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Byrne EM, Pascoe M, Cooper D, Armstrong TS, Gilbert MR. Challenges and limitations of clinical trials in the adolescent and young adult CNS cancer population: A systematic review. Neurooncol Adv 2024; 6:vdad159. [PMID: 38250563 PMCID: PMC10798804 DOI: 10.1093/noajnl/vdad159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer population, aged 15-39, carries significant morbidity and mortality. Despite growing recognition of unique challenges with this age group, there has been little documentation of unmet needs in their care, trial participation, and quality of life, particularly in those with primary brain tumors. Methods A systematic literature review of 4 databases was conducted following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) standards. Studies included editorials, reviews, and practice guidelines on the challenges and limitations faced by the AYA population. Papers had to address CNS tumors. Results Sixty-eight studies met the inclusion criteria. The challenges and limitations in clinical trials in the AYA population were synthesized into 11 categories: molecular heterogeneity, tumor biology, diagnostic delay, access to care, physician factors, patient factors, primary brain tumor (PBT) factors, accrual, limited trials, long term follow up, and trial design. The published papers' recommendations were categorized based on the target of the recommendation: providers, coordination of care, organizations, accrual, and trial design. The AYA cancer population was found to suffer from unique challenges and barriers to care and the construction of trials. Conclusions The AYA CNS cancer population suffers from unique challenges and barriers to care and construction of trials that make it critical to acknowledge AYAs as a distinct patient population. In addition, AYAs with primary brain tumors are underrecognized and underreported in current literature. More studies in the AYA primary brain tumor patient population are needed to improve their care and participation in trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma M Byrne
- Neuro-Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institute of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Maeve Pascoe
- Neuro-Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institute of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Diane Cooper
- National Institute of Health Library, National Institute of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Terri S Armstrong
- Neuro-Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institute of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Mark R Gilbert
- Neuro-Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institute of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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Lim-Fat MJ, Macdonald M, Lapointe S, Climans SA, Cacciotti C, Chahal M, Perreault S, Tsang DS, Gao A, Yip S, Keith J, Bennett J, Ramaswamy V, Detsky J, Tabori U, Das S, Hawkins C. Molecular testing for adolescent and young adult central nervous system tumors: A Canadian guideline. Front Oncol 2022; 12:960509. [PMID: 36249063 PMCID: PMC9559579 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.960509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The 2021 World Health Organization (WHO) classification of CNS tumors incorporates molecular signatures with histology and has highlighted differences across pediatric vs adult-type CNS tumors. However, adolescent and young adults (AYA; aged 15–39), can suffer from tumors across this spectrum and is a recognized orphan population that requires multidisciplinary, specialized care, and often through a transition phase. To advocate for a uniform testing strategy in AYAs, pediatric and adult specialists from neuro-oncology, radiation oncology, neuropathology, and neurosurgery helped develop this review and testing framework through the Canadian AYA Neuro-Oncology Consortium. We propose a comprehensive approach to molecular testing in this unique population, based on the recent tumor classification and within the clinical framework of the provincial health care systems in Canada.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Jane Lim-Fat
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- *Correspondence: Mary Jane Lim-Fat,
| | - Maria Macdonald
- Department of Oncology, London Health Sciences Centre, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Sarah Lapointe
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Centre Hospitalier de l'Universite de Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Seth Andrew Climans
- Department of Oncology, London Health Sciences Centre, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Chantel Cacciotti
- Department of Paediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, London Health Sciences Centre, London, ON, Canada
| | - Manik Chahal
- Department of Medical Oncology, BC Cancer Vancouver Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Sebastien Perreault
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Child Neurology, CHU Sainte-Justine, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Derek S. Tsang
- Radiation Medicine Program, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Andrew Gao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Stephen Yip
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, BC, Canada
| | - Julia Keith
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Center, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Julie Bennett
- Division of Haematology/Oncology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto ON, Canada
| | - Vijay Ramaswamy
- Division of Haematology/Oncology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto ON, Canada
| | - Jay Detsky
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Center, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Uri Tabori
- Division of Haematology/Oncology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto ON, Canada
| | - Sunit Das
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Cynthia Hawkins
- Department of Paediatric Laboratory Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto ON, Canada
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Lazow MA, Salloum R, Pressey JG. Comorbidity Burden in a Cohort of Adolescent and Young Adult Patients Diagnosed with Central Nervous System Tumors and Sarcomas. J Adolesc Young Adult Oncol 2022; 12:215-223. [PMID: 35675692 DOI: 10.1089/jayao.2022.0006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Adolescent and young adult (AYA) oncology patients experience unique biological, behavioral, and socioeconomic challenges, for which provision of care must be tailored. AYAs with central nervous system (CNS) tumors and sarcomas represent a vulnerable population with worse outcomes and potential for serious sequelae from intense multimodal therapy. Comorbidity burden impacts treatment tolerance, adherence, and efficacy, yet has been understudied among these high-risk AYA patients. Methods: Utilizing a validated AYA oncology comorbidity index, we (1) measured comorbid conditions present at diagnosis in AYA-aged patients with CNS tumors and sarcomas and (2) compared baseline comorbidity burden across ascending AYA age groups (15-19, 20-29, and 30-39 years) and with pediatric patients (10-14 years). Results: The cohort included 131 AYAs and 50 pediatric patients. Mean comorbidity score significantly differed between pediatric (0.8) and AYA (1.7) patients, and across ascending age subgroups (0.8 [10-14] < 1.2 [15-19] < 1.7 [20-29] < 2.5 [30-39]). AYAs were significantly more likely than pediatric patients to have ≥2 or ≥3 comorbidities (47% vs. 18%, 24% vs. 6%), with increasing prevalence across ascending age subgroups. Frequency of overweight/obese status, smoking/substance use, obstetric/gynecologic conditions, and cardiovascular comorbidities increased with age. In multivariate analyses adjusting for sex, tumor type, and race, age remained a significant predictor of comorbidity score. Conclusions: AYAs with CNS tumors or sarcomas have a high burden of baseline comorbidities, which increase with age at diagnosis, conferring susceptibility to treatment-related toxicity and mortality. Improving the prognosis for AYAs requires appropriate identification of pre-existing comorbidities and tailoring therapeutic and supportive care accordingly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margot A Lazow
- Division of Oncology, Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA.,Pediatric Neuro-Oncology Program, Division of Hematology, Oncology, and BMT, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA.,The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Ralph Salloum
- Pediatric Neuro-Oncology Program, Division of Hematology, Oncology, and BMT, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA.,The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Joseph G Pressey
- Division of Oncology, Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
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Adolescent and young adult brain tumors: current topics and review. Int J Clin Oncol 2022; 27:457-464. [PMID: 35064353 PMCID: PMC8782686 DOI: 10.1007/s10147-021-02084-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
The management of brain tumors developed in adolescents and young adults (AYAs) is challenging because of their histological heterogeneity and low incidence. The brain tumor and its treatment interventions can negatively affect neurological, neurocognitive, and endocrinological function, and dramatically affect the circumstances of AYA patients progressing to further education, employment, and marriage. Specific support is thus necessary to maintain the quality of life (QOL) of AYA brain tumor patients. AYA patients and survivors require active intervention and support for returning to school or work, progressing to further education, finding employment, and preserving fertility. Recent cancer genome profiling revealed that AYA gliomas include pediatric- and adult-type genetic alteration. Insights into the biology underlying the distribution of tumors in AYAs may influence the development of prospective trials. A more individualized view of brain tumors may influence stratification of patients' in future clinical studies as well as selection for molecular targeted therapy. Here I review strategies for achieving a better outcome to decrease late effects and improve QOL.
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Malhotra AK, Karthikeyan V, Zabih V, Landry A, Bennett J, Bartels U, Nathan PC, Tabori U, Hawkins C, Das S, Gupta S. Adolescent and young adult glioma: systematic review of demographic, disease, and treatment influences on survival. Neurooncol Adv 2022; 4:vdac168. [PMID: 36479061 PMCID: PMC9721387 DOI: 10.1093/noajnl/vdac168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prognostic factors in adolescent and young adult (AYA) glioma are not well understood. Though clinical and molecular differences between pediatric and adult glioma have been characterized, their application to AYA populations is less clear. There is a major need to develop more robust evidence-based practices for managing AYA glioma patients. METHODS A systematic review using PRISMA methodology was conducted using multiple databases with the objective of identifying demographic, clinical, molecular and treatment factors influencing AYA glioma outcomes. RESULTS 40 Studies met inclusion criteria. Overall survival was highly variable across studies depending on glioma grade, anatomic compartment and cohort characteristics. Thirty-five studies suffered from high risk of bias in at least one domain. Several studies included older adults within their cohorts; few captured purely AYA groups. Despite study heterogeneity, identified favorable prognosticators included younger age, higher functional status at diagnosis, low-grade pathology, oligodendroglioma histology and increased extent of surgical resection. Though isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) mutant status was associated with favorable prognosis, validity of this finding within AYA was compromised though may studies including older adults. The prognostic influence of chemotherapy and radiotherapy on overall survival varied across studies with conflicting evidence. CONCLUSION Existing literature is heterogenous, at high risk of bias, and rarely focused solely on AYA patients. Many included studies did not reflect updated pathological and molecular AYA glioma classification. The optimal role of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and targeted agents cannot be determined from existing literature and should be the focus of future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Armaan K Malhotra
- Division of Neurosurgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Veda Zabih
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Alexander Landry
- Division of Neurosurgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Julie Bennett
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ute Bartels
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Paul C Nathan
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Uri Tabori
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Cynthia Hawkins
- Division of Paediatric Laboratory Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sunit Das
- Division of Neurosurgery, St. Michael’s Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, OntarioCanada
| | - Sumit Gupta
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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