The Next Frontier: How AI Will Shape Oncology Care

As a longtime member of the Association of Cancer Care Centers (ACCC), I’ve had the privilege of serving on multiple committees and boards, and now on our executive board. As we celebrate ACCC’s 50th anniversary, I reflect on our remarkable journey and look ahead to the next 50 years of innovation and progress in oncology care. Over the decades, ACCC has consistently represented the full spectrum of cancer care providers nationwide. Our members—from independent physician practices to major academic centers—share a joint mission: delivering the highest quality care to their communities.

As we look toward the future, we must prepare for the transformative tools that will shape the field of oncology for decades.  Artificial Intelligence (AI) is at the forefront of this transformation, with the potential to redefine how we diagnose, treat, and manage cancer. At ACCC, we are focused on ensuring that our members are ready to integrate AI into their practices, enhancing—not replacing—their ability to provide compassionate and effective care.

How AI Can Enhance Oncology Care

AI’s potential in oncology is immense, offering solutions that can benefit our members and their patients directly. Below are several key areas where AI can have a meaningful impact:

1. Screening and Early Detection

AI has the power to revolutionize cancer screening and early detection. Advanced AI tools can precisely analyze imaging data, identifying early signs of cancer that might be missed by human observation. For instance, AI algorithms can detect subtle changes in mammograms, lung scans, or colonoscopies, leading to earlier and more accurate detection of cancers. This early detection is critical, as it can significantly improve patient outcomes by catching cancer when it is most treatable.

2. Clinical Decision Support

AI can significantly enhance clinical decision-making by providing evidence-based insights tailored to each patient’s unique profile. By analyzing vast amounts of data—from clinical trials, genetic information, lifestyle factors, and real-world outcomes—AI can suggest treatment options that are most likely to be effective for a particular patient. This support is invaluable, particularly in complex cases where the best course of action may not be immediately apparent. AI can help clinicians weigh the benefits and risks of different treatments, leading to more informed and personalized care and reduced adverse effects.

3. Reducing Documentation Burdens

Administrative tasks, such as documentation and data entry, often consume a significant amount of clinicians’ time, diverting their focus from patient care. AI can alleviate this burden by automating routine documentation processes. For example, AI-powered speech recognition tools can transcribe clinical notes in real time, allowing clinicians to focus more on patient interactions. Additionally, AI can help organize and manage patient records, ensuring that all relevant information is easily accessible and up-to-date, improving efficiency and accuracy.

4. Operations and Workflow Optimization

AI can play a crucial role in optimizing operations and workflows within oncology practices. By analyzing patient flow data, appointment schedules, and resource utilization, AI can help administrators optimize staffing levels, reduce wait times, and ensure that resources are allocated efficiently. For example, predictive algorithms can anticipate patient no-shows or cancellations, allowing practices to adjust their schedules accordingly. These operational improvements enhance the patient experience and ensure that oncology practices run smoothly and cost-effectively.

5. Predictive Analytics for Treatment Outcomes

Predictive analytics powered by AI can help clinicians anticipate how patients will respond to different treatments. By analyzing historical data and patient-specific variables, AI can predict the efficacy of various therapies, potential adverse effects, and overall prognosis. These insights enable oncologists to make more informed decisions about treatment plans, adjust therapies as needed, and better manage patient expectations. In this way, AI supports clinicians in providing care that is both proactive and responsive to each patient's individual needs.

Preparing for the Future

As we prepare for the future of oncology, ACCC is committed to supporting its members in integrating AI into their practices. This preparation involves adopting new technologies and fostering a culture of continuous learning and adaptation. Our members must stay informed about advancements in AI, understand the ethical implications of its use, and apply it in ways that enhance patient care while maintaining the human touch that defines our profession.

Our mission is clear: to provide the highest quality care with empathy, precision, and an unwavering commitment to our patients. AI is a powerful tool that can help us achieve this mission. Still, it must be integrated thoughtfully, ensuring that it complements—rather than replaces—the human expertise and compassion that are the cornerstones of oncology.

A Strategic Approach to AI Integration

As we look toward the future, all ACCC members need to view AI as a valuable partner in advancing oncology care. The integration of AI into our field represents a profound shift, bringing with it significant opportunities to improve patient outcomes. By thoughtfully and responsibly incorporating AI into our practices, we can enhance our ability to deliver care that is not only more personalized and effective but also deeply compassionate, across every type of cancer program.

The future of oncology will be shaped by those who are prepared to lead, learn, and innovate. ACCC is here to support you every step of the way, ensuring that you are equipped to meet the challenges and seize the opportunities that AI presents. Together, we can continue to advance the field of oncology, delivering the highest standard of care to our patients, now and in the decades to come.

Douglas Flora, MD, LSSBB, FACC is ACCC Treasurer and Executive Medical Director, Oncology Services at St. Elizabeth Healthcare in Edgewood, Kentucky.