307: The oncology trends every healthcare leader should watch

Cancer care is evolving rapidly, driven by advancements in immunotherapy, precision medicine, and early detection technologies. Oncology spending is projected to reach $195 billion by 2029, fueled by rising patient volumes and the introduction of novel therapies like CAR-T and bispecific antibodies. While these innovations offer improved outcomes, they face significant access barriers, as treatment remains largely concentrated in urban academic centers. Multi-cancer early detection (MSED) tests represent a promising shift toward proactive screening, though they currently lack FDA approval and widespread reimbursement. Meanwhile, providers navigate financial pressures from shifting reimbursement models and potential changes to the 340B program, which remain critical to maintaining outpatient cancer services. Despite the industry hype, AI adoption in oncology remains in early, cautious stages due to data fragmentation, high costs, and concerns regarding clinical over-reliance.