Becker’s Healthcare Podcast Expanding Access, Translational Research, and the Future of Cancer Care with Dr. Robert A. Figlin
Mar 4, 2026
Robert A. Figlin, MD, interim director at Cedars‑Sinai and translational oncology leader. He discusses aligning cancer strategy with system priorities. He explains distributed care to bring expertise closer to patients. He covers embedding research into clinical workflows and using community input to shape studies. He highlights workforce strategies and innovative screening partnerships.
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Rising Cancer Survival Changes System Priorities
- Cancer care demand will grow because over 70% of patients now survive beyond five years.
- Robert A. Figlin notes this increases chronic survivorship needs across systems and requires planning for long-term comorbidity management.
Bring Oncology Expertise Closer To Patients
- Prioritize access by distributing oncology expertise across community sites so patients receive care near home.
- Cedars-Sinai uses a distributive model with shared EHR, supply lines, and local practices tied to the academic center.
Make Access Mean Concrete Multidisciplinary Care
- Deliver access with measurable deliverables by using multidisciplinary teams and mid-level providers.
- Figlin highlights multi-disciplinary clinics (pancreas, colorectal, lung, breast) and APPs practicing at top of license.