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Telehealth's Role in Enhancing Cancer Care for Older Adults

In a groundbreaking study featured in the June 2025 issue of the JNCCN—Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, researchers unveiled the life-changing potential of telehealth for older individuals battling cancer. Conducted in Brazil, the study reveals that older patients participating in a telehealth program experienced remarkable improvements in various aspects of their health and wellbeing. This innovative approach, known as the Geriatric Assessment-Guided Intervention-Supportive Care (GAIN-S) program, is a testament to how technology can bridge gaps in healthcare accessibility, especially in areas where resources are scant.

Research Findings

The randomized clinical trial included 77 participants aged 65 and older, all receiving treatment for metastatic solid tumors between June 2022 and July 2023. Notably, while healthcare providers were predominantly situated in urban centers, the majority of patients resided in remote or underserved regions of Brazil. The findings were encouraging: after just three months in the GAIN-S program, patients reported enhanced daily functioning, improved mood, superior understanding of their illness, and an overall higher quality of life. The results challenge the traditional notions of healthcare delivery, particularly for older populations.

William Dale, MD, PhD, serving as a senior author from the City of Hope, a prominent U.S. cancer research institution, emphasized the significance of this program by stating, "Instead of requiring older patients to travel long distances for tailored and specialized care, we brought the expertise to them—ensuring equity in access regardless of geography." This marks a hopeful turning point in cancer care, allowing healthcare professionals to extend their reach effectively and empathetically to those who need it most.

Implementation of the GAIN-S Program

Central to the GAIN-S initiative are several supportive care services, including tailored fitness training, nutritional advice, psychiatric assistance, and psychosocial support—all delivered via telehealth channels. The study made effective use of WhatsApp for scheduling appointments and securing informed consent, ensuring not only ease of access but also safeguarding patient privacy through encrypted messaging.

Dr. Cristiane Decat Bergerot, the lead author of the study from OncoclinicasCo in São Paulo, remarked, "This is especially critical in countries like Brazil, which face significant geographic and resource disparities. By providing supportive care at the outset of cancer treatments, we can dramatically enhance the experiences and outcomes for our patients."

Expert Insights

Dr. Martine Extermann, MD, PhD, associated with the Moffitt Cancer Center and not directly involved in this study, noted that the randomized clinical trials have already established Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment and Management (CGAM) as paramount in optimizing cancer care for elderly patients. Historically thought of as a niche service available primarily in major academic centers, the success of GAIN-S points towards a broader implementation possibility across low and middle-income settings, enhancing healthcare equity.

As telehealth practices become more integrated into routine medical care, this study provides critical evidence of its success in addressing healthcare disparities. The approach draws attention to the importance of adaptability in methodologies and the urgent need to put these findings into practice, expanding access to quality care for all.

For those interested in further exploring these findings, the study titled "Telehealth Geriatric Assessment and Supportive Care Intervention (GAIN-S) Program: A Randomized Clinical Trial" along with Dr. Extermann's insightful commentary, can be accessed on the JNCCN website.

Conclusion

The promise of telehealth, especially in the domain of cancer care, is not just a technological advancement but a vital tool for improving patient lives. The successful integration of the GAIN-S program showcases a new standard of care that can transcend geographic barriers and foster a deeper understanding of the needs of aging patients facing cancer. As we navigate the future of healthcare, the lessons learned from this study may pave the way for more inclusive and accessible care models for vulnerable populations worldwide.