Jan. 16, 2025
What if patients could receive quality cancer treatment in the comfort of their own homes? Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center provides a new level of care that includes logistical convenience and easy access to its collective expertise using the Cancer CARE (Connected Access and Remote Expertise) Beyond Walls (CCBW) program.
"We shift the model with treatment in the home through Mayo Clinic's initiative, Cancer CARE Beyond Walls. Rather than a patient trying to find a spot to fit into our schedule, we fit into their schedule," says Jeremy C. Jones, M.D., a medical hematologist and oncologist at Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center in Jacksonville, Florida. Dr. Jones is also the medical director of CCBW for Mayo Clinic Platform. "Instead of a fragmented experience, patients are empowered when we bring cancer care to patients in their homes. We hold their hands as they go through the continuum of cancer care."
Giving back time
What led to CCBW was a goal of offering patients Mayo Clinic expert care without taking up more of their time. For patients with cancer, about 10% of their time can be spent in medical facilities at recurrent appointments for therapies and scans.
"Most drug-related cancer care occurs in ambulatory infusion centers or specialty hospitals, where patients spend many hours isolated from family, friends and familiar surroundings. This separation compounds the physical, emotional, social and financial burdens for patients and their families," says Roxana S. Dronca, M.D., a hematologist and oncologist and site director of Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center in Jacksonville, Florida. Dr. Dronca is the physician lead for CCBW on the Florida campus and the principal investigator for two clinical trials studying administration of chemotherapy and immunotherapy in the home versus the clinic setting. "Cancer CARE Beyond Walls provides patients with cutting-edge, infusion-based technology and patient-centered care in the comfort of their own surroundings. It often includes chemotherapy, advanced telemedicine, remote monitoring and in-home visits."
In-home chemotherapy
Cancer CARE Beyond Walls started in April 2023 with 10 patients. Today, the program is much more active at Mayo Clinic's location in Florida with more than 200 in-home chemotherapy infusions or injections having been provided safely for patients.
"We currently offer two CCBW clinical trials for eligible patients within a 35-mile radius of Mayo Clinic in Florida. Both trials study in-home versus in-clinic treatment. We plan to scale the program to different Mayo Clinic sites," says Dr. Dronca.
Patients considered for selection are those on treatment regimens where the medications can stay stable during transport and have a low risk of causing infusion reactions. "We make sure the patients have successfully tolerated the treatment in a clinic setting for the first one or two cycles before shifting to home-based care," says Dr. Dronca. "While care in the home should not replace the hospital and clinic-based care, it should be an option for patients when their treatment permits."
Personalized cancer care
Participating in CCBW may change a patient's overall cancer experience. "We can leverage all the clinical care that's done in the hospital along with digital capabilities to provide the same level of care in the patient's home," says Dr. Dronca. Home-based care can offer convenience, improved quality of life, and efficient use of medical staff and space.
The program uses a command center located at Mayo Clinic that includes advanced practice providers, hospitalists and nurses. The staff in the command center directs the in-home care, which is detailed in the patient's medical records and visible for reference at any hospital visits. "We digitally connect with the on-site nurse from the virtual command center. We oversee the nurse giving chemotherapy on two-way video," says Dr. Jones.
"Our hope is that patients will be happier with treatment. And we'll improve their outcomes overall because commonly what happens is if services are not available, people don't go for them," says Dr. Jones. "The more we can have these services available such as in the patient's home, the more we're able to improve outcomes."
Looking ahead
While Mayo Clinic joins other leading healthcare organizations in the fast-changing in-home care space, it strives to set a new standard in cancer care. "Where we're headed with Cancer CARE Beyond Walls is breaking down the need to be in the same room," says Dr. Jones. "Once CCBW becomes digital, it doesn't matter whether a patient is one or 1,000 miles away."
The plan is to make the program available to more patients over time. "Our goal is bringing high-quality cancer care closer to where people live and feel more comfortable," says Dr. Dronca. "Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center continues to innovate in the cancer space by pushing the envelope of what care at home means while ensuring Mayo Clinic's quality. The future of CCBW exemplifies what Mayo Clinic can do to inspire hope and promote health while keeping the needs of our patients first."
For more information
Refer a patient to Mayo Clinic.