Advancing Patient-Centered Cancer Care During NCCN 2026

At the 2026 Annual Conference of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, conversations across sessions and interviews reinforced a central theme: cancer care is becoming increasingly personalized, global and patient-centered. Reporting live on site, CURE captured key insights spanning access to care, survivorship, and evolving treatment strategies.

Global equity in oncology remained a major focus, as highlighted in coverage exploring what patients should know about delivering cancer care worldwide. Experts emphasized persistent disparities in access, infrastructure and education, alongside collaborative efforts to expand care delivery across regions. These discussions underscored that improving outcomes requires not only innovation, but also implementation at scale.

Another recurring theme centered on younger adults with cancer, whose needs continue to evolve across the care continuum. Coverage examining both the unique and changing challenges faced by this population highlighted gaps in psychosocial support, financial navigation and long-term survivorship planning. Clinicians stressed that this group often falls between pediatric and older adult systems, reinforcing the need for tailored, age-appropriate care models.

Emerging research also pointed to actionable strategies for improving outcomes. Findings suggesting that exercise and molecular testing may enhance colorectal cancer survival illustrated how lifestyle interventions and precision medicine can work together to inform treatment and survivorship.

In parallel, immunotherapy remained a focal point, particularly regarding toxicity management. Brittany Dulmage, an oncodermatologist at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, emphasized the importance of balancing efficacy with safety. She highlighted that broadly immunosuppressive treatments, such as systemic steroids, may compromise immunotherapy effectiveness. Instead, targeted approaches to managing side effects, particularly dermatologic toxicities, may allow patients to remain on therapy without reducing benefit.

Together, these insights reflect a rapidly evolving oncology landscape, where multidisciplinary collaboration, precision strategies and patient-focused care continue to shape the future of treatment and survivorship.

Editor's note: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, as your own experience will be unique. Use this article to guide discussions with your oncologist. Content was generated with AI, reviewed by a human editor, but not independently verified by a medical professional.

References

1. “Advances in Early-Stage Colorectal Cancer: Integrating Emerging Evidence into Practice,” by Dr. Jeffrey Meyerhardt. Presented at: The NCCN 2026 Annual Conference.
2. “Welcoming Remarks and Plenary Session: The New Face of Cancer: Supporting Younger Adults Across the Care Continuum,” by Dr. Christopher H. Lieu, et al. Presented at: The NCCN 2026 Annual Conference.
3. “Opening Remarks and Plenary Session: Delivering Cancer Care Worldwide: Current Realities and Future Strategies,” by Dr. Nadeem R. Abu-Rustum, et al. Presented at: The NCCN 2026 Annual Conference.

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