Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute Leaders Share Insights to Address Policies, Strategies & Innovations Driving the Future of Cancer Care Delivery at Value-Based Cancer Care Summit

FORT MYERS, Fla., Oct. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Leaders from Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute, LLC (FCS) are contributing expert insights this week at the Association for Value-Based Cancer Care (AVBCC) 2026 Educational Summit, a leading forum for oncology stakeholders to address emerging trends, policy developments, operational strategies and innovative care models influencing cancer care delivery and patient access.

David Wenk, MD, FCS assistant managing physician and an AVBCC Summit committee member, said, "Rapid advancements in science, technology and financial models are redrawing the map of oncology. AVBCC provides a unique forum for decision-makers across the oncology ecosystem to exchange real-world insights and ideas and explore the innovations that will define the future of cancer care. As a leading community oncology provider, we welcome the opportunity to contribute to these discussions and help shape what comes next."

FCS President & Managing Physician Lucio N. Gordan, MD is among the nationally recognized experts serving as panelists during the invitation-only event. "Providers and payers face growing demands to improve outcomes while managing costs," he said, "and these advances have the potential to reduce variation in care, elevate quality and expand access to expert-guided treatment decisions. Our ultimate goal is to ensure that life-saving knowledge and treatments reach patients faster and more effectively."

Dr. Gordan will participate in the opening session, "As Leaders Lead, Markets Follow," a high-level strategic look at the real-world data and forecasts for the oncology ecosystem, evaluating where innovation and affordability can finally intersect.

His additional panel discussions are:

• "Standardizing Second Opinions"—examining the evolving role of second opinions, expert subspecialty review and AI-supported decision-making to improve care quality and patient outcomes.
• "Using Tech to Optimize Cancer Therapeutics"—examining how best to optimize evolving treatments such as bispecific therapy, CAR-T and other complex regimens, and whether tech-enabled workflows can solve challenges and allow patients to derive the greatest possible benefits from these life-saving treatments.

Kiana Mehring, MBA, PPMC, LION, FCS Senior Vice President, Payer Strategy, Revenue Cycle Operations & Value-Based Care, a 2026 recipient of AVBCC's 40 Under 40 Cancer Award and a member of the AVBCC conference committee, will draw on FCS' successes as a top-performing oncology practice, as a panelist for the session, "CMS Innovative Initiatives." Participants will explore how the Oncology Care Model (OCM) and Enhancing Oncology Model (EOM) have influenced cancer care reimbursement and how other emerging payment models may shape the future of oncology care.

"We are committed to continuously expand value-based care initiatives, strengthen partnerships and enhance patient outcomes and satisfaction and look forward to sharing our lessons learned," Mehring said. FCS was a top performer in the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation's (CMMI) pilot value-based oncology care program, the Oncology Care Model (OCM), which ended in 2022. FCS generated more than $140 million in Medicare savings, including $31.7 million in a single six-month performance period in 2021.

About Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute, LLC: (FLCancer.com)

For more than 40 years, Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute (FCS) has embraced innovation to deliver world-class care and drive the dramatic transformation of oncology care through its robust clinical research program.

FCS provides patients with access to a wide range of clinical trials, positioning it as a leader in research among private oncology practices in Florida and across the country. Through its robust clinical research program with Sarah Cannon Research Institute (SCRI) and a suite of independent site management programs, with advanced clinical trial matching technology, FCS offers patients innovative therapies close to home. Each year, FCS conducts more than 180 active clinical trials that directly elevate patient care and accelerate progress in oncology. Many of the cancer drugs approved by the FDA in the U.S over the past decade were accessible to patients at FCS through clinical trial participation before receiving approval.

Our outstanding team of highly trained and dedicated physicians is committed to delivering tailored treatment plans that make the best use of cutting-edge precision oncology advancements to enhance patient outcomes.

SOURCE Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute