Hollywood, FL—Stakeholders from across the field of oncology gathered at the Third Annual Conference of the Association for Value-Based Cancer Care (AVBCC) to network and to explore ways to adapt to a rapidly changing landscape.
Influencing the Patient-Impact Factor The focus of the meeting this year was on “Influencing the Patient-Impact Factor.” In 18 general sessions and several roundtable forums, cancer care providers, payers, patient advocates, and manufacturers participated in discussions on the hottest topics in value-based cancer care—new payment models, emerging delivery systems (ie, oncology medical homes and accountable care organizations), novel strategies for value-based purchasing, patient assistance programs, patient adherence, survivorship and cancer rehabilitation, health insurance exchanges, biosimilars, and much more.
The unique value of the AVBCC meeting is the inclusiveness and diversity of viewpoints that are being presented, according to program co-chairs Gary M. Owens, MD, President of Gary Owens Associates, Glen Mills, PA; Burt Zweigenhaft, BS, President and Chief Executive Officer of OncoMed, Great Neck, NY; and Craig K. Deligdish, MD, Hematologist/Oncologist, Oncology Resource Networks, Orlando, FL.
“Who would have thought that 3 years ago, in a small 1-day meeting in Philadelphia, that this conference would evolve into this type of construct, bringing together various oncology stakeholders in discussions that now span 3 days plus a preconference session?” said Mr Zweigenhaft. “From our inception, AVBCC has tried not to be a self-serving myopic group, but an inclusive group that is the harmonization of the oncology ecosystem. We want to put together an agenda that is inclusive, that offers all viewpoints, and that facilitates achievable change—not just ‘talked about’ change.”
The discussion of value in cancer care has to focus on measurable results that will lead to positive changes, according to Mr Zweigenhaft. “We have to get measurable results, show the utility of the activity that is driving change. We think the reimbursement system today is broken,” he said.
A Year of “Firsts” Providing insight were individuals who are at the forefront of these changes. The faculty represented commercial and government insurers, managed market payers, employer coalitions, cancer centers and hospital systems, patient advocacy groups, and oncology organizations, including the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), the National Comprehensive Cancer Center, and the Community Oncology Alliance.
As an indication of the growing significance of AVBCC, this year’s conference was addressed by ASCO President Sandra M. Swain, MD, FACP, and Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Chair of the Democratic National Committee and a breast cancer survivor, who discussed the challenges facing patients with cancer.
Dr Owens pointed out that the 2013 AVBCC conference was one of “firsts.” He noted, “This is the first time we have had a Congressperson address the group, the first time we have used roundtables to facilitate up-close and intimate conversations with experts, and the first time we have taken a deep dive into cancer patient issues, including compliance and advanced directives.”
Transitions in Cancer Care Dr Deligdish added that the conference is particularly timely. “In the last several years there has been a tremendous focus on cancer care in the United States, on advances in diagnosis and treatment, and also on cost. Especially in the last 6 months, the discourse has been a focus on the cost of care, the value of care, and the changes that need to be made….The Association for Value-Based Cancer Care has been at the forefront of this conversation,” he said.
Dr Deligdish reminded attendees of the exciting developments in precision medicine, noting, “We know that cancer care starts at the gene level. With genetic sequencing and other biomarker testing, our technology is now radically better than it was even 5 years ago....Developing targeted therapies has accelerated dramatically as a result of our understanding of molecular diagnostics.”
With all the recent changes in oncology, Dr Deligdish emphasized, “The challenge going forward is to better standardize our care and increase the value we deliver…and understand how to do that in the context of pathways that need to be flexible.”
Defining Value in Cancer Care In a preconference session, the AVBCC Steering Committee convened 7 roundtables to define value-based cancer care from the perspectives of various oncology stakeholders, including treatment pathways, reimbursement, regulatory/policy, patient advocacy, community oncology practices, hospital care, and managed care organizations.
A full coverage of the Steering Committee’s definitions and discussion will be presented in a future issue of Value-Based Cancer Care.
