Building on our outstanding legacy in oncology, Johnson & Johnson (J&J) is committed to advancing personalised medicine for cancer patients and in other disease areas. We invest in research into targeted therapies and partner with experts to unlock the potential around us, in pursuit of better outcomes for patients and their families

This article is written and funded by J&J 
Authored by Dr John Fleming, country medical director UK, Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine

Despite advances in innovative tools and technologies in medicine, there is still untapped potential to further optimise treatments for patients. Even in cancer, where a host of new therapeutic options exist, it can be challenging to identify and treat patients according to the latest scientific and clinical standards (Davis et al 2018). As a result, patients may cycle through multiple treatments before finding the one that works best (European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA) 2025), a process that can be physically and emotionally taxing on the patient, and costly for the health service (Personalized Medicine Coalition 2020).

The shift towards personalised medicine has marked a significant advancement in patient care. In contrast to the traditional ‘one size fits all’ approach, by using in-depth information specific to a patient’s disease or condition to guide treatment pathways, personalised medicine provides healthcare professionals with a greater understanding of the variability between patients, even within the same disease type (EFPIA 2025). It allows healthcare professionals to identify the distinct patient populations most likely to benefit from a specific treatment – taking out the guesswork to ultimately improve outcomes for patients, leading to cost savings and value for healthcare systems and economies (EFPIA 2025).

Educating patients on biomarkers

At J&J, we believe biomarker testing is key to unleashing the full potential of personalised medicine. Unfortunately, research has found that many patients are unfamiliar with the terms ‘biomarkers’ and ‘mutations’, and may describe the time around diagnosis as a ‘blur’ (Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies 2022, LUNGevity 2022). Nurses play an instrumental role in educating patients about biomarkers that influence treatment options. They can help translate complex scientific information into understandable terms, empowering patients to make informed decisions about their care.

This education goes beyond mere information dissemination: it fosters a collaborative environment where patients feel comfortable discussing their concerns and preferences. By doing so, nurses not only enhance patient engagement, but may also improve adherence to care plans that are tailored to individual needs (Krist et al 2017).

Psychological support

Nurses understand all too well that alongside the physical challenges that can come with cancer, many patients can also experience emotional distress (Lyu et al 2024). Recognising that mental well-being is intricately linked to physical health outcomes, nurses play a key role in providing psychological support to patients (Niedzwiedz et al 2019). Employing active listening and providing reassurance enables them to help patients navigate the psychological challenges that often accompany a cancer diagnosis.

Nurses can also identify signs of anxiety or depression in patients and facilitate access to mental health resources. This holistic approach ensures people receive comprehensive care that addresses their physical and emotional needs, which may improve their treatment and recovery, as well as quality of life and survival (Niedzwiedz et al 2019).

Broad support along the pathway

By serving as coordinators of care within the multidisciplinary team, nurses are invaluable in ensuring that each patient and their family receives comprehensive support tailored to their unique journey. From diagnosis through treatment and beyond, nurses help to navigate complex healthcare systems, coordinate appointments and facilitate ongoing communication among various specialists.

Nurses are also often important touchpoints for patients experiencing side effects or complications from treatment. Their ability to assess and manage these issues promptly is crucial in maintaining treatment adherence and optimising outcomes. By advocating for their patients, nurses can help ensure that concerns are addressed in a timely manner, fostering trust and rapport.

An ever-evolving role

As the cancer treatment landscape evolves, so too does the role of cancer nurses, whose contributions are integral to the success of personalised cancer care.

As we look to the future, it is imperative that decision makers in the healthcare system recognise and empower cancer nurses as key players in the care continuum. By championing their invaluable work and ensuring that they receive the recognition and support they deserve in this critical field, we can enhance patient experiences and outcomes. Continued investment in nurse education, support, and resources will empower them to meet the complex demands of personalised care – ultimately transforming the landscape of cancer treatment for the better.

By John Fleming, country medical director UK, Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine

References

• Davis AA, McKee EA, Kibbe WA et al (2018) Complexity of delivering precision medicine: opportunities and challenges. American Society of Clinical Oncology Educational Book . 23, 38, 998-1007. doi: 10.1200/EDBK_200279 PMID: 30231318
• European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (2025) The Benefits of Personalised Medicine to Patients, Society and Healthcare Systems: Final Report.
• Personalized Medicine Coalition (2020) The Personalized Medicine Report. 
• Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies (2022) EGFR+ NSCLC Patient Support Research. Presentation J4268. August 2022.
• LUNGevity (2022) Understanding the Patient Experience with Biomarker Testing Results Reports in Lung Cancer: Findings from Patient and Provider Focus Groups. 
• Krist AH, Tong ST, Aycock RA et al (2017) Engaging patients in decision-making and behavior change to promote prevention. Studies in health technology and informatics. 240, 284-302. PMID: 28972524
• Lyu XC, Jiang HJ, Lee LH et al (2024) Oncology nurses’ experiences of providing emotional support for cancer patients: a qualitative study. BMC Nursing. 23, 1, 58. doi: 10.1186/s12912-024-01718-1 PMID: 38245735
• Niedzwiedz CL, Knifton L, Robb KA et al (2019) Depression and anxiety among people living with and beyond cancer: a growing clinical and research priority. BMC Cancer. 19, 1, 943. doi: 10.1186/s12885-019-6181-4 PMID: 31604468

CP-486164 | July 2025