AACI’s Physician Clinical Leadership Initiative (PCLI) has published findings from its cancer service line (CSL) survey in JCO Oncology Practice, marking a major milestone in efforts to better understand how cancer centers structure and manage their CSL. Published on September 24, the article, "Benchmarking the Current Landscape: Insights From an Association of American Cancer Institutes Survey on Academic Cancer Service Lines," highlights national survey results on CSL governance, leadership, organizational structure, financial operations within health systems, and challenges faced by CSL leaders, providing a foundation for future collaboration and best practice sharing. This publication reflects the dedication of PCLI members and AACI partners in advancing high-quality cancer care.
The lead authors are Paula M. Fracasso, MD, PhD, FACP, VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center; Lee Wilke, MD, UW Health/University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center; Nicole Simone, MD, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Jefferson; and Stephanie J. Si Lim, MD, MBA, University of Hawai'i Cancer Center, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa. Dr. Fracasso, the steering committee’s chair elect, will assume the role of PCLI chair in January 2026.
Survey findings revealed that while most cancer service lines are closely aligned with their health systems, leaders face ongoing challenges in balancing institutional priorities with the unique needs of cancer programs. Respondents also identified opportunities to strengthen communication, clarify reporting structures, and expand resources to support sustainable growth.
Reflecting on the study, Dr. Fracasso emphasized the importance of these insights, noting, "Importantly, this publication is the first survey of cancer service lines (CSL) in U.S. cancer centers in the literature. Of the 58 CSL that participated, 40 were NCI designated and 17 were aspiring to be NCI-designated centers. The findings in this survey provide a framework for benchmarking, strategic planning, and funding to aid cancer centers in building and optimizing a CSL structure which aligns clinical and academic missions within their evolving health care systems."