In a groundbreaking study unveiled in the September/October 2025 edition of Practical Radiation Oncology, researchers at the Mount Sinai Health System have illuminated the profound intersection between spirituality and medical treatment in patients undergoing radiation therapy for gynecologic malignancies. This pioneering research addresses a previously underexplored facet of patient care—the integration of religious and spiritual conversations into oncologic treatment, revealing that such dialogues are not only welcomed by patients but are integral to their emotional and psychological coping mechanisms during invasive therapies.
The research team, comprising experts from Mount Sinai and NYU Langone Health, embarked upon an inquiry to meticulously assess patient priorities concerning spiritual discussions amid the stress-inducing backdrop of cancer treatment. Among the key investigators were Lauren Jacobs, MD, a promising resident in Radiation Oncology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Karyn Goodman, MD, MS, Vice Chair for Research and Quality in the Department of Radiation Oncology at Mount Sinai, and the senior author Stella Lymberis, MD, who leads Quality Initiatives and co-heads the GYN Disease Management Group at NYU Langone. Their collective efforts mark the first comprehensive attempt to delineate which elements of spiritual history elicited by clinicians resonate most meaningfully with patients.
Utilizing the validated FICA Spiritual History Tool, originally developed in the late 1990s for primary care settings by Christina Puchalski, MD, the study conducted in-depth interviews with eleven women diagnosed with various gynecological cancers who underwent external beam radiation therapy and/or brachytherapy. Importantly, the study cohort reflected a rich mosaic of faith traditions, encompassing Christianity, Buddhism, Judaism, Islam, and Hinduism. This religious diversity underscores the universal relevance of spirituality in the oncologic journey and challenges the healthcare system to adopt culturally competent and inclusive practices.
The findings revealed an overwhelming affirmation from patients regarding the importance of spirituality in their treatment experience, with 82 percent rating their faith as extremely vital to their well-being. Far from being peripheral, spiritual beliefs emerged as a cornerstone of resilience against the multifaceted stresses induced by both diagnosis and the often invasive nature of gynecologic radiation therapy. The particular invasive procedure of brachytherapy, which involves placing radioactive sources inside or near the tumor site, was noted for its capacity to evoke profound psychological distress, underscoring the necessity for holistic support systems encompassing spiritual care.
Intriguingly, the study identified six specific questions from the FICA tool that patients uniformly valued as catalysts for meaningful dialogue. Among these, two queries stood out for their efficacy in bridging clinician-patient conversations: “Do you have spiritual beliefs that help you cope with stress?” and “Have your beliefs influenced you in how you handle stress?” These questions not only open channels for emotional expression but also validate the patient’s internal framework for navigating illness, which traditional medical consultations may overlook.
The implications of such findings bear substantial weight in clinical practice. Prior research indicates that nearly one-third of cervical cancer patients develop acute stress symptoms following treatment, with post-traumatic stress manifesting in over 40 percent of cases in subsequent months. By integrating spiritual assessments into routine oncology care, clinicians can foster an empathic environment that mitigates psychological trauma and promotes a more nuanced, patient-centered model of treatment. This approach aligns with emerging mandates to transcend purely biomedical paradigms and embrace psychosocial dimensions of healing.
Dr. Jacobs emphasized that the introduction of spirituality-centered queries can enrich patient interactions without imposing significant extensions on consultation times, which are often constrained in busy clinical settings. The strategic incorporation of these targeted questions can catalyze productive discussions that empower patients, allowing them to articulate their needs and receive tailored emotional support alongside their physical care. The ability to couple such dialogue with effective radiation therapy represents a significant advance in comprehensive cancer treatment.
Dr. Goodman further highlighted that patients’ voices unequivocally convey the salience of spiritual health, equating its importance with their physical well-being. This acknowledgment invites a paradigm shift in oncology, urging clinicians to reimagine care delivery models that holistically address the biopsychosocial and spiritual dimensions of health. The study advocates for the normalization of these conversations across oncology disciplines, heralding a more compassionate and integrative standard of care.
Looking forward, the research cadre intends to expand the investigation to a larger cohort, broadening its scope to include patients at earlier stages of their cancer trajectory—from diagnosis through pre-treatment phases—and eventually to other cancer types. This longitudinal and cross-sectional expansion will generate a robust evidence base to establish best practices in spiritual care integration. Crucial to this mission is the development of standardized protocols and comprehensive training modules designed to equip clinicians and trainees with the skills necessary to engage patients in spiritual dialogues confidently and respectfully.
The study’s innovative approach aligns with the growing recognition of spiritual care as a key component of patient-centered oncology. It contributes seminal data to a field that, until now, has largely relegated such considerations to the periphery. By operationalizing the FICA Spiritual History Tool in a radiation oncology context, the researchers have laid a foundation for systematic incorporation of spirituality into oncologic care workflows, with promising potential to improve clinical outcomes and quality of life for patients facing gynecologic cancers.
This research not only enriches the dialogue on spiritual health in oncology but also exemplifies the dynamic, multidisciplinary collaborations possible within large academic medical centers. Through this lens, Mount Sinai and NYU Langone Health have set a precedent for leveraging clinical insights, patient narratives, and validated tools to transform cancer care holistically—addressing mind, body, and spirit in unison.
As cancer treatment modalities continue to evolve and patient populations diversify, embracing spirituality as a therapeutic ally offers a pragmatic and compassionate avenue to support emotional resilience. This study calls for a reevaluation of oncologic care frameworks, urging healthcare providers, policymakers, and educators to champion spiritual inclusivity as an integral element of comprehensive cancer therapy.
Subject of Research: People
Article Title: Understanding Patient Priorities for Religious and Spiritual Needs During Radiation Therapy for Gynecological Malignancies
News Publication Date: 30-Sep-2025
Web References: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.prro.2025.03.012
References: Puchalski, Christina M., et al. “The FICA Spiritual History Tool.” Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, 1999.
Image Credits: Not provided
Keywords: Radiation therapy, Spirituality
