SIOG 2026 Annual Conference in Valencia addresses geriatric oncology gaps
Oncodaily reported that the International Society of Geriatric Oncology brought leading specialists to Valencia for its annual conference running November 5 through November 7, 2026, at Meliá Valencia. Under the theme “A Global Call to Action: From Vision to Impact in Geriatric Oncology,” the meeting addresses persistent gaps in individualized cancer care for older patients across five core areas.
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Key Clinical Takeaways:
- Geriatric oncologist Armin Shahrokni highlighted that frailty assessment should start with available clinical instruments and a clinician’s existing knowledge, while noting that postoperative functional recovery often diverges sharply from standard clinical outcomes.
- Researchers from Leiden University Medical Center presented four posters at the conference, highlighting ongoing collaborative work in geriatric oncology research groups.
- The EU-funded GERONTE project showcased an integrated care model combining geriatric screening, multidisciplinary treatment planning, and remote symptom monitoring through a digital platform.
Armin Shahrokni Urges Clinicians to Evaluate Patient Frailty
Opening the scientific discussions in Valencia, geriatric oncologist Armin Shahrokni shared a practical message from Dr. Gomez-Moreno, urging clinicians to begin frailty evaluations using their existing knowledge and readily available instruments. Shahrokni also reflected on the case of a patient in his eighties treated for colon cancer. Although the patient experienced an uncomplicated surgical procedure and timely discharge, he expressed disappointment with his functional recovery. Before his operation, the patient played singles tennis four to five times a week, but four weeks postoperative, he was restricted to playing doubles three days a week.
Shahrokni used the case to emphasize that standard clinical success and patient-defined recovery are frequently misaligned. He stressed that clinicians must understand individual patient goals rather than relying exclusively on conventional metrics. Complementing this focus on individual needs, consultant nurse Lucy Lewis emphasized that clinical evaluations must drive personalized care pathways rather than serving as routine assessments.
Research Presentations and Institutional Contributions from Leiden
Frederiek van den Bos, Professor of Medicine and Internist-Geriatrician at Leiden University Medical Center, celebrated the contributions of the Leiden Geriatric Oncology Research Group during the conference. Luuk Ciere, Claudia Lucassen, Julia Wolbink, and Leander van Baalen presented four separate posters at the Valencia meeting. Their work forms part of the broader research output associated with Gerrit-Jan Liefers and Johanneke Portielje.
Research methodology also took center stage during a dedicated workshop. Sophie Pilleron and Pauline Duquenne delivered a session on behalf of the SIOG Methods Working Group, outlining best practices for designing observational studies in geriatric oncology, as highlighted by the Ageing, Cancer, and Disparities Research Unit (ACADI).
Christopher Steer Highlights Global Collaborative Efforts for Services
Christopher Steer, Medical Oncologist at Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre and Associate Professor at UNSW, reflected on the opening sessions by noting the collaborative efforts needed to improve services globally. Steer acknowledged existing progress in Australia through organizations like Cancer Australia and the Clinical Oncology Society of Australia while pointing out the distance remaining in service delivery.
Zacharoula Sidiropoulou, Senior Breast Surgical Oncologist, drew connections between discussions at the World Health Summit, ESMO 2026, London Global Cancer Week, and SIOG 2026. Traveling to Valencia, she raised questions regarding healthcare equity and system delivery. Drawing on two decades of experience treating breast cancer, Sidiropoulou emphasized that policy impact must be measured at the individual patient level and expressed support for Dr. Gevorg Tamamyan’s candidacy for World Health Organization Director-General.
In a joint session organized by the American Society of Clinical Oncology and SIOG, Cris Bergerot, Research Consultant at City of Hope, highlighted presentations by Houda Belfekih, Theodora Karnakis, and Enrique Soto Perez de Celis. Bergerot noted that advancing care requires both strong clinical evidence and practical, adaptable solutions.
Una Kearns and Pierre Soubeyran Introduce the GERONTE Model
At the opening reception, Una Kearns, CEO and Founder of myPatientSpace, joined Prof. Pierre Soubeyran to introduce the GERONTE model. Funded through the European Union’s Horizon 2020 program as a six-year initiative involving ten partners across seven countries, GERONTE integrates cancer treatment with the management of concurrent health conditions. The approach combines geriatric screening, multidisciplinary planning, remote symptom tracking, and personalized support coordinated by an advanced practice nurse using a shared digital platform.
As the conference proceeds toward its conclusion on November 7, 2026, the discussions in Valencia continue to center on adapting oncology practice to meet the complex needs of an aging global population through multidisciplinary collaboration and international knowledge exchange.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational and scientific communication purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition, diagnosis, or treatment plan.