Voices of Oncology: Fostering a Collaborative Community of Experts to Accelerate Cancer Cures

by Kirk V. Shepard, Ramin Farhood

Overview

Voices of Oncology is a groundbreaking exploration of the evolving landscape in cancer treatment development. Beyond scientific advancements, the field is being reshaped by societal and cultural forces that are redefining what it takes to bring new therapies to patients.

Through exclusive interviews with leading experts from across oncology, this book captures the complexity of a multidisciplinary approach. Each chapter highlights the challenges and breakthroughs that arise from collaboration between pharmaceutical leaders, academic researchers, patient advocates, and healthcare innovators. Together, these voices underscore a powerful message: only by breaking down silos and sharing insights can we accelerate progress and ultimately, conquer cancer.

To go beyond the book and be a voice in a dynamic collaboration of stakeholders in oncology today, we invite you to join the Oncology Voice Network (OVN), an online community for those committed to transforming oncology through shared knowledge and collective action.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9798887500676
Publisher:	Forbes Books
Publication date:	07/22/2025
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	496
File size:	3 MB

About the Author

Dr. KIRK SHEPARD , a board-certified oncologist and hematologist, has led pharmaceutical innovation for over thirty years, including roles at Boehringer Ingelheim, Takeda, and Eisai. Currently CMO at PDS Biotechnology, his expertise spans all phases of drug development and commercialization. In 2015, PharmaVoice named him among the 100 Most Inspiring People in Pharma. He also cofounded the Medical Affairs Professional Society (MAPS) and co-edited Medical Affairs (2024).

Dr. RAMIN FARHOOD, senior VP at SSI Strategy, has over twenty-five years in patient-centric medical strategy. Previously at Novartis, he launched the world’s first gene therapy for spinal muscular atrophy. Farhood cofounded the Medical Affairs Professional Society (MAPS) and the Immunoglobulin National Society (IgNS) and cohosts The Emerging Biotech Leader podcast.

Table of Contents

Foreword
Introduction: Increased Understanding = Increased Collaboration

Voice of Academic Clinical Investigation
Voice of Executive Leadership
Voice of Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls (CMC)
Voice of Clinical Development
Voice of Commercial
Voice of Compliance
Voice of Health Economics and Outcomes Research and Real-World Evidence
Voice of Innovation Partners
Voice of Market Access
Voice of Medical Affairs
Voice of Field Medical
Voice of National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN)
Voice of the Patient
Voice of Patient Advocacy
Voice of Preclinical Research
Voice of Regulatory Affairs
Voice of Safety
Voice of Scientific Communications
Voice of Statistics in Clinical Research/Biostatistics
Voice of Talent and Workforce Innovation
Voice of Digital and Technology

Conclusion: A Global Hub for Collaboration and Progress
Glossary

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

"Voices of Oncology offers a uniquely realistic and common-sense approach to understanding oncology drug development. By bringing together cross-functional perspectives, this initiative aims to accelerate the discovery of cures and solutions for cancer. The collaborative nature of this project ensures that diverse viewpoints are integrated, providing a comprehensive understanding of the complexities involved in oncology drug development.”
— Murtuza Bharmal, BPharm, MS, PhD
Head, Oncology Outcomes Research, AstraZeneca

“This book breaks boundaries by boldly bringing people together to generate new insights and novel approaches for partnership that will impact drug development in an intentional way. Ensuring that the patient voice is integrated into every facet of the oncology care continuum is essential to ensuring meaningful innovation as well as value and access. The authors do just that, making this a must read for anyone involved in the drug development process.”
— Jennifer Bires
MSW and Executive Director of Inova Peterson Life with Cancer

“Voices of Oncology represents a great leap forward in shedding light and, even more importantly, providing a template for meaningful institutional transformation of community building within the networks of stakeholders in the advancement of cancer care, research, and ultimately achieving a cure. Strategies for empathetic communication, meaningful diversity, inclusion of patient experiences and input, community building, and addressing the advantages and inequities ushered in by precision medication (and digital medicine) are addressed in depth. Voices of Oncology offers strategies and insight in a vastly readable and actionable format. Drs. Kirk Shepard and Ramin Farhood are to be applauded for the provocative conversations this book will spark.”
— Annabelle Gurwitch
New York Times Bestselling Author, living with stage 4 lung cancer

"Drs. Shepard and Farhood give us a much-needed book that discusses an array of topics relevant to oncology drug development. In the fast-evolving environment of oncology care, the topics discussed can apply to a start-up of six people or an organization employing thousands. Bring a pencil and notepad when you open this book. You will want to make sure you don’t miss anything!"
— Reshma Rangwala, MD, PhD
Pharmaceutical Executive

“I am extremely impressed with Voices of Oncology. Drs. Kirk Shepard and Ramin Farhood give the reader critical insights with their interviews on bridging the gaps between pharmaceutical development and patient needs, as well as the important role of the Field Medical Liaison in educating healthcare providers and supporting prelaunch activities. Voices of Oncology offers key insights into patient advocacy and the responsibilities of field medical teams in oncology.”
— John Collins
Cofounder, MedInsights Unleashed; Former VP and Global Brand Lead, Oncology Business Group, Eisai Inc.

“Dr. Elizabeth Franklin's section in Voices of Oncology offers a uniquely realistic and compassionate approach to patient advocacy. As someone under fifty battling pancreatic cancer, her focus on ensuring patient voices are at the forefront resonates deeply. This book is a vital resource in navigating the complexities of cancer treatment.”
— Kyle Samuels
Founder and CEO, Creative Talent Endeavors

“In Voices of Oncology, Dr. Shepard and Dr. Farhood show that advocacy works in two directions: from the industry toward the patients, with good and reliable information, and from the patients toward the industry, with the right needs of patients.

As the book asserts, industry must understand patients better. What do they really need? My example is often this: start working on the pain in pancreatic cancer instead of a new medicine. The pain is immediately decreasing the quality of life, where medicines fail for decades in prolonging patients’ lives. Patients want a good quality of life and then live till their eighty seventh birthday. Industry can learn from that and work on the right medicines. This book shows that this path has been chosen and needs perfection. I strongly endorse and recommend this book.”
— Peter Kapitein
Patient Advocate, Inspire2Live

“An excellent compilation of thoughts and ideas of real people engaged in the complex world of cancer drug development, this book provides great insights regarding different aspects of roles of medical affairs professionals in drug development. Easy and engaging read!”
— Sadhna Shankar
Head of Oncology Clinical Development, Incyte Corporation