Dr Jonasch on the Importance of Spotlighting Patient Advocacy in GU Malignancies

Eric Jonasch, MD, professor, Department of Genitourinary (GU) Medical Oncology, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, discusses the goals of a meeting sponsored by the International Kidney Cancer Coalition that will focus on patient advocacy in GU malignancies.

A meeting sponsored by the International Kidney Cancer Coalition following the 2024 Genitourinary Cancers Symposium will center around the important theme of amplifying the patient voice across all facets of patient care, Jonasch begins. Oncologists recognize the important role of patients in treatment decision-making processes and acknowledge the importance of shared decision making, he states. However, significant enhancement in this area is still necessary, not only in clinical practices but also in the formulation of research trials and the development of treatment guidelines, Jonasch explains. This gap in addressing the patient voice throughout the management of GU malignancies, specifically renal cell carcinoma, necessitates exploration, he elucidates.

The meeting's format will include an insightful keynote lecture emphasizing the imperative to enhance the patient voice in treatment approaches, supported by compelling that have demonstrated that patient engagement in treatment strategies and shared decision makingare associated with improved overall survival, Jonasch emphasizes.

Subsequent sessions will delve into ways oncologists can help patients advocate for themselves in routine clinical practice and the enhancement of patient health literacy, he continues. The agenda also encompasses discussions which will focus on integrating the patient voice into clinical research and trial design. Notably, oncologists will shed light on the meaningful implementation of quality-of-life tools and patient-reported outcomes, Jonasch says. The meeting will conclude with a roundtable discussion, which will be led by esteemed leaders in patient advocacy, he states. Overall, this comprehensive event aims to unravel valuable insights and explore practical applications for enhancing patient-centric approaches in the treatment of patients with GU malignancies, Jonasch concludes.