New Study Shows Stronger Survival Outcomes in Community Oncology Settings

A new study from the Community Oncology Alliance (COA) shows that patients treated in community oncology settings—like St. Louis Cancer Care—may experience longer survival compared to national benchmarks. Researchers analyzed data from nearly 98,000 patients with metastatic breast cancer and metastatic non-small cell lung cancer and compared outcomes to the National Cancer Institute’s SEER database.

The results were encouraging. Patients with metastatic breast cancer lived up to 8 months longer, and those with metastatic lung cancer lived about 2 months longer in community settings. Survival rates at 1, 3, and 5 years were also consistently higher, reinforcing the strength of care delivered in these practices.

One key factor may be access to treatment. Patients treated in community oncology practices were more likely to receive cancer-directed therapies, which can significantly impact outcomes. These practices also offer personalized, timely care within patients’ own communities, reducing barriers like travel and delays in treatment.

For patients and referring providers, this study highlights an important takeaway: high-quality, evidence-based cancer care does not require leaving your community. Community oncology practices continue to deliver excellent outcomes while keeping care close to home

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