Citrus Oncology: Revolutionizing Cancer Care by Addressing Side Effects

Eighty-nine days, that is the average wait time for a patient with cancer hoping to see a specialist who understands and can manage their side effects of treatment. Considering that cancer treatment is a balancing act, with results often accompanied by debilitating side effects, that is unacceptable. As an endocrinologist, I have witnessed firsthand the life-threatening side effects that patients with cancer endure, such as diabetes, adrenal insufficiency, colitis, pneumonitis, and more. I have counseled and comforted patients and families about continuing effective cancer treatment despite side effects and supported oncologists in their treatment decisions. I have seen the devastating effects delays in addressing treatment side effects can have. To reduce poor outcomes like hospitalizations, patients need to be given support for managing their side effects as soon as they develop—not weeks to months later.

Recognizing this unmet need, Citrus Oncology—the first virtual multi-specialty care platform designed to help patients manage the side effects of cancer treatment—was born from the vision of my co-founder Aabid Shariff, PhD, and I, who sought to transform cancer care by providing comprehensive support for managing treatment-related complications.

Driven by a deep commitment to improving access and patient outcomes, we embarked on a mission to create a platform that would empower patients and health care providers alike to manage side effects urgently—irrespective of location and specialty.

A Holistic Approach to Cancer Care

Citrus Oncology brings together a multidisciplinary team of specialists, including onco-endocrinologists, onco-nephrologists, onco-dermatologists, rheum-oncologists, cardio-oncologists, and more to address the complex challenges faced by patients with cancer. By integrating expertise from various medical domains, the platform offers a comprehensive solution for managing the intricate side effects of cancer treatment and supports the chronic pre-existing conditions of patients with cancer.

Empowering Patients and Providers

At the core of Citrus Oncology lies a dedication to patient empowerment and oncologist support. Patients can get access to care through 3 tiers of service, including asynchronous consultations and video visits. This innovative approach allows patients to take an active role in their care while leveraging the collective knowledge of leading specialists. Moreover, Citrus Oncology recognizes the importance of collaboration within the medical community. Through peer-to-peer electronic-consults, the platform enables oncologists to seek guidance from Citrus Oncology's specialists, fostering a collaborative environment that enhances patient care. In the future, Citrus Oncology will include insurance pay in addition to the current cash pay model to support patients and oncology practices.

Embracing Innovation and Value-Based Care

Citrus Oncology is at the forefront of innovation, using modern data-driven technologies, supporting clinical trials, and exploring value-based contracts with payers. For pharmaceutical companies and Trial sites, Citrus Oncology can enhance clinical trials by providing proactive management of treatment side effects, improving patient outcomes, and trial success rates. For payers, Citrus Oncology can help by offering value-based contracts that align incentives with improved patient outcomes and cost-effectiveness in managing cancer treatment side effects.  

As Citrus Oncology continues to grow, its mission remains steadfast: to provide comprehensive, personalized care that addresses the multifaceted challenges faced by patients with cancer. With a focus on innovation, empowerment, and collaboration—with a nationwide network of care providers—Citrus Oncology is poised to revolutionize the cancer care landscape, offering hope and support to those navigating the complexities of this disease.

We are currently offering services in Florida for endocrinology, nephrology and dermatology, for expert opinions in the management of treatment side effects. For more information and to follow our launch in other States, visit our website. Visit our partners page for a detailed description of our services. If you are a patient, please reach out to us for more information so we can find a way to help you. If you are an oncology provider, or a group running clinical trials, we look forward to working with you and your patients.

Afreen Shariff, MD, MBBS, is an endocrinologist, thought leader, and expert in the field of managing hormone-related side effects in patients with cancer. Dr. Shariff is a trailblazer in the field of Endocrine Oncology and is recognized internationally for her passion to improve access and quality of care for patients with cancer. She is also a member of the Association of Cancer Care Centers (ACCC) Board of Trustees.