Listening to patients:
Insights from the CIO Patient Conference 2025

On 6 September 2025, three infill team members attended the annual CIO Patient Conference in Bonn. Organised by the Centre for Integrated Oncology (CIO), part of a leading national cancer network, the event brought together patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals under the motto “Together against cancer. Together for life.”

The programme was centred around six “Expert Sofas” discussions addressing some of the most pressing questions faced by patients today. From the shock of diagnosis to questions of personalised therapy, nutrition, supportive care, and the role of AI in oncology, the conversations highlighted not only the complexity of current cancer care but also the emotional realities patients face. As one patient expressed it, “The diagnosis is a huge shock – it hits you out of the blue, like an earthquake shaking your whole life.”  These voices made the challenges deeply tangible.

Beyond the discussions, attendees explored art therapy sessions, mindfulness and exercise activities. For us, it was inspiring to see how something as simple as painting or gentle movement could provide patients with a sense of relief and empowerment during such difficult times. Other offerings, such as nutritional guidance, VR demos, and tumour models, as well as the presence of self-help groups and patient-centred organisations, rounded off a truly holistic programme.

Attending the CIO Patient Conference provided us with some valuable insights

For us at infill, attending the CIO Patient Conference is not only inspiring but also highly relevant to our work with pharmaceutical and healthcare companies as well as patient advocacy groups. Listening directly to patients helps us better understand where support is most needed, whether in navigating complex treatment choices, coping with side effects or accessing innovative therapies. These insights are invaluable for shaping communication strategies, patient engagement initiatives, and support programs that truly address real-world needs.

At the same time, the day reminded us why we do what we do: supporting patients in challenging times is close to our hearts. For us, it’s about doing something meaningful: creating solutions that not only inform but also make a tangible difference in people’s lives.

The CIO Patient Conference is much more than an exchange of medical knowledge. It is a chance to connect science with real-life experiences. Engaging with patients directly allows us to create solutions that matter, because behind every diagnosis, there’s a person and their story.

If you would like to explore how we can support you in creating meaningful patient engagement strategies, please contact us at info@infill.com.