Growing Trend of Subspecialization in Oncology Care
A recent study highlights the increasing trend of oncologist subspecialization, revealing regional and socioeconomic disparities in cancer care management across the US.
Subspecialization in oncology is becoming increasingly prevalent, though its application varies significantly across different cancer types and geographic regions. A recent study published online on August 12, 2025, in the Annals of Internal Medicine highlights this expanding trend. The research, led by Dr. Rene Karadakic from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, analyzed Medicare claims data spanning from 2007 to 2021 to assess how oncologists are narrowing their focus within cancer care.
The study defined subspecialization as managing more than 80% of chemotherapy treatments within a specific cancer category. Findings revealed that from 2008 to 2020, the proportion of chemotherapy episodes managed by subspecialists doubled, rising from 9% to 18% among over 18,600 oncologists and approximately 9.25 million chemotherapy episodes. Despite this overall increase, the utilization of subspecialized care showed notable variation depending on the cancer type and region, with the largest metropolitan areas exhibiting the highest levels of subspecialization.
Moreover, disparities related to income levels have widened over time. In 2020, 27.6% of episodes in high-income counties were managed by subspecialists, compared to just 8.8% in low-income counties, even though these lower-income areas experience higher cancer mortality rates. This raises important questions about the impact of subspecialist care on patient outcomes and whether patients under the care of subspecialists receive more guideline-adherent treatments or experience better health outcomes.
The researchers suggest that if further studies confirm improved outcomes linked to subspecialized oncology care, strategies and policies may be necessary to promote equitable access to subspecialty services, especially in underserved regions. Overall, this study underscores the evolving landscape of cancer treatment and the importance of understanding how subspecialization affects care quality across diverse populations.
For more detailed insights and data, refer to the original study: Link to article.
Stay Updated with Mia's Feed
Get the latest health & wellness insights delivered straight to your inbox.
Related Articles
The Impact of Structural Racism on Healthcare Outcomes
Explore how structural racism creates systemic health disparities and what multidisciplinary approaches are needed to promote health equity.
Study Finds Cannabinoid Products May Shorten Sleep Duration in Adults with Insomnia
A recent study reveals that a single dose of medicinal cannabis may decrease total sleep time and REM sleep in adults with insomnia, highlighting the need for further research into its effects on sleep health.
Preventable Factors Play Major Role in Liver Cancer Cases, New Analysis Finds
Most liver cancer cases worldwide are caused by preventable risk factors like viral hepatitis, alcohol, and obesity, according to a comprehensive analysis. Urgent public health strategies could significantly reduce future incidence and save millions of lives.
US Pediatricians Recommend Diverging COVID-19 Vaccination Guidelines from CDC
The American Academy of Pediatrics has issued new COVID-19 vaccination recommendations for children, diverging from CDC guidance for the first time in 30 years, emphasizing vaccination for ages 6 months to 2 years and high-risk groups.