Translating Science for Patients—The Craft of a Passionate Advocate

Gissoo’s Craft is Translating Science for Patients

Working closely with cancer patients, I see how the science concerning their disease is sometimes outside of their reach. As a patient advocate, my mission is to dismantle those barriers by translating complex scientific data into language that patients can easily comprehend.

To help translate that science for patients, we work closely with patient advocacy groups (PAGs) on a number of initiatives, including providing data from our pivotal studies in lay language. Traditionally, data appears in medical journals which are meant for physicians. We are giving patients and their caregivers access to the same data published in industry renowned publications in a format designed for non-scientists.

Having English as my second language, I empathize with the frustration that arises when information isn't accessible. My personal experience fuels my dedication to making sure patients understand their disease so they can be empowered to take an active role in their healthcare.

Interpreting Patient Needs for Scientists

Patient advocacy goes beyond translating science for patients; it also involves collecting and relaying patient insights back to our organization. By listening to patients, we can identify their unmet needs and turn these insights into actions to improve their quality of care and, consequently, their quality of life.

One thing I do is help bring the patient perspective into clinical development. They are the ones who are actually going through their disease and their lived experiences can make a difference. Being cognizant of their reality and bringing their voices into the conversation early allows us to fill gaps in care and enhance overall treatment outcomes. We are incorporating insights from phase one of clinical development programs so we could design better protocols and help patients find our clinical trials.

Advocates Across the Organization

Patient advocacy is woven into the fabric of Daiichi Sankyo. Regardless of our roles within the organization, we are all focused on meeting the needs of patients.

My team has the privilege of speaking directly to patients, so that we may understand their circumstances and find ways to improve them. But we don’t stop there. Through our "In Their Shoes" initiative, our employees are connected with real patients, fostering a deeper commitment across all departments. Whether you're in finance, compliance, IT, or any other role, you can meet patients, ask them questions, and strengthen your empathy by better understanding what they are going through.

In essence, my craft involves not only translating science, but also fostering a culture of empathy and compassion within the organization. By bridging the gap between patients and scientists, we strive to create a healthcare environment where patients feel informed, heard, and supported.

Watch “Where Craft Meets Patients”

Take a deeper dive into the craft of translating science for patients.  Go to Daiichi Sankyo’s YouTube Channel to watch Where Craft Meets—Patients, featuring Gissoo DeCotiis, Global Head of Advocacy & Strategic Relations, in conversation with her colleague Dalila Sellami, Global Team Leader, Oncology Research & Development. Gissoo shares how caring for her brother, who passed away from kidney cancer, led to a career in patient advocacy.