Oncology Access: Improving Pathways & Overcoming Barriers

March 21, 2026 Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor Health

The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) has been increasingly focused on oncology clinical pathways as a means of improving cancer care quality and controlling costs, a trend reflecting a broader shift toward value-based healthcare delivery. An estimated 60 health insurance plans in the United States currently implement oncology pathways, potentially impacting treatment for over 170 million individuals, many of whom are actively undergoing cancer treatment.

Oncology clinical pathways are detailed, evidence-based protocols designed to guide clinicians in delivering standardized cancer care for specific disease types, and stages. These pathways, often developed by health systems and insurers, aim to provide a structured approach to treatment, ensuring cost-effectiveness and adherence to current medical evidence. The Alliance for Patient Access notes that national cancer organizations frequently endorse these pathways.

ASCO’s involvement began with the establishment of a Task Force on Clinical Pathways, leading to the development of robust criteria for their implementation. The organization published an assessment of clinical pathway vendors in the Journal of Oncology Practice, utilizing these criteria to evaluate different programs. ASCO has also released a checklist for evaluating oncology clinical pathways programs, providing a framework for assessing their quality and effectiveness.

The increasing adoption of pathways is driven by rising healthcare costs and the move towards value-based care models. Balancing safety, efficacy, and individual patient factors is crucial when establishing these treatment protocols, according to recent analysis. A systematic review and meta-analysis published in Syst Rev in 2020 examined the effects of oncological care pathways in both primary and secondary care settings, seeking to identify impacts on patient outcomes, professional practices, and overall health system performance.

While pathways aim to standardize care, concerns remain regarding potential limitations on physician autonomy and patient access to innovative treatments. The role of pathways in relation to clinical trials and access to cutting-edge therapies is an ongoing area of discussion within the oncology community. ASCO continues to examine these issues, seeking to optimize pathways to improve patient care while preserving the principles of individualized medicine.