The Association of Community Cancer Centers (ACCC) has just launched the Institute for Clinical Immuno-Oncology (ICLIO), a pioneering initiative that aims to boost the uptake of immuno-oncology (I-O) in community cancer.
I-O is gaining speed amidst the demands of today’s biomedical research as a revolutionary approach in treating several types of cancers. By harnessing the body’s own immune system against tumors, the ultimate goal of healthcare to render more personalized treatment is achieved. The ACCC founded the ICLIO as a primary source for I-O implementation, as it will facilitate the education of medical professionals, enabling them to better administer the latest cancer care, and address the following aspects: clinical care, deciphering reimbursement, insurance, social work, and supporting patient access to emerging treatment options.
“I-O is becoming increasingly integral to cancer treatment, and education on its adoption in clinical practice is a critical need for providers and patients,” said Lee S. Schwartzberg, MD, FACP, and chair of ICLIO. “ICLIO resources will help guide multidisciplinary cancer teams through the practical application of immunotherapy to provide the best care possible for cancer patients.”
The Institute’s educational tools cover five main areas: clinical optimization, coverage and reimbursement, management best practices, patient access and advocacy, and training and development. The ICLIO will be available to all providers affiliated with the ACCC, which has over 2,000 cancer programs and 20,000 providers across the country.
“ACCC is committed to being a leader in cancer care education by providing the most up-to-date and innovative cancer treatment resources and information to our members,” said ACCC President Steven L. D’Amato, BSPharm, BCOP. “We recognize the critical need for offering immunotherapy in community cancer centers and established ICLIO to empower cancer care providers to address the dynamic intricacies of I-O real-world treatment and delivery.”
Those interested to learn more about the ICLIO can visit the official website at accc-iclio.org. The Institute will be holding its First Annual National Conference in Philadelphia, PA on October 2, 2015 to discuss the obstacles and posibilities within the emerging clinical and operational applications of cancer immunotherapy.
The ICLIO’s Advisory Committee in charge of planning and development is headed by Lee S. Schwartzberg, MD, FACP, the chief of the Division of Hematology Oncology and Professor of Medicine at The University of Tennessee.
