Current Issue

Oncology Issues
The Journal of the Association of Community Cancer Centers
January/February 2010
Vol. 25 No. 1

What Does the Future Hold for Oncology?

Trends for 2010—Healthcare Reform, Clinical Integration, and Educated Consumers
Physician and Hospital Collaboration
Private Payer Trends and Your Practice
Special Pull-out Section: ACCC's 2010 Oncology Buyers & Resource Guide

This is the most current Oncology Issues. To enjoy unrestricted access to all Oncology Issues articles online, become a member of the Association or subscribe to the journal.

FEATURES

3D Matrices for Anti-Cancer Drug Testing and Development
by Lisa A. Gurski, Nicholas J. Petrelli, Xinqiao Jia, and Mary C. Farach-Carson
Here are reasons for using 3D matrices for anti-cancer drug development and a brief description of the available state-of-the-art matrices. Learn how advances in 3D cell culture soon may bring these technologies to the clinical setting.

Oncology Trends for Community Cancer Centers in 2010
by Mark J. Dubow and Panos Lykidis
Three trends are likely to have a significant near-term impact on cancer service lines: healthcare reform, clinical integration, and data and information portals accessed by educated and incentivized consumers.

Physician Collaboration and Quality Improvement Outcomes Through the Establishment of Disease-Site Teams
by Marcy A. Cent and Katherine Shivers
To remain competitive and fiscally strong, physicians and hospitals should explore collaborative working models. One option: multidisciplinary disease-site teams. Read how these teams can enhance your programs and services.

The Growing Value of a Pharmacist in Community Oncology Practice
by Scott Ostriker
Adding a pharmacist can result in cost savings, improved revenue, and risk reduction, affecting business operations, safety, and quality.

Welcome to the Vortex—Negotiating and Building Relationships with Your Payers
by Dawn Holcombe
Non-physician-owned entities are playing an increasing role in oncology; payers are using multiple tools and strategies to help manage cancer care treatment and costs. Before entering into payer contract negotiations, first understand all of the players and their perspectives.

Developing and Managing a Healthy Clinical Trials Program in a Community-based Cancer Center
by Steve Smith
A clinical trials program requires a significant commitment of time, effort, and resources. However, the benefits are many, including strengthening a cancer program's brand and reputation and establishing new relationships with referring physicians.

FROM THE EDITOR

Christian Downs A Value Proposition
Top value. Those two words came to my mind as we wrapped up ACCC's 5th Annual Hospital Summit in December. The gathered hospital leadership talked strategy, listened to an extraordinary analysis of current and future trends in cancer care...

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

Luana R. Lamkin A New Decade; New Challenges
2010. The start of a new decade. An ideal time to pause, reflect on what we are likely to be dealing with over the course of this year... Whatever challenges may come, ACCC will continue to be... a resource for community cancer care providers.