Prioritizing Patient Values: A New Approach to Survivorship Care in Geriatric Oncology

As cancer care continues to evolve, the medical community is increasingly recognizing that survivorship is not merely about managing treatment toxicity or monitoring for disease recurrence. For older adults, the focus is shifting toward a more holistic model that emphasizes autonomy, personal values and life goals.

A recent international study presented at the ASCO 2026 meeting sheds light on this critical transition, highlighting the gap between what clinicians value and what is actually being implemented in routine clinical practice.

The Shift Toward Patient-Centered Priorities

Led by researchers including Filipe Coutinho, a medical oncologist at Unidade Local de Saúde Médio Ave, and Dana Giza, the study surveyed 178 healthcare professionals across 31 countries. The findings reveal a clear consensus: 96.2% of surveyed clinicians believe that integrating patient priorities into survivorship care is either very or extremely important.

Despite this widespread agreement, the practical application of this philosophy remains inconsistent. The study found that only 48.1% of respondents reported that they often or always discuss patient priorities during survivorship visits, and only 46% utilize formal tools to assess these goals.

Barriers and Facilitators in Modern Care

Understanding why this gap exists is essential for improving patient outcomes. According to the research, time constraints serve as the most frequently reported barrier to discussing what truly matters to patients. Conversely, interdisciplinary teamwork emerged as the primary facilitator, suggesting that a collaborative approach—involving various specialists and support staff—is vital to managing the complex needs of older cancer patients.

“What if survivorship care started with one simple question: ‘What matters most to you now?’” noted Dr. Coutinho. This approach moves the conversation beyond clinical surveillance to address the broader spectrum of well-being, including the protection of patient function and independence.

Key Takeaways

• Prioritization: The vast majority of oncology professionals recognize that patient values are a cornerstone of effective survivorship care.
• Implementation Gap: Less than half of clinicians currently use formal assessment tools to define and track patient-centered goals.
• Teamwork is Essential: Interdisciplinary care models are the most effective way to overcome barriers and address the multifaceted needs of older adults.

The Future of Geriatric Oncology

The message from the international geriatric oncology community is clear: survivorship must be recognized as an ongoing, dynamic phase of care. By shifting the focus from purely clinical metrics to the preservation of autonomy and life goals, healthcare providers can offer more meaningful support to older cancer patients.

As the field moves forward, the integration of formal assessment tools and the expansion of interdisciplinary teams will likely become the standard for high-quality survivorship care. For patients and families, this represents a welcome evolution toward medicine that treats the person, not just the disease.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary goal of survivorship care in geriatric oncology?

Beyond monitoring for cancer recurrence and managing side effects, the goal is to protect a patient’s function, autonomy, values, and overall life goals.

Why is interdisciplinary teamwork important?

Older adults often face complex health challenges that require expertise from various fields. Interdisciplinary teams allow for a coordinated, comprehensive approach that addresses both medical and personal needs, helping to overcome common barriers like time constraints.

Are there tools available to help discuss patient priorities?

Yes, there are formal tools designed to assess patient values, though the recent study indicates that their use is not yet universal in clinical practice. Integrating these tools is a major focus for future improvements in survivorship care.