From Molecular Testing to Treatment Access: This Alaska Conference Tackles Oncology’s Biggest Challenges

Introduction

On May 10th, 2025, Dr. Joseph Rosales, a hematologist/oncologist at Virginia Mason Medical Center, and Dr. Anusiyanthan Mariampillai at the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, will co-chair the Alaska Hematology Oncology Conference in Anchorage, Alaska. In this interview, Dr. Rosales highlights recent advancements in lung cancer treatments and molecular diagnostics, along with the challenges and disparities patients face in accessing new therapies. The conference will feature an in-depth session on ASCO and ESMO updates, covering breast cancer, lung cancer, and several hematologic malignancies.

Register for the conference here.

Highlights of the Interview

Latest Research & Clinical Updates

This conference provides annual updates on the latest advancements in common cancers, including breast, lung, and hematologic malignancies, drawing key insights from ASCO and ESMO.

Expert Insights on Lung Cancer Advancement

In the general oncology session of the Alaska conference, Dr. Rosales will give a talk on Advances in Treatment of Metastatic Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. He will spotlight practice-changing data, emphasizing how these advancements redefine care for historically untreatable patients.

Bridging Knowledge Gaps Through Global Oncology Education

Dr. Rosales plays a pivotal role in Binaytara's tumor board program, providing vital consultative support to clinicians at Nepal's Janakpur oncology clinic. Recognizing medicine's dual nature of learning and teaching, he emphasizes how case discussions with colleagues create a dynamic knowledge exchange that elevates care standards.

The Interview

We met with Dr. Rosales to discuss the impact of the upcoming conference in Alaska, his goals as co-chair, and his years of involvement with Binaytara’s educational programs.

Question | Binaytara: Can you share your background and role at Virginia Mason Franciscan Health?

Answer: “I am a hematologist/oncologist with nearly 20 years of experience, currently serving as Executive Medical Director for Cancer Services at Virginia Mason Franciscan Health (VMFH). I oversee cancer strategy across Washington and Oregon, with a clinical focus on thoracic oncology.”

Q: What drew you to focus on lung cancer specifically?

A: “When I transitioned from general oncology to Virginia Mason 15 years ago, lung cancer was at the forefront of the molecular diagnostics revolution. The emergence of next-generation sequencing and targeted therapies made it clear this field would see paradigm-shifting advances, which has proven true. From initially just having EGFR targets to now treating rare mutations, it has been remarkable to witness.”

Q: How did you become involved in chairing the Alaska Oncology Conference?

A: “Through my long-standing partnership with Binaytara, spanning nearly a decade, and my regional connections. Alaska and the Pacific Northwest share close healthcare ties, and I have collaborated with Alaskan colleagues who refer patients to our center. When Binaytara expanded its continuing medical education program to Anchorage, I immediately knew that chairing this conference would be a natural fit.”

Q: What key themes will this year’s conference highlight?

A: “We will focus on practice-changing updates from ASCO and ESMO, particularly in breast cancer (both metastatic and curable), lung cancer, and hematologic malignancies. While we rotate less common topics like sarcomas or GI cancers, these core areas always deliver critical advancements.”

Q: As a lung cancer specialist, what cutting-edge therapies will you discuss?

A: “Lung cancer has seen remarkable progress in targeted therapies. We will cover new combinations for established mutations like EGFR, as well as emerging targets for rare mutations, enabling treatment for patients who previously had few options. Next-generation sequencing has been transformative.”

Q: What hurdles exist in implementing these therapies clinically?

A: “Three major barriers: 1) Insurance approvals for novel therapies, 2) Access to comprehensive genomic testing, especially in underserved areas, and 3) The growing administrative burden that takes time away from patient care. Even with proven therapies, prior authorizations delay treatment by weeks.”

Q: You have been involved with Binaytara's tumor board in Nepal for 5 years. What have you learned from this experience?

A: “The most important reason is that education really goes both ways. In medicine, we are constantly learning, or at least we should be, and one of the best ways to deepen our understanding is by teaching others. There is a long tradition in medicine of passing on what we know, whether to residents, fellows, or even peers. You do not truly know how well you understand something until you explain it to someone else. So, I initially joined to offer my perspective on some of the cases, but over time, it became clear that having a regular, reliable group of physicians involved was essential. That is how I ended up continuing, and now it has been almost five years.”

Q: What personnel gaps are most critical to address in emerging cancer programs like the ones we have in Nepal?

A: “General surgical oncologists who can manage breast and colorectal cases would have the highest immediate impact. As volume grows, subspecialists can follow. The key is matching service availability to the most prevalent cancers while ensuring radiation and medical oncology support.”

Q: What is your hope for conference attendees?

A: “I hope they gain a lot from a cancer knowledge standpoint. We have quite a few updates this year, many of which are practice-changing and have emerged just in the past 12 months. Oncology is a fast-moving field, and that’s part of what makes it exciting for those of us who practice it. It keeps things challenging and intellectually engaging.”

Q: Beyond clinical updates, what is another benefit of attending the conference?

A: “This is probably our third time holding the Alaska conference, and I think one of the most valuable aspects is the opportunity to build community. It is easy to become insular in our day-to-day work and not interact much with colleagues in our own region. So, bringing people together regularly, seeing familiar faces, exchanging ideas and information, helps us stay connected. That community-building element is just as important as the academic content.”

Register here to join us in Anchorage, Alaska, and be part of the conversation on revolutionizing patient care and expanding access to innovative therapies for underserved communities. To participate and follow conversations online, use the hashtag #BTFHemOnc25.

About Dr. Joseph Rosales

Dr. Joseph Rosales is a board-certified hematologist and oncologist with over 20 years of experience in cancer care. He completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Pennsylvania and earned his medical degree from UCLA. He went on to complete his fellowship in hematology and oncology at City of Hope Medical Center in California.

After several years in private practice in Spokane, Dr. Rosales relocated to Seattle, where he joined Virginia Mason Medical Center. Following the merger of Virginia Mason and CHI Franciscan to form Virginia Mason Franciscan Health (VMFH), he was appointed Executive Medical Director for Cancer Services. In this role, he leads oncology strategy and service line development across the VMFH system, which spans Washington State and includes two hospitals in Oregon.

Dr. Rosales is committed to advancing cancer care through system-level leadership, clinical excellence, and equitable access to innovative treatments.