Virtual Oncology

Key takeaways

Cancer patients have displayed remarkable resilience during the pandemic, often empathizing with others' fears.
Oncologists are facing complex clinical decisions which now require careful risk assessments tailored to each patient.
The rapid adoption of telemedicine has transformed how oncologists interact with patients and could lead to a lasting change in care delivery.
The pandemic may redefine oncology protocols, encouraging a blend of in-person and virtual care based on patient needs.
The experience of the pandemic could accelerate changes in clinical trial practices and increase focus on real-world evidence in research.

Summary

Patient Resilience During a Pandemic

The conversation begins by highlighting the surprising resilience shown by cancer patients amidst the chaos brought on by the coronavirus outbreak. Oncologists share their observations that many patients, who have faced uncertainty through their diagnoses, are graciously adapting to the changes. They express empathy towards the collective fear that the pandemic has instilled in others, yet acknowledge that their patients might be more attuned to this shared anxiety. Additionally, concerns arise about confusion regarding treatment timelines and fears about job security due to potential layoffs.

Complex Clinical Decisions

The oncologists delve into the complex clinical decisions being made during this crisis. They discuss risk-benefit analyses regarding starting or delaying chemotherapy and emphasize that many treatments now require highly individualized consideration. Citing limited data, they navigate the delicate balance of curative versus palliative treatment approaches, placing significant emphasis on protecting patient health while delivering necessary care.

Telemedicine as a Game Changer

The episode outlines how healthcare delivery has unexpectedly shifted towards telemedicine, with the oncologists sharing their experiences adjusting to virtual consultations. They witness a marked increase in virtual visits due to changing regulations that now allow for reimbursement. Notably, the discussions reveal both the potential of telemedicine to improve patient care and the challenges it presents, especially for conducting difficult conversations concerning diagnoses and treatment outcomes.

Future of Oncology Care Post-Pandemic

As the conversation concludes, the panelists reflect on what aspects of oncology will persist after the pandemic. They predict a lasting increase in virtual care, suggesting that the convenience better aligns with patient preferences and could redefine protocols around care delivery. The talk also explores the need for a reevaluation of clinical trial processes and the potential for tapping into real-world evidence as a new norm in oncology research.

Show notes

with @vintweeta @pbcancerdoc @sumitshahmd @omnivorousread

Coronavirus is now disrupting the entire health care system, not just because of the burden of dealing with the actual disease itself, but because of everything else that's had to grind to a halt. One of the areas where we really worry about things coming to a total stop like that is, of course, cancer treatment, which can often feel like a race against the clock even under the best conditions.

In this episode, Dr. Bobby Green, MD (Community Oncologist and Chief Medical Officer, Flatiron Health) and Dr. Sumit Shah (Oncologist and Head of Digital Health, Stanford Cancer Center) join a16z's Vineeta Agarwala (physician and general partner) and Hanne Tidnam to talk about what is happening to oncology during the outbreak—how treatment is affected; what kind of clinical decisions oncologists and patients are having to make, and how they're making them; the tech tools that specialists are using, and how they could improve; and what happens to oncology as a whole when it's forced to go virtual.

Stay Updated:

Find a16z on YouTube: YouTube

Find a16z on X

Find a16z on LinkedIn

Listen to the a16z Show on Spotify

Listen to the a16z Show on Apple Podcasts

Follow our host: https://twitter.com/eriktorenberg

Please note that the content here is for informational purposes only; should NOT be taken as legal, business, tax, or investment advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security; and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund. a16z and its affiliates may maintain investments in the companies discussed. For more details please see a16z.com/disclosures.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.