Cancer care is at an inflection point. The traditional boundaries between academic and community oncology are dissolving, requiring a reimagined approach to patient care and clinical research. At City of Hope, we are implementing a national model that integrates breakthrough research with accessible, advanced treatment across diverse geographic regions.
Historically, cancer centers have operated in silos—research hubs at academic institutions, clinical trials confined to major urban hospitals, and frontline oncologists in community settings with limited access to investigative therapies. This dichotomy restricts patients’ opportunities for innovative treatments and inhibits the expansion of precision medicine. At City of Hope, our goal is to eliminate these barriers, ensuring that patients receive world-class care, regardless of location.
Rethinking cancer care: The single-class system
One of the greatest challenges in expanding clinical research access is the outdated notion of a hierarchy within oncology—where “academic” and “community” oncologists are viewed as separate entities. At City of Hope, we simply call them oncologists. Whether treating patients in Southern California, Chicago, Atlanta, or Phoenix, every physician in our network operates as part of a unified system. By fostering a culture of collaboration, we empower physicians at every level to participate in research and clinical trials.
A key component of this model is ensuring that providers can efficiently navigate clinical trials. We have designed streamlined, digital pathways to connect oncologists with trials in real-time, allowing even the busiest practitioners to integrate research into their practice with just a few clicks. This is critical in a landscape where oncologists must juggle multiple disease types and treatment options. By removing information gaps and simplifying access, we create a truly inclusive research environment.
Expanding access through a scalable cinical trial model
One of the greatest challenges in expanding clinical research access is the outdated notion of a hierarchy within oncology—where ‘academic’ and ‘community’ oncologists are viewed as separate entities.
Clinical trials remain one of the most crucial ways to advance cancer treatments, yet participation rates remain low. To address this, City of Hope is developing a scalable, “just-in-time” clinical trial model. Traditionally, opening a trial at a new site is an arduous, time-consuming process. Our goal is to streamline regulatory approvals so that any eligible patient within our system—regardless of location—can be enrolled in a clinical trial within two weeks. By leveraging digital consent, centralized eligibility review, and rapid protocol deployment, we are creating a national infrastructure bringing trials to patients where they live.
This approach has broader implications. It provides a blueprint for integrating research into non-traditional settings, including underrepresented communities that historically have had limited access to advanced therapies. By meeting patients where they are, rather than expecting them to travel great distances for care, we can bridge equity gaps in oncology.
The future of cancer care: prevention, innovation, and integration
Looking forward, the fight against cancer must extend beyond treatment. Prevention and early detection are paramount. At City of Hope, we are launching initiatives in cancer screening and risk reduction, including pancreatic and gastric cancer screening programs, particularly in high-risk populations. Precision medicine, which has revolutionized treatment in lung and kidney cancer, must be expanded into broader prevention strategies to intercept cancer before it takes hold.
Integrative oncology is another priority, bringing the best of Eastern and Western medicine together to unlock holistic healing. Thanks to a landmark philanthropic investment, we are developing a first-of-its-kind national program, the Cherng Family Center for Integrative Oncology, to study and implement therapies such as acupuncture and other forms of Traditional Chinese Medicine, yoga, and qi gong, as well as art, music, and massage therapy to improve patient outcomes and quality of life.
A unified vision
The future of cancer care is not confined to a single institution or region—it is a national, interconnected effort that prioritizes both innovation and accessibility. By aligning research with patient-centered care, we are improving outcomes and also redefining how cancer treatment is delivered. The goal is simple: Every patient, everywhere, should have access to the most advanced cancer care possible.
At City of Hope, we are not just expanding—we are transforming the paradigm of oncology care, and bringing the future of cancer treatment to patients today.
Listen to Dr. Kim on City of Hope’s new podcast, “On the Edge of Breakthrough: Voices of Cancer Research.” Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and at cityofhope.org/edge-of-breakthrough.
City of Hope®, one of the largest and most advanced cancer research and treatment organizations in the U.S. with its National Medical Center named top 5 in the nation for cancer by U.S. News & World Report. To learn more about City of Hope, visit: www.cityofhope.org.
