Study Links Community Oncology Care to Extended Survival for Breast and Lung Cancer Patients

Patients with metastatic breast cancer and non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) may experience longer survival rates when treated in independent community oncology practices compared to national averages. This is the primary finding of a new study commissioned by the Community Oncology Alliance (COA) and conducted by Flatiron Health, which underscores the high-quality outcomes delivered by physician-owned, independent practices.

The study analyzed data from nearly 98,000 patients treated between January 2013 and December 2022. When researchers compared these outcomes against population-based estimates from the National Cancer Institute’s Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database, community oncology practices showed a clear survival advantage. Specifically, median survival for patients with metastatic breast cancer treated at Flatiron Health Research Network community practices exceeded national benchmarks by eight months. For those diagnosed with NSCLC, the most common form of lung cancer, median survival exceeded national benchmarks by two months. Furthermore, long-term survival rates at the one-, three-, and five-year marks were consistently higher for patients treated within the community oncology network compared to the national averages.

Community oncology practices are physician-owned and -led independent clinics that operate outside of hospital systems, academic medical centers, or health insurers. Dr. Debra Patt, President of COA and Executive Vice President of Policy and Strategy at Texas Oncology, emphasized that where people receive cancer treatment truly matters, noting that community oncologists deliver care associated with longer survival, which translates to more meaningful time spent with family and friends. Advocates point out that these findings are especially vital given the challenging business and regulatory environment independent clinics currently face. The data reassures patients that staying closer to home for treatment does not mean sacrificing the quality of their care; rather, it offers a blend of top-tier medical outcomes, convenience, and highly personalized attention.

This analysis, which was presented at the Community Oncology Conference in Orlando, marks the first phase of a multiyear collaboration between COA and Flatiron Health. Moving forward, Flatiron Health plans to use its proprietary, rigorously curated real-world data to independently investigate other cancer types. Future phases of the project will expand beyond survival metrics to evaluate average times to diagnosis, treatment timelines, and the overall impact of community oncology's patient-centered approach to care.

Source: American Society of Clinical Oncology | May 4, 2026