A new survey commissioned by Johnson & Johnson has revealed that oncologists across the United States are struggling to keep pace with the rapid rate of innovation in cancer treatments. The findings indicate a growing gap between the development of new therapies and the ability of healthcare providers to effectively implement them in clinical practice.
The survey, conducted in collaboration with the Harris Poll, gathered responses from 500 healthcare professionals, including oncologists, urologists, and advanced practice providers (APPs) from both academic and community settings. The results paint a concerning picture of the challenges facing cancer care providers:
Three out of four oncologists reported feeling overwhelmed by the pace of new drug development
Approximately 70% of oncologists acknowledged difficulties navigating the complexities of cancer treatment guidelines
While 92% of oncologists agreed that continuing medical education is crucial, the findings suggest that additional support mechanisms are needed
These insights highlight a critical issue in oncology care: the gap between the availability of innovative treatments and their successful integration into routine clinical practice. The rapid pace of development, while beneficial for expanding treatment options, creates implementation challenges that could potentially impact patient care.
Johnson & Johnson has pointed to its Make it HAPPen program as one initiative designed to address these challenges. Launched in 2023 after collaboration with the Advanced Practitioners Society for Hematology & Oncology, the program aims to support APPs such as nurse practitioners and physician assistants who share many responsibilities with physicians in cancer care, particularly in multiple myeloma management.
Multiple myeloma represents a key therapeutic area for J&J, which reported strong performance for its cancer treatments in Q1 2025. The company's anti-CD38 antibody Darzalex saw approximately 20% growth, reaching $3.2 billion in sales, while its BCMA CAR-T cell therapy Carvykti more than doubled to $369 million. These products contributed significantly to J&J's 4.2% growth in innovative medicine sales during the quarter.
"J&J said it plans to continue promoting insights from the survey in 2025 'through a full campaign, with the goal of advancing conversations and solutions on these important topics,'" according to the company's statement. To support this initiative, J&J has created a two-minute video summarizing the survey findings and highlighting the key issues faced by oncology professionals.
The survey results underscore the importance of not only developing new cancer therapies but also ensuring that healthcare providers have the necessary resources and support to effectively implement these innovations in patient care.
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