Transforming oncology: Insights from Labcorp’s latest industry report

Labcorp has published a new report titled “The Pulse of the Oncologist,” an analysis of the oncology industry, including insights from 152 professionals.

The report centers around five current trends:

1. Time remains an obstacle to patient care. More than half of respondents (60%) reported diagnostic turnaround times as a top care barrier. Labcorp calls on laboratories to address this by adopting advanced tools into daily workflows, enhancing data interpretation processes, and reducing turnaround times.
2. Many patients do not have access to diagnostic testing because of high costs and coverage issues. Labcorp says labs can help by boosting price and coverage transparency, providing resources to help patients, and simplifying the prior authorization process.
3. Electronic health record (EHR) messaging is increasing oncologist workload. Nearly three quarters of survey participants (73%) call on labs to “provide better digital/IT interfaces to support their organization,” and 74% say the ability to track sample progress is one of the deciding factors for whether or not they use a lab. 63% choose a lab to work with based on how simple the test ordering process is.
4. Oncologists need clarity regarding genomic testing to guide clinical decisions. 22% of participants reported confusion when reading lab reports. Labcorp says lab reports should contain resources to guide clinical decisions.
5. Burnout and staff shortages are still plaguing the industry. The report says, “labs can help by offering consultative access to experts, integrating genetic counselors and providing patient-support programs that guide individuals through testing and treatment decisions.”

Labs should be partners to oncologists and not add to their workload, according to the document. The survey emphasizes, “By aligning oncologists’ priorities with emerging diagnostic capabilities, we can accelerate progress in cancer care—delivering smarter solutions faster and with lasting impact.”