The adolescent and young adult cancer program
Reports from the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results of the National Cancer Institute have shown that the development of cancer was 8 times more likely between the ages of 15 and 39 than under the age of 15. The 15-39 year age group represented about 6% of all new cancer diagnoses in that year. However, the majority of research has focused on clinical trials for pediatric patients with an age limit for participation of 18.
Researchers have also reported that even when eligible for pediatric clinical trials, adolescent and young adult patients are often treated by adult oncologists with significantly worse outcomes and an event-free survival of 38% versus 64% when treated on pediatric protocols at pediatric institutions. Furthermore these results continue to lag behind that of their younger counterparts, who have a greater than 75% event-free survival on the same protocols. In addition, the distribution and types of cancer in this population group is unique. Consequently, we are convinced that adolescents and young adults need better organized, research-driven care.
The hospital's Division of Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation has a strong record of clinical and academic excellence. Children's Memorial is one of the busiest pediatric oncology programs in the country. Since opening in 1992, our program has become one of the largest in the nation. More here. »
We are convinced that adolescents and young adults need better organized, research-driven cancer care.
Likewise, our pediatric neuro-oncology program serves the vast majority of pediatric brain tumor patients in Illinois and the Midwest and receives referrals from across the nation and around the world. More here. » We see a significant percentage of the adolescent patients in Illinois, more than any other program in the state. As such, we are initiating an adolescent oncology program.
There are several key components to a successful program for adolescents and young adults:
- Peer interaction
- Psychosocial support aimed at adolescent and young adult developmental tasks
- Fertility preservation
- Access to the newest Children's Oncology Group protocols
- Collaboration with adult institutions
- Close monitoring of patients to encourage treatment adherence and clinical trial participation
The adolescent oncology Program at Children's Memorial will include an inpatient program, outpatient services, a community outreach program, and a link to STAR, an already established long-term survivors program. The process of unfolding this program has already begun:
- Grouping adolescent patients into designated clinic times
- Converting clinic playroom to teen room during this time
- Engaging adolescents in monthly support groups held during clinic
- Engaging parents in monthly support groups held during clinic
- Collaborating with adolescent medicine physicians
- Collaborating with medical oncologists at Northwestern Memorial Hospital
- Grouping adolescents on the inpatient unit in designated rooms together, when possible
Furthermore, the program has become an official member of the Lance Armstrong Young Adult Alliance with involvement in its Development Committee. It is also a part of the Comprehensive Cancer Center Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Coalition, which works in conjunction with the National Cancer Institute of the National Institutes for Health.