Scientific breakthroughs often dominate the conversation in oncology, but discovering a therapy is only the beginning of its journey. Behind every innovative cancer treatment lies a complex network of logistics, distribution, reimbursement, infrastructure, and clinical coordination that ultimately determines whether patients receive the care they need.
In this OncoDaily interview, Lisa Smith, Senior Vice President and President of Specialty Distribution and Solutions at Cencora, with Shushan Hovsepyan, discusses the critical role of community oncology practices in delivering innovative cancer therapies close to patients’ homes and discusses the growing challenges of cold-chain logistics, reimbursement, inventory management, and care coordination as more complex treatments enter clinical practice.
As oncology rapidly advances with cell therapies, gene therapies, radioligand therapies, and increasingly personalized approaches, healthcare systems face growing operational challenges. Lisa Smith shares how specialty distribution has evolved alongside these innovations and why strengthening community oncology is essential to expanding patient access to cutting-edge treatments.
The conversation explores the realities behind implementing breakthrough therapies, from sophisticated supply chain requirements and cold-chain logistics to reimbursement complexities, workforce preparedness, and the collaboration required among manufacturers, providers, payers, and healthcare systems. It also highlights why ensuring timely patient access remains one of oncology’s greatest challenges despite remarkable scientific progress.
Looking ahead, Lisa discusses the transformative role artificial intelligence could play in oncology, including improving patient identification, streamlining administrative processes, optimizing clinical trial enrollment, and supporting more efficient coordination across the healthcare ecosystem.
Beyond technology and operations, the interview also reflects on the human side of cancer care. Drawing on her experience as an oncology pharmacist and healthcare leader, Lisa emphasizes that advancing cancer care is not only about delivering innovative medicines, but also about ensuring every patient has equitable access to them.
This conversation offers valuable insights into the evolving infrastructure that supports modern oncology and the collaboration required to bring innovation from the laboratory to the patient.
Watch the full interview to hear Lisa Smith‘s perspectives on the future of specialty distribution, community oncology, patient access, and the innovations shaping the next generation of cancer care.