Juvenile cancer: Improving care for adolescents and young adults within the frame of medical oncology

Abstract

Despite unique tumour epidemiology, a higher cancer incidence and modest survival improvement compared to paediatric patients, adolescents and young adults aged 15-30 have not been considered as a separate, 'special' group of patients in the frame of medical oncology. In an effort to emphasise this need, we review the particular characteristics of diagnosed tumours, a aetiologic associations, nosologic classification, management, outcome and late toxic effects. Adolescents and young adults are in need of specialised care for intensive treatment of curable malignancies, skilled nursing care, interaction with peers, family and physicians as well as continuous psychosocial support. Enrolment in clinical research trials and close follow-up via the development of a cooperative infrastructure are imperative for the optimisation of management and avoidance of late effects. Similar to geriatric and paediatric oncology, we call for the intensification of treatment, support and research multidisciplinary efforts in order to better fulfil the pressing demands of this patient group. © 2005 European Society for Medical Oncology.