A lymphoma program led by advanced practice providers (APPs) effectively reduced time to diagnosis and access to care, according to new research.
“Lymphoma consists of a heterogeneous group of cancers that range from indolent to aggressive, and differentiating malignant lymphomas from non-cancer diagnoses often constitutes a challenge for healthcare professionals,” wrote the authors, led by Kurt Bantilan of the Lymphoma Service at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York, New York. “Essential first steps in optimal care require establishing an accurate diagnosis and determination of stage.”
The group aimed to establish an APP lymphoma diagnostic program (LDP) that could streamline intake of patients with suspected lymphoma, largely by leveraging APPs. They reviewed all patients referred to their institution from December 1, 2022, to March 31, 2024, who had radiographic imaging or inconclusive pathology suspicious for lymphoma. Patients were matched by age and sex and separated into two groups: those referred into the APP-LDP or to a physician via the usual channels.
Patients also were assessed grouped among three disease types: aggressive, indolent, and non-cancer. In addition, the study assessed:
- Time from referral date to first visit with an APP or physician at MSK (TRFV)
- Time from referral date to diagnostic biopsy at MSK (TRDB)
- Time from referral date to first treatment at MSK (TRFT)
During the study time period, 55 patients were referred to the APP-LDP for suspected lymphoma. Of those, 20 were found to have an aggressive subtype, 19 indolent subtypes, and 16 patients had a non-cancer diagnosis.
Compared with patients who were referred through traditional channels, patients in the APP-LDP had shorter TRFV (median 10 days versus 19 days). They also had shorter TRDB (median 20 days versus 27 days. TRFT was also shorter (median 56 days versus 87 days.
“The APP-LDP was effective in reducing time to diagnosis and access to care by facilitating appointments with expert clinicians who utilize state-of-the-art diagnostic tools and by streamlining collaboration between hospital administration, APPs, and physician leaders,” the authors wrote. They are exploring similar APP-led programs in chronic myeloid leukemia and acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
Reference
Bantilan K, Wenzel J, Drosick L, et al. Advanced practice provider led programs improve patient access: The APP lymphoma diagnostic program. Abstract 284. Presented at: the 67th American Society of Hematology Annual Meeting and Exposition, Dec. 6-9, 2025, Orlando, FL.
