More Than 40 American Oncology Network Clinics Across 18 States and Washington, D.C., Now Offering Bispecific T-cell Engager Therapies to Patients

Rhea-AI Summary

American Oncology Network (NYSE:AONC) has expanded its Bispecific T-cell Engager (BiTE) therapy availability to more than 40 partner practice clinics across 18 states and Washington, D.C. This innovative immunotherapy treatment, implemented since March 2025, targets multiple cancer types including acute lymphoblastic leukemia, uveal melanoma, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, follicular lymphoma, multiple myeloma, and extensive-stage small cell lung cancer.

The BiTE therapy works by engineering antibodies to target both cancer cell markers and T cell receptors, effectively bridging them together to enhance immune response against cancer cells. This expansion allows patients to receive advanced cancer treatment in community settings without traveling to major research institutions.

Positive

• Expanded access to advanced cancer treatment across 40+ clinics in 18 states and D.C.
• Treatment available for multiple types of hard-to-treat cancers
• Enables patients to receive innovative therapy locally without traveling to academic centers
• Active participation in clinical trials and research collaborations

Negative

• None.

Insights

Oncology Specialist

AON's nationwide rollout of BiTE therapies brings cutting-edge immunotherapy to community settings, expanding local access to treatments for resistant cancers.

American Oncology Network's expansion of Bispecific T-cell Engager (BiTE) therapies to over 40 clinics across 18 states represents a significant advancement in community-based cancer care. These innovative immunotherapies function by creating a bridge between T-cells and cancer cells, effectively directing the patient's immune system to target tumors with greater precision.

The clinical significance of this expansion cannot be overstated. BiTE therapies have demonstrated particular promise for patients with treatment-resistant cancers, including acute lymphoblastic leukemia, uveal melanoma, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, follicular lymphoma, multiple myeloma, and extensive-stage small cell lung cancer. These are notably challenging malignancies that often have limited treatment options after standard approaches fail.

What makes this development particularly impactful is the decentralization of advanced cancer care. Historically, such novel therapies would be limited to major academic medical centers, requiring patients to travel significant distances, often while immunocompromised. AON's community-based approach allows patients to receive cutting-edge treatment while maintaining proximity to their support systems—a factor that can significantly impact quality of life and potentially treatment adherence.

From a treatment perspective, the dual-targeting mechanism of BiTE therapies offers a more precise approach to immunotherapy, potentially reducing off-target effects while maximizing tumor-specific immune responses. This represents the continuing evolution of immunotherapy from broad immune activation to increasingly targeted approaches.

Healthcare Business Analyst

This expansion reflects a strategic positioning by AON in the competitive oncology market. By implementing BiTE therapies across their national network since March 2025, AON is differentiating its community practices from competitors by offering therapies typically associated with academic medical centers.

The breadth of implementation—40+ clinics across 18 states and Washington, D.C.—demonstrates significant operational capability. Successfully deploying these complex therapies requires sophisticated infrastructure, including specialized pharmacy services, trained nursing staff, and physicians comfortable managing potential immune-related adverse events.

This move aligns with broader healthcare trends toward value-based care and decentralization. By bringing advanced therapies to community settings, AON potentially reduces the total cost of care by eliminating travel expenses and hospital admissions while maintaining treatment quality. Their participation in clinical trials further positions them as innovation partners rather than merely treatment providers.

The complete outpatient services designation for several practices indicates AON's investment in comprehensive care infrastructure. This capability allows for the administration of therapies that might otherwise require hospitalization, creating potential competitive advantages in patient recruitment and retention.

While the press release doesn't address reimbursement aspects, BiTE therapies typically command premium pricing. AON's scale likely provides advantageous negotiating positions with both manufacturers and payers, potentially improving margins while expanding treatment access.

AON community oncology practices across the nation offering groundbreaking immunotherapy to expand treatment options for hard-to-treat cancers

FORT MYERS, Fla., July 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- American Oncology Network (AON), one of the nation’s fastest-growing networks of community oncology practices, is now offering Bispecific T-cell Engager (BiTE) therapy—also known as BiTE therapy—at more than 40 partner practice clinics in 18 states and Washington, D.C. This advancement brings cutting-edge cancer treatment directly to patients in community settings, expanding access to a promising class of immunotherapies that may offer new hope for those with cancers resistant to standard treatments.

Bispecific therapies represent a major breakthrough in cancer care. These innovative therapies engage a patient’s own immune system by targeting two different molecules—one on a cancer cell and one on a T cell (a type of immune cell). By binding to both simultaneously, bispecific antibodies act as a bridge, directing the T cell to the tumor and triggering the immune system to attack the cancer directly.

“At AON, we’re committed to staying at the forefront of cancer care by integrating innovative therapies like bispecific antibodies into our clinical offerings,” said Melody Chang, RPh, MBA, BCOP, vice president of pharmacy operations at AON. “These therapies are an important part of our personalized treatment approach and have already shown promise in improving outcomes for patients with some of the most challenging cancers.”

Since March 2025, AON has provided bispecific antibody therapy to patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, uveal melanoma, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, follicular lymphoma, multiple myeloma and extensive-stage small cell lung cancer.

“Bispecific therapies are particularly important for patients whose cancers no longer respond to traditional treatments,” said Dr. Stephen “Fred” Divers, chief medical officer at AON. “By expanding access to these therapies in the community setting, AON is helping patients stay close to home while receiving some of the most advanced treatment options available.”

AON’s implementation of BiTE therapies ensures patients across its national network can benefit from these innovations without the need to travel to academic medical centers or major research institutions.

How Bispecific Therapies Work:

• Dual Targeting: Bispecific antibodies are engineered to recognize two targets—typically a cancer cell marker and a T cell receptor.
• T Cell Engagement: The therapy draws T cells to the cancer site, increasing immune activity at the tumor.
• Targeted Immune Activation: This precise approach enhances the immune response, improving the likelihood of destroying cancer cells while minimizing harm to healthy tissue.
  

In addition to offering these therapies, AON actively participates in clinical trials and collaborates with leading researchers to explore new applications of bispecific antibodies in oncology.

“AON’s expansion of bispecific antibody therapies reflects our mission to bring the most advanced treatments to local communities,” said Todd Schonherz, chief executive officer at AON. “Our focus on innovation and access allows patients to receive world-class care from trusted local providers without having to leave their support systems behind.”

To learn more about how bispecific therapies work, visit: https://www.aoncology.com/education-posts/understanding-bispecific-therapies-bite/

AON partner practices offering bispecific therapies include:
(**Practices Offering Complete Outpatient Services)

• Arizona: Cancer & Blood Specialists of Arizona
• Arkansas: Genesis Cancer and Blood Institute**
• Florida: Florida Oncology & Hematology**
• Georgia:
  • Cancer and Blood Specialists of Georgia
  • Central Georgia Cancer Care
  • Low Country Cancer Care
• Hawaii: Hawaii Cancer Care
• Idaho: Summit Cancer Centers
• Indiana:
  • Fort Wayne Medical Oncology and Hematology
  • Hematology Oncology of Indiana**
• Kansas: MidAmerica Cancer Care
• Louisiana: Hematology/Oncology Clinic
• Maryland:
  • Bay Hematology Oncology
  • Greater Washington Oncology Associates
  • The Center for Cancer & Blood Disorders**
• Missouri:
  • MidAmerica Cancer Care**
  • Oncology Hematology Associates
• Nevada: Hope Cancer Care of Nevada
• North Carolina: Messino Cancer Centers
• Ohio
  • Zangmeister Cancer Centers**
  • Hematology Oncology Center
• South Carolina: Low Country Cancer Care
• Texas: Lone Star Oncology**
• Virginia: Cancer and Blood Specialists of NOVA
• Washington State:
  • Summit Cancer Centers
  • Vista Oncology
• Washington, D.C.: Greater Washington Oncology Associates
  

About American Oncology Network
American Oncology Network (AON) is an alliance of physicians and seasoned healthcare leaders partnering to ensure the long-term success and viability of community oncology and other specialties. Founded in 2018, AON’s rapidly expanding network represents more than 290 providers practicing across 21 states. AON pioneers innovative healthcare solutions through its physician-led model, fostering value-based care that improves patient outcomes while reducing costs and expanding access to quality care. AON equips its network physicians with the tools they need to thrive independently while providing comprehensive support, integrated revenue-diversifying ancillary services, and practice management expertise, enabling physicians to focus on what matters most – providing the highest standard of care for every patient. AON is committed to promoting health equity by addressing disparities in cancer care and ensuring that all patients have access to the care they need to achieve optimal health outcomes. With a focus on innovation and collaboration, AON is shaping the future of community oncology. For more information, please visit AONcology.com or follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and YouTube.

Media Contact:
Karen Riley Sawyer
American Oncology Network
Karen.Sawyer@AONcology.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/eb86e5de-dd44-45c4-b6fe-4b14ae516037

FAQ

What types of cancer can be treated with AONC's BiTE therapy?

AONC's BiTE therapy treats acute lymphoblastic leukemia, uveal melanoma, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, follicular lymphoma, multiple myeloma, and extensive-stage small cell lung cancer.

How does American Oncology Network's BiTE therapy work?

The therapy uses bispecific antibodies that target both cancer cell markers and T cell receptors, creating a bridge that directs T cells to attack cancer cells while minimizing damage to healthy tissue.

When did AONC begin offering BiTE therapy in their clinics?

American Oncology Network began providing BiTE therapy to patients in March 2025.

How many AONC clinics offer BiTE therapy?

More than 40 partner practice clinics across 18 states and Washington, D.C. now offer BiTE therapy.

What are the advantages of receiving BiTE therapy at AONC clinics?

Patients can receive advanced cancer treatment in their local communities without having to travel to academic medical centers or major research institutions, maintaining access to their support systems.