Johnson & Johnson survey finds AI use rising in community oncology but implementation barriers remain

Johnson & Johnson has published findings from its 2026 Oncology Care Index, showing that the use of artificial intelligence among community oncologists is increasing rapidly, although more advanced applications remain relatively uncommon.

The survey, conducted with The Harris Poll, included more than 200 community oncologists and practice administrators across the United States. Results highlighted a gap between confidence in the potential of AI and the extent to which more sophisticated technologies are being incorporated into routine cancer care.

Almost half of community oncologists surveyed, 49%, said they are actively using AI tools. This compares with 19% of healthcare providers across all practice settings who reported using AI in the 2025 survey.

Despite this increase, only 19% of respondents currently use AI powered predictive models.

Confidence in the technology was considerably higher. Around 83% of community oncologists said they believe AI could help make cancer care more accessible to a greater number of patients.

In addition, 79% reported familiarity with AI powered predictive models and said they felt confident using AI to support treatment decisions.

Johnson & Johnson said the findings suggest that limited adoption of more advanced AI applications is not primarily caused by reluctance among oncologists. Instead, respondents identified practical obstacles involving training, funding and infrastructure.

A lack of reimbursement for AI tools was reported as a barrier by 44% of community oncologists. Limited formal training was cited by 43%, while 41% pointed to insufficient funding.

Community oncology practices provide care for nearly 85% of people living with cancer in the United States, making their ability to adopt new technology an important part of widening access to innovation.

Stephen Divers, Chief Medical Officer at American Oncology Network, said community oncologists are already engaging with AI but require appropriate tools, training and structural support to move from initial experimentation toward routine and confident use.

He added that the findings could help demonstrate to payers, policymakers and health systems what is needed to ensure patients in smaller communities can benefit from advances available in larger cities and academic centres.

The survey also found strong confidence in the role of community oncology in expanding access to new treatments. Around 78% of community oncologists and 96% of practice administrators said community practices are particularly well positioned to improve access to new cancer therapies.

However, payer related barriers continue to create difficulties. Some 97% of respondents said these obstacles can delay or prevent patients from receiving treatments that clinicians believe are most appropriate.

Johnson & Johnson identified three areas where additional action could improve cancer care in community settings.

Clinical trial access was one of the main concerns. Around 60% of community oncologists said their practices offer limited trial opportunities. Meanwhile, 94% said approaches centred on real world patient education could help increase participation in clinical research.

Expanding practical support for AI adoption was another priority. Johnson & Johnson said investment in education, reimbursement pathways and implementation resources could determine whether the recent rise in AI use develops into a lasting change in clinical practice.

The survey also identified differences between general confidence in immunotherapy delivery and the level of confidence clinicians have in handling these treatments in practice.

More than nine in ten community oncologists said their practices were comfortable managing new immunotherapies, at 92%, while 94% said their practices were equipped to offer them.

However, only 43% described themselves as very comfortable managing these therapies and 35% said their practices were very well equipped to provide them.

Among the most commonly cited challenges were staff training and expertise, reported by 38%, financial and reimbursement resources, also reported by 38%, and infrastructure for creating adverse event management protocols, cited by 37%.

Kevin Hamill, Company Group Chairman of Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine North America, said the second year of the Oncology Care Index indicates that the difference between what clinicians believe AI can achieve and what they can currently implement is largely the result of healthcare system limitations rather than a lack of confidence.

In response to the findings, Johnson & Johnson is launching a request for proposals aimed at supporting not for profit organisations developing solutions to address barriers identified through the 2026 Oncology Care Index.

The company is also supporting initiatives intended to strengthen cancer care within community settings. These include Medical Affairs Implementation Science Grants for clinical trial infrastructure and programmes designed to expand access to advanced immunotherapies closer to patients’ homes.

Johnson & Johnson is also working with the Network for Collaborative Oncology Development and Advancement through Project Community to identify gaps in care and improve access to innovation.

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AI in healthcare, Artificial intelligence, cancer care, cancer research, digital health, immunotherapy, Johnson & Johnson, Oncology, pharma news