Celebrating Innovation in Oncology Care

Introduction

The Association of Cancer Care Centers (ACCC) is thrilled to announce the winners of the 2024 ACCC Innovator Awards. Now in its 14th year, this prestigious award program celebrates visionary and compelling ideas in oncology from our members nationwide. These innovations exemplify the commitment to improving access, quality, and value in cancer care delivery that the 6 cancer programs below have demonstrated. Selected by a task force of ACCC members through a rigorous peer review process, this year's winners showcase exceptional advancements in the field. Please join us in acknowledging their standout innovators honored this year:

• University of Colorado Cancer Center has implemented a cutting-edge enterprise intelligence software to analyze imaging results, drastically increasing the number of actively managed patients and reducing critical follow-up times. Their community-wide safety net is a game-changer in early cancer detection.
• The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center has developed an automated informatics solution that streamlines the complex process of biosimilar selection and prior authorization. This e-tool has not only eased administrative burden on cancer care team members but also significantly boosted biosimilar use, resulting in cost-savings to patients and the health care system.
• St. Luke's University Health Network introduced the first One-Stop Breast Clinic in the US, inspired by the renowned Gustave Roussy Institute in France. Their rapid diagnostic approach has dramatically reduced turnaround times, enhancing patient satisfaction and outcomes.
• Mercy Oncology Services has deployed smart-texting technology to monitor high-risk chemotherapy patients, reducing emergency department visits. This proactive approach leverages AI to ensure timely interventions and better resource allocation.
• Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center and its partners developed an AI-based model for early detection and monitoring of pancreatic abnormalities, leading to earlier diagnoses and improved patient outcomes. Their sustainable model is a significant advancement in pancreatic cancer care.
• Munson Healthcare — Cowell Family Cancer Center in northern Michigan has brought bispecific T-cell engager therapies to local communities, eliminating the need for long-distance travel, and ensuring patients receive cutting-edge treatment close to home.

These award-winning cancer programs embody the innovative spirit and dedication to patientcentered care that define the ACCC community. Each project addresses critical challenges in oncology—from early detection to treatment accessibility—making a profound impact on patient lives.

We invite you to join us in celebrating these remarkable achievements at the ACCC 41st National Oncology Conference, October 9–11, 2024, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Hear firsthand the presentations from our ACCC Innovator Award winners, gain insights into their groundbreaking work, and engage with colleagues from across the country.

The agenda will also include sessions on other relevant topics to improve your cancer programs, including a joint American Cancer Society and Academy of Oncology Nurse & Patient Navigator pre-conference on sustainable navigation; a 2-hour accredited training session by the American College of Healthcare Executives on “Leveraging Governance and Partnerships to Advance Health Equity,” and an international panel discussion, “Come Together: A Global Perspective on Cancer Care Delivery,” with clinician representatives from Africa, Australia, Central and South America, Europe, and the Middle East.

Don't miss this opportunity to be inspired and to learn how you can implement similar innovations in your practice. Register today at: accc-cancer.org/NOC. We look forward to seeing you in Minneapolis for an inspiring and educational conference!