Selecting the best cancer registry software is a critical decision for hospitals, oncology programs, and health systems. Registry teams must manage growing data volumes, complex compliance requirements, and increasing reporting demands — all while maintaining accuracy and timeliness.
This guide explains what defines best-in-class cancer registry software, how modern platforms differ from legacy systems, and what oncology programs should evaluate when selecting a solution.
What Is Cancer Registry Software?
Cancer registry software supports the identification, abstraction, management, and reporting of oncology data. Registry platforms help organizations meet reporting requirements for bodies such as NAACCR and the Commission on Cancer (CoC), while also enabling data quality, consistency, and accessibility.
Historically, many registries relied on manual processes and siloed systems. Today, modern cancer registry software increasingly incorporates interoperability standards and automation to support evolving clinical and regulatory needs.
What Makes the Best Cancer Registry Software?
While needs vary by organization, leading oncology programs typically evaluate cancer registry software based on the following core capabilities:
Interoperability with Clinical Systems
The best cancer registry software integrates directly with electronic medical records (EMRs). Platforms built on modern interoperability standards such as FHIR enable structured, near real-time access to oncology data across systems.
Automation and AI Assistance
Automation can support registry workflows by assisting with casefinding and abstraction tasks. AI-enabled platforms are designed to help reduce manual effort while maintaining registrar oversight and data integrity.
Support for Registry Standards
Cancer registry software should support reporting and data structures aligned with NAACCR and CoC requirements, helping teams meet compliance obligations more efficiently.
Security and Privacy
Because registry platforms manage protected health information, security controls such as encryption, access controls, auditability, and alignment with HIPAA and SOC 2 expectations are essential.
Scalability and Flexibility
As organizations grow or consolidate, registry software should support multi-facility workflows and evolving data needs without requiring major system overhauls.
Legacy Cancer Registry Systems vs Modern Platforms
Many legacy cancer registry systems were designed before widespread interoperability and automation were possible. As a result, they often depend on manual abstraction and delayed data access.
Modern cancer registry platforms are increasingly built to:
- Integrate directly with EMRs using standardized APIs
- Support AI-assisted workflows
- Reduce reliance on duplicate data entry
- Improve visibility into oncology data across care settings
For registry teams managing increasing volumes and complexity, these differences can significantly impact efficiency and sustainability.
How NeuralFrame Approaches Cancer Registry Software
NeuralFrame develops a FHIR-native, AI-powered oncology data platform designed to support cancer registry workflows.
KACI™, NeuralFrame’s cancer registry solution, is built to:
- Integrate with EMRs using FHIR standards
- Support AI-assisted casefinding and abstraction
- Align with oncology registry reporting needs
- Emphasize security, auditability, and data governance
NeuralFrame’s approach focuses on helping registry teams work more efficiently while maintaining accuracy, compliance, and clinical oversight.
Who Should Evaluate Modern Cancer Registry Software?
Modern cancer registry software may be a strong fit for organizations that:
- Manage high oncology case volumes
- Support multiple facilities or health systems
- Experience abstraction backlogs or manual workflow strain
- Need improved interoperability with EMRs
- Are planning long-term modernization of oncology data infrastructure
Questions to Ask When Choosing the Best Cancer Registry Software
Before selecting a platform, oncology programs should ask:
- How does the software integrate with our EMR systems?
- What level of automation or AI assistance is supported?
- How are NAACCR and CoC reporting requirements handled?
- What security and compliance controls are in place?
- How does the platform scale as our organization grows?
Clear answers to these questions help ensure the selected solution aligns with both current and future registry needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best cancer registry software?
The best cancer registry software is the solution that aligns with an organization’s workflow, compliance needs, data volume, and interoperability requirements. Many programs now evaluate FHIR-native and AI-assisted platforms alongside traditional systems.
Is AI used in cancer registry software?
Some modern cancer registry platforms use AI to assist with casefinding and abstraction while keeping registrars in control of final data review.
Why is FHIR important for cancer registries?
FHIR enables standardized, secure data exchange between systems, making it easier for registry platforms to access structured oncology data from EMRs.
Learn More About NeuralFrame
If you’re evaluating options for modernizing your cancer registry workflows, NeuralFrame provides resources to help oncology teams understand how FHIR-native, AI-assisted platforms can support registry operations.