
07/15/2025
Adopting Machine Learning-Enabled Decision Support to Improve Oncology End-of-Life Outcomes
In this episode, CANCER BUZZ speaks with Andrew Munchel, MSN, RN, OCN, CPHQ, quality program administrator, oncology service line at WellSpan Health, WellSpan Cancer Institute about his program’s receipt of a 2025 ACCC Innovator Award. WellSpan Cancer Institute’s innovation, Adopting Machine Learning-Enabled Decision Support to Improve Oncology End-of-Life Outcomes, involved the implementation of the End-of-Life Care Index, a machine learning and cognitive computing model that predicts 12-month mortality risk, into the cancer program’s clinical decision support tool. Driven by a desire to address the underutilization of palliative care, Munchel will discuss how this implementation enhanced both the efficiency and effectiveness of WellSpan Cancer Institute’s care delivery. Andrew Munchel, MSN, RN, OCN, CPHQ Quality Program Administrator, Oncology Service Line WellSpan Health, WellSpan Cancer Institute York, Pennsylvania “Our innovation looked at how [we could] better predict who is most likely to benefit from [palliative care] conversations, queue them up, and have them at the appropriate times to link those patients to palliative care.” This podcast is part of a special series featuring the 2025 ACCC Innovator Award winners. For a deeper dive into this topic and other content that will help your team reimagine how care is delivered at your cancer program or practice, , October 15-17 in Denver, Colorado. Resources:
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Ambulatory Care Excellence (ACE): Charting a New Path in Ambulatory Care Model and Coordination
07/10/2025
Ambulatory Care Excellence (ACE): Charting a New Path in Ambulatory Care Model and Coordination
In this episode, CANCER BUZZ speaks with Anna Liza Rodriguez, MSN, MHA, RN, OCN, NEA-BC, chief nursing officer and vice president of Nursing and Patient Care Services at Fox Chase Cancer Center about her program’s receipt of a 2025 ACCC Innovator Award. Fox Chase Cancer Center’s innovation, Ambulatory Care Excellence (ACE): Charting a New Path in Ambulatory Care Model and Coordination, is a structured approach designed to improve efficiency, coordination, and patient outcomes in ambulatory cancer care while ensuring top of license scope of work for clinicians. Rodriguez will discuss key features of the ACE Model, its impact on patients with cancer, and notable results of the initiative. Anna Liza Rodriguez, MSN, MHA, RN, OCN, NEA-BC Chief Nursing Officer, Vice President, Nursing and Patient Care Services Fox Chase Cancer Center Philadelphia, PA “All of our team members are really connected to our purpose...from frontline staff to executives to different support services. [They] truly have the patient front and center, [and] that really drives a lot of our passion towards improvement [and] making sure that the care we deliver is exceptional.” - Anna Rodriguez This podcast is part of a special series featuring the 2025 ACCC Innovator Award winners. For a deeper dive into this topic and other content that will help your team reimagine how care is delivered at your cancer program or practice, , October 15-17 in Denver, Colorado. Resources:
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Optimizing Germline and Somatic Testing in Prostate Cancer
07/01/2025
Optimizing Germline and Somatic Testing in Prostate Cancer
Genetic factors play a critical role in prostate cancer treatment planning, with both germline and somatic mutations guiding therapeutic decisions. The Association of Cancer Care Centers (ACCC) remains committed to improving prostate cancer care and has developed the Metastatic Prostate Cancer Handbook: A Guide to Optimizing Outcomes with Germline and Somatic Testing. In this episode, CANCER BUZZ speaks with Andrea Murphy, FNP-C, ACGN, CGRA, genetics nurse practitioner at Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center and Amy D. Smith, FNP-BC, director at Meredith & Jeannie Ray Cancer Center, about the impact this handbook has had on patient care delivery, measuring success during the pilot program, and recommendations for sustaining germline and somatic mutation testing in clinical practice. “I think a lot of people were surprised, definitely with germline testing, that all metastatic patients met the criteria [for testing]…”– Andrea (Ani) Murphy, FNP-C, ACGN, CGRA “The other thing that the [hand]book did is [give] us a good outline on what our deficiencies were, where we wanted to go with testing...and just pretty much set it up so that it was easy for us to follow.” – Amy D. Smith, NP-BC “Overall, I think the handbook could give anybody the guidance that they need to set up their own program.” – Amy D. Smith, NP-BC Andrea (Ani) Murphy, FNP-C, ACGN, CGRA Nurse Practitioner – Genetics Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center Baton Rouge, LA Amy D. Smith, FNP-BC Director Meredith & Jeannie Ray Cancer Center Ivinson Memorial Hospital Laramie, Wyoming Resources:
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Better Bladder Cancer Care, Closer to Home
06/24/2025
Better Bladder Cancer Care, Closer to Home
Navigating the growing complexity of bladder cancer care is essential to improving patient access and treatment closer to home. In this episode, CANCER BUZZ speaks with Suzanne Merrill, MD, urologic oncologist at Colorado Urology about barriers and solutions to delivering high-quality bladder cancer care in community settings. CANCER BUZZ also speaks with Patrick Hensley, MD, urologist at University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center, about implementing the Delivering High-Quality Bladder Cancer Care infographic in the community setting. Created by ACCC and BCAN, the infographic describes the 10 elements of excellent bladder cancer care. Cancer programs that align their practices with these guidelines can join a public registry so that patients and caregivers can identify quality bladder cancer care close to where they live. “The best strategies and tools to deliver high quality bladder cancer care out in the community lie first and foremost with having a bladder cancer clinician. It could be a urologist, it could be a urologic oncologist, could even be a medical oncologist or a radiation oncologist...their discipline doesn't matter as much as [having] the core clinical expert that is excited and dedicated to developing and instituting a comprehensive bladder cancer program.” - Suzanne Merrill, MD, FACS “Everybody assumes comprehensive care is being delivered at academic university settings, which it is, but there's so much...bladder cancer care being performed out in the community. So [the question is] how can we achieve comprehensive programs out in the community?” - Suzanne Merril, MD, FACS “I think it's really important that subspecialists and community providers work together to streamline those referrals and anticipate when the patients are coming in and what their needs are going to be, from a procedural standpoint, imaging standpoint, etc, so that you can avoid some of those undue delays in diagnosis and treatment.” - Patrick Hensley, MD Suzanne Merrill, MD, FACS Urologic Oncologist Colorado Urology Aurora, CO Patrick Hensley, MD Urologist Markey Cancer Center – Urology University of Kentucky Lexington, KY Resources: Funder Statement This program is supported by Astellas Pfizer Alliance, EMD Serano, and Gilead.
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ASCO E-Poster: Immune-Related Adverse Events
06/20/2025
ASCO E-Poster: Immune-Related Adverse Events
Immune-related adverse events (AEs) are becoming more frequent in oncology patients receiving immunotherapy. To better understand emerging trends and education needs, the Association of Cancer Care Centers (ACCC) developed the Immuno-Oncology Census as part of its ongoing commitment to sharing up-to-date strategies for managing adverse events. In this episode, CANCER BUZZ speaks with Bat-ami Gordon, clinical research PhD candidate at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, who discusses best practices for cancer care providers to identify immune-related AEs caused by immunotherapy. “Understanding the best practices for identification is going to be the best way we can start to implement better treatments for these immune-related adverse events.” – Bat-ami Gordon Bat-ami Gordon Clinical Research PhD Candidate Icahn School of Medicine Mount Sinai New York, NY Additional Reading/Sources
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Implementing a Structured, Scalable Geriatric Oncology Program
06/17/2025
Implementing a Structured, Scalable Geriatric Oncology Program
In this episode, CANCER BUZZ speaks with Ramy Sedhom, MD, section chief of medical oncology at Penn Medicine Princeton Health, Princeton Cancer Center about his program’s receipt of a 2025 ACCC Innovator Award. His team’s innovation, Implementing a Structured, Scalable Geriatric Oncology Program, paves the way for other programs to effectively integrate the use of geriatric assessments into routine clinical workflows, thus bridging a critical gap for older adults with cancer. Ramy Sedhom, MD Section Chief, Medical Oncology Penn Medicine Princeton Health, Princeton Cancer Center Plainsboro, New Jersey “Precision oncology is not just about tailoring treatment of the cancer to its molecular characteristics, but really tailoring the treatment plan to the needs of our patients and [their] families.” This podcast is part of a special series featuring the 2025 ACCC Innovator Award winners. For a deeper dive into this topic and other content that will help your team reimagine how care is delivered at your cancer program or practice, , October 15-17 in Denver, Colorado. Resources:
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Shaw at Home: An Oncology Specific Home and Community-Based Palliative Care Program
06/10/2025
Shaw at Home: An Oncology Specific Home and Community-Based Palliative Care Program
In this episode, CANCER BUZZ speaks with Katie Jones, FNP, MA, nurse practitioner for oncology and palliative care at Shaw Cancer Center, about her program’s receipt of a 2025 ACCC Innovator Award. Recognizing the urgent need for the expansion of palliative care services beyond the clinic setting, Shaw Cancer Center’s innovation, Shaw at Home: An Oncology Specific Home and Community-Based Palliative Care Program, bridges this critical gap in care by addressing the unmet needs of the patients in its community. Katie will discuss how the program has created a continuous transition of care between hospital and home, as well as continuity of care through end-of-life. Katie Jones, FNP, MA Nurse Practitioner, Oncology and Palliative Care Vail Health, Shaw Cancer Center/ Shaw at Home Edwards, Colorado “It’s so different from seeing a patient in the clinic...to go to their home and see their family pictures on the wall, and see the things that are meaningful and valuable to them, and being in their own space. We learn so much about our patients during these visits.” This podcast is part of a special series featuring the 2025 ACCC Innovator Award winners. For a deeper dive into this topic and other content that will help your team reimagine how care is delivered at your cancer program or practice, , October 15-17 in Denver, Colorado. Resources:
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The Coordinator’s Perspective – Driving Research Growth From the Ground Up
06/05/2025
The Coordinator’s Perspective – Driving Research Growth From the Ground Up
Expanding access to clinical trials in community oncology settings is essential to improving diversity, equity, and inclusion in cancer research. In this episode, CANCER BUZZ speaks with clinical research coordinator, Oluwakemi “Kemi” Oladipupo, MSHS, MPH, BSN, RN, CCRP, whose cancer center recently participated in a foundational oncology clinical trials course, developed by ACCC and the Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP) to help cancer programs expand availability of trials to traditionally underserved communities. Oladipupo shares how this training prepared their center for the challenges of a growing research program, the progress they’ve made, and the pivotal role of clinical research coordinators in expanding research programs and improving patient access to clinical trials. Oluwakemi “Kemi” Oladipupo, MSHS, MPH, BSN, RN, CCRP Clinical Research Coordinator Touro-Cancer Center New Orleans, LA “We know that diversity is a big point, not only as per new FDA guidance, but [to] ensure that every participant is given an equal opportunity to hear about the study. [Our] approach is not to target a certain group of individuals. Really the approach is to target any individual that looks potentially eligible.” - Oluwakemi “Kemi” Oladipupo Resources:
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Improving Care Between Clinic Visits: A Sustainable Model for Remote Patient Monitoring
05/29/2025
Improving Care Between Clinic Visits: A Sustainable Model for Remote Patient Monitoring
In this episode, CANCER BUZZ speaks with Lauren Hughes, RN, director of infusion services at Highlands Oncology about her program’s receipt of a 2025 ACCC Innovator Award. Highlands Oncology’s innovation, Improving Care Between Clinic Visits: A Sustainable Model for Remote Patient Monitoring, ensures continuous support and symptom management for patients between clinic visits. An early contributor to real-world evidence on the impact of remote patient monitoring, Hughes will discuss how Highlands Oncology significantly reduced emergency department visits and hospitalizations while increasing treatment adherence and patient engagement. Lauren Hughes, RN Director of Infusion Services Highlands Oncology Fayetteville, Arkansas “[Patients] like the ease and simplicity of being able to pick up [their] phone, go to an app, and send a quick message...We’ve heard time and time again [from patients that even though] it’s an app...it still feels personal. They feel like they’re being checked on and cared for when they’re on site...and after hours.” - Lauren Hughes This podcast is part of a special series featuring the 2025 ACCC Innovator Award winners. For a deeper dive into this topic and other content that will help your team reimagine how care is delivered at your cancer program or practice, , October 15-17 in Denver, Colorado. Resources:
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5 Ways to Improve Oncology Clinical Trials
05/20/2025
5 Ways to Improve Oncology Clinical Trials
On October 29-30, 2024, the ACCC Community Oncology Research Institute (ACORI) hosted the Community Oncology Inclusive Clinical Trial Design Summit in Arlington, VA. The event brought together stakeholders including academic and community cancer center practitioners and researchers, advocacy organizations, government agencies, and industry partners to discuss strategies to increase patient access to clinical trials in the community setting. Five priority areas were identified that characterize actionable strategies to promote fair and accessible clinical trial design that is representative of all patients with cancer: strengthening the clinical trial workforce, optimizing trial design, engaging communities outside of clinical trial interactions, decentralizing clinical trials, and leveraging artificial intelligence/digital health tools for increased access and efficiency. ACCC is committed to providing support in these priority areas to increase representative participation and opportunities in clinical trials for oncology patients across the US. In this episode of CANCER BUZZ, Kimberly Demirhan, MBA, BSN, RN, assistant director of education programs at ACCC, discusses the 5 priority areas identified at the ACORI Summit and ways to transform how we think about access to trials, especially leveraging AI and digital tools to do so. “We looked at optimizing trial design to reflect real world patient populations ... assessing eligibility criteria to make it more reflective of the patient populations that we see out in the community.” “[We suggest] simplifying protocols so we're not accidentally eliminating patients [due to] benign factors, and then really engaging our community providers early on in the design process.” “It’s a really important time to be addressing [AI] and looking at the opportunities we have to transform the way we think about clinical trials, how we think about the delivery and access to them.” – Kimberly Demirhan Kimberly Demirhan, MBA, BSN, RN Assistant Director, Education Programs Association of Cancer Care Centers Resources:
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Navigating Disparities and Challenges in BTC Care
05/08/2025
Navigating Disparities and Challenges in BTC Care
Navigating disparities in the diagnosis and treatment of biliary tract cancer (BTC) is essential for improving patient outcomes, ensuring equitable care, and optimizing the patient experience. The Association of Cancer Care Centers (ACCC) remains committed to increasing awareness and disseminating the latest strategies for BTC management. In this episode, CANCER BUZZ explores these issues with Paige Griffith, CRNP, lead oncology nurse practitioner at Johns Hopkins Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, who highlights the vital role of multidisciplinary teams in reducing care fragmentation and streamlining care delivery. CANCER BUZZ also speaks with Chaundra Bishop, a patient with biliary tract cancer, who shares her personal experience confronting systemic barriers—particularly delays and obstacles during the diagnostic process—and offers insights into how addressing such disparities can improve the patient journey for others. “Everyone plays a role, even from early-stage disease all the way to advanced disease, and having someone help navigate patients through that very complex system is important.” – Paige Griffith, CRNP “From the patient perspective, I think it's always important to ask for what you need, or ask questions if you don't understand something. Don't, as they say, suffer in silence.” – Chaundra Bishop Paige Griffith, CRNP Lead Oncology Nurse Practitioner Johns Hopkins Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center Baltimore, MD Chaundra Bishop Patient With Biliary Tract Cancer Resources: - -
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Housing at Risk Program (H@RP)
04/29/2025
Housing at Risk Program (H@RP)
Synopsis: One of the most significant social determinants of health is housing, which can lead to prolonged hospital stays and an endless cycle of episodic care. The Association of Cancer Care Centers (ACCC) is dedicated to highlighting programs that address this disparity to improve medical outcomes and restore stability to patients’ lives. In this episode, CANCER BUZZ speaks with Deirdre Sekulic, of social work at Montefiore Health System to discuss ways that HARP prioritizes patient outcomes to improve continuity of care. “We really wanted to focus on coordinating health and housing and putting in a support system to manage those patients better, get them linked to primary care so they would have better health outcomes and also to improve the flow of people into the emergency room and into the hospital” – Deirdre Sekulic “Housing is complex, never be afraid to ask people about their housing situation… ask them that in a very dignified manner, but to make sure to ask the question.” – Deirdre Sekulic Deirdre Sekulic, LCSW Associate Director of Social Work Montefiore Health System Resources: · · ·
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Targeting Progress: Patient Perspective on Antibody-Drug Conjugates in Gynecologic Cancer Care
04/24/2025
Targeting Progress: Patient Perspective on Antibody-Drug Conjugates in Gynecologic Cancer Care
Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) are novel therapeutic agents designed to target specific tumor markers with potent anticancer drugs. The Association of Cancer Care Centers (ACCC) is dedicated to providing up-to-date information on ADC treatment management. In this episode, CANCER BUZZ speaks with Nancy Mallett, a patient advocate, to discuss the patient’s perspective and experience receiving treatment for gynecologic cancers, particularly with ADCs such as mirvetuximab soravtansine-gynx. “[Providers] giving me the information and allowing us to decide together, instead of just telling me, makes me feel more cared about and that I’m not just a number, I’m a person. They care about what I think, and look at my life and what it can do for me.” – Nancy Mallett Nancy Mallett Patient Advocate Resources: - https://bit.ly/4is00nD - https://bit.ly/4jpYaoP - https://bit.ly/42GP5k8 - https://bit.ly/42U2962 - https://bit.ly/4cLYECZ Funder Statement This program is supported by AbbVie.
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Understanding and Meeting the Unique Needs of Adolescents and Young Adults with Cancer
04/22/2025
Understanding and Meeting the Unique Needs of Adolescents and Young Adults with Cancer
Adolescents and young adults (AYAs) face poorer cancer outcomes and experiences compared with younger and older patients, and they historically have been lost between pediatric and adult models of oncology care. The Association of Cancer Care Centers (ACCC) is committed to providing up-to-date guidance on treating AYA patients with cancer to improve their outcomes. In this episode of CANCER BUZZ, a team from the University of North Carolina (UNC) AYA Oncology Program shares how it’s meeting the unique needs of this patient population by providing developmentally appropriate cancer care through a multidisciplinary approach, including clinical trial access and interactive infusion space; sharing resources where AYAs need additional support; and developing education about fertility and the short- and long-term impacts of cancer. “We talk about things like sleep, mental health, diet, exercise, knowing all of those aspects of life have been impacted by cancer and its treatment, and in order to have the best quality of life and best outcomes, we need to pay attention to all of those aspects of an AYA survivors’ life.” – Andrew Smitherman, MD, MS “We know that AYAs are one of the most underinsured or uninsured populations in the United States, and so that means often they are at least initially facing these diagnoses without any insurance at all to help defray the costs.” – Jacob Stein, MD, MPH “My approach [for talking about long term effects] is that patients want to be able to have the opportunity to receive information.” – Alison Manikowski, PsyD Read the full article . Guests Andrew Smitherman, MD, MSc AYA Medical Director Pediatric Oncologist UNC Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Program Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer CenterChapel Hill, NC Jacob Stein, MD, MPH AYA Oncology Liaison Medical Oncologist UNC Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Program Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer CenterChapel Hill, NC Alison Manikowski, PsyDAYA Program Pediatric Psychologist UNC Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Program Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer CenterChapel Hill, NC Resources:
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Navigating Disparities and Challenges in HCC Care
04/17/2025
Navigating Disparities and Challenges in HCC Care
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) disproportionately impacts underserved and minority populations, compounded by systemic barriers in care. These populations face increased risk factors yet often experience delayed diagnoses and limited access to specialists, leading to later-stage detection. In this episode, CANCER BUZZ speaks with Karen S. Waldrop, BSN, RN, OCN, ONN-CG, a GI oncology nurse navigator at UAB O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer, and Henry Rendon, a patient diagnosed with HCC in June 2023. Together, they share insights on the vital role of multidisciplinary teams and how nurse navigators can mitigate access barriers by improving patient outreach, facilitating access to care, and guiding patients through the complexities of the health care system. “Karen, my nurse navigator, knew everything I was going through. She made sure everything was coordinated and ran smoothly. She communicated clearly and thoroughly every time. I never had to second-guess what was happening. She made sure I was prepared, not just once, but every step of the way.” - Henry Rendon, patient guest with HCC “At our institution, we have a clinic where the patient can see a medical oncologist, a liver medical physician, an interventional radiology specialist, a pharmacist… the whole gamut. If they need social work, we’ll pull in social work. If they need palliative care, we’ll pull in palliative care. And that’s in one visit. For folks with transportation issues or those who live far away, it’s truly the best way to get care.” - Karen S. Waldrop, BSN, RN, OCN, ONN-CG Karen S. Waldrop, BSN, RN, OCN, ONN-CG GI Oncology Nurse Navigator UAB O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Birmingham, Alabama Henry Rendon Patient Guest, diagnosed with HCC Helena, Alabama Additional Resources: - https://bit.ly/4lHTpbN - https://bit.ly/42GpatW - https://bit.ly/3XT4k84 - https://bit.ly/44rgFUS
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Bridging the Gap: Women’s Health and Cancer Screening in Indigenous Communities
04/15/2025
Bridging the Gap: Women’s Health and Cancer Screening in Indigenous Communities
Raising awareness about disparities in cancers impacting women, screening among Indigenous populations, and barriers to accessing care is essential. The Association of Cancer Care Centers (ACCC) is dedicating to providing up-to-date information on approaches to improving women’s health screening, education, and prevention in Indigenous subpopulations. In this episode, CANCER BUZZ speaks with Tricia Numan, MD, assistant professor of pathology at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center about geographical challenges to accessing care and strategies for culturally tailored approaches for indigenous women. “[There] are some major things that have happened in not so recent past to native populations, and I think it’s really important for health care providers to take that recent history into account when they’re caring for native patients.” – Tricia Numan, MD “If you want to culturally tailor your health care I think that it’s very important, because it’s not a one size fits all.” Tricia Numan, MD Gynecologic Pathologist Assistant Professor of Pathology Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine Department of Indigenous Cancer Health Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center Buffalo, New York Resources:
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Shared Decision-Making in CLL
04/03/2025
Shared Decision-Making in CLL
Personalized therapeutic approaches for the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), guided by shared decision-making, can improve outcomes by aligning treatment with a patient’s unique clinical profile, preferences and goals. The Association of Cancer Care Centers (ACCC) is dedicated to providing up-to-date information on CLL management and treatment strategies. In this episode, CANCER BUZZ speaks with Christopher Nelson, ACNP, MBA, certified oncology nurse practitioner at Avera Medical Group Oncology & Hematology, to explore the importance of shared decision-making and patient communication in CLL. Additionally, CANCER BUZZ speaks with Meghan McGrath, MSN, RN, AGACNP, clinical trial nurse navigator at The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS), who discusses ways to incorporate clinical trials in the shared decision-making process and LLS services that are available to support patients and providers. “You do what the patient feels is best, you know, you look at what their values are and what’s important to them, and then you try to find a therapy that fits those.” – Christopher Nelson, ACNP “I think it’s really important to try and make every patient aware of the fact that a clinical trial could be right for them at any stage in the game.” – Meghan McGrath, MSN, RN, AGACNP Christopher Nelson, ACNP Oncology Nurse Practitioner Avera Medical Group Oncology & Hematology Aberdeen, SD Meghan McGrath, MSN, RN, AGACNP Clinical Trial Nurse Navigator The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS) Resources: · - · - · - · -
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Pipeline Partners
03/25/2025
Pipeline Partners
With the ongoing workforce challenges in oncology, health systems must develop strategies to support their pipeline of health care employees. The Association of Cancer Care Centers (ACCC) is committed to providing resources and support on managing this challenge and strengthen strategic partnerships. In this episode, CANCER BUZZ speaks with Laura Matthews, MBA, MPH, FACHE, vice president and administrator at Inova Schar Cancer, to discuss the strategies to address these workforce needs through local partnerships and early career recruitment. Ms. Matthews highlights opportunities to collaborate with high school programs, undergraduate students, and community colleges to create opportunities for students to gain experience and introduce health career options. “Don’t let geography limit you in terms of being creative about the different educational partners you may want to work with.” – Laura Matthews “For anyone who is looking to replicate some of these programs: bring your creativity, bring your innovation. Many of these, if not all of these, were ideas that came from leaders and team members who saw an opportunity to better grow our workforce.” – Laura Matthews Laura Matthews, MBA, MPH, FACHE Vice President and Administrator Inova Schar Cancer Inova Health System Falls Church, VA Resources:
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Screening for Social Determinants of Health (SDOH)
03/20/2025
Screening for Social Determinants of Health (SDOH)
There is an increasing awareness of the importance of screening for social drivers of health (SDOH) for patients with cancer. Social drivers like income level and stable housing can impact a patient’s access to quality cancer care. To help multidisciplinary teams in oncology care screen for SDOH, ACCC has developed a screening tool to help identify potential SDOH factors that may hinder access to cancer treatment and clinical trial participation. “Everybody’s role with SDOH is different, but really, everyone has a role with SDOH assessment—taking the time to sit down with the patient, ask the questions, listen to them, and then connect them to the appropriate services so that we can tailor their care and ultimately improve quality.” - Dana McDaniel, DNP, FNP-C, AOCNP “Being able to capture data around patients’ interest [in clinical trials], their awareness and their barriers, and being able to cross reference those 3 things to better focus strategies around [trial] enrollment…that's just going to be gold as far as information to help you know where to go…and when that patient's ready, to help get them onto a trial.” – Richard Martin III, MD, MPH Richard Martin III, MD, MPH Medical Director, Health Equity and Community Engagement Tennessee Oncology Nashville, Tennessee Dana McDaniel, DNP, FNP-C, AOCNP Director of Oncology and Clinical Research Mosaic Life Care St. Joseph, Missouri Additional Resources:
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Supporting Skin Health in Patients with Breast Cancer
03/11/2025
Supporting Skin Health in Patients with Breast Cancer
Dermatologic toxicities associated with oncology treatment can significantly impact quality of life and treatment adherence for patients with breast cancer. The Association of Cancer Care Centers (ACCC) is committed to providing up-to-date guidance on managing these dermatologic side effects to enhance clinical outcomes. In this episode of CANCER BUZZ, Allison Gordon, MD, a supportive oncodermatologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, discusses the dermatologic toxicities associated with breast cancer treatment. Dr Gordon explores preventive measures that oncologists can implement early in the treatment course and offers alternative resources for oncology clinicians when an oncodermatologist referral is not feasible. Additionally, she highlights capivasertib, a recently approved antineoplastic drug, and reviews its associated cutaneous adverse events, along with supportive care and management strategies. Thank you to AstraZeneca for their support of this program. Allison Gordon, MD Dermatologist Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center New York, NY “Because many of these medications can cause dry skin, which can be debilitating for patients... [we recommend] using a thick ointment or cream moisturizer on their damp skin after they shower... it doesn't have to be anything expensive... I always recommend that to all patients regardless of what treatment they're on.”– Allison Gordon, MD Additional Reading/Sources (https://www.accc-cancer.org/home/learn/comprehensive-cancer-care-services/dermatologic-toxicities?) (https://www.cancer.org/cancer/managing-cancer/treatment-types/targeted-therapy/side-effects.html) (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10569770/) (https://ascopubs.org/doi/10.1200/EDBK_289911) (https://mascc.org/resources/mascc-guidelines/) (https://mascc.org/resources/mascc-guidelines/) (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33248228/)
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LIVE from AMCCBS: AI in Oncology
03/07/2025
LIVE from AMCCBS: AI in Oncology
Live this week from the ACCC 51st Annual Meeting and Cancer Center Business Summit (AMCCBS), CANCER BUZZ talks the role of AI in oncology with ACCC President Elect Douglas Flora, MD, LSSBB, FACCC. Guest: Douglas Flora, MD, LSSBB, FACCC ACCC President Elect Executive Medical Director, Oncology Services St. Elizabeth Healthcare Edgewood, KY Editor-in-Chief, AI in Precision Oncology Resources:
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LIVE from AMCCBS: Topline Takeaways
03/07/2025
LIVE from AMCCBS: Topline Takeaways
Live this week from the ACCC 51st Annual Meeting and Cancer Center Business Summit (AMCCBS), CANCER BUZZ shares insights from Yulonda Greene, MBA, BSN, RN, OCN, Lindsey Causey, DNP, APRN, ANP-BC, AOCNP, and John D. Shevock, FACHE, FACMPE. Guest: Yulonda Greene, MBA, BSN, RN, OCN Director, Patient Care Service Brian D. Jellison Cancer Institute Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation Lindsey Causey, DNP, APRN, ANP-BC, AOCNP Cone Health | Hematology and Oncology CHMG Executive Council—Chair John D. Shevock, FACHE, FACMPE Senior Director Of Operations Oncology Service Line Executive Director Bayhealth Cancer Institute Resources:
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LIVE from AMCCBS: President Una Hopkins
03/07/2025
LIVE from AMCCBS: President Una Hopkins
Live this week from the ACCC 51st Annual Meeting and Cancer Center Business Summit (AMCCBS), CANCER BUZZ speaks with ACCC President Una Hopkins, DNP, MSN, BSN, FNP-BC, NE-BC, FACCC, RN, on the first day of her 2025-2026 presidency. Guest: Una Hopkins, DNP, MSN, BSN, FNP-BC, NE-BC, FACCC, RN ACCC President Director for Research and Evidence Based Practice Montefiore Medical Center Bronx, NY Resources:
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LIVE from AMCCBS: Future of care ACCC/ASCO
03/06/2025
LIVE from AMCCBS: Future of care ACCC/ASCO
Live this week from the ACCC 51st Annual Meeting and Cancer Center Business Summit (AMCCBS), CANCER BUZZ shares insights from ACCC President Nadine J. Barrett, PhD, MA, MS, and ASCO President Robin Zon, MD, FASCO, FACP, on challenges in cancer care, leadership strategies, AI, and more. Guest: Nadine J. Barrett, PhD, MA, MS Senior Associate Dean for Community Engagement and Equity in Research Wake Forest University School of Medicine Atrium Health Robin Zon, MD, FASCO, FACP President, American Society of Clinical Oncology Physician Emeritus, Michiana Hematology Oncology Resources:
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LIVE from AMCCBS: President Nadine J. Barrett
03/06/2025
LIVE from AMCCBS: President Nadine J. Barrett
Live this week from the ACCC 51st Annual Meeting and Cancer Center Business Summit (AMCCBS), CANCER BUZZ highlights ACCC President Nadine J. Barrett, PhD, MA, MS, on her tenure as ACCC’s 2024-2025 President. Guest: Nadine J. Barrett, PhD, MA, MS Senior Associate Dean for Community Engagement and Equity in Research Wake Forest University School of Medicine Atrium Health Resources:
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