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Siegel DA, Durbin EB, Pollock BH, Grimes A, Ji L, Alonzo TA, Vargas SL, Huang B, McDowell JR, Lycan E, Ransdell P, Tai E, Roth ME, Freyer DR. Population-Based Data Linkage Describing Patterns of Cancer Clinical Trial Enrollment Among Children and Adolescents. JCO Oncol Pract 2024; 20:631-642. [PMID: 38194612 PMCID: PMC11090697 DOI: 10.1200/op.23.00325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Database linkage between cancer registries and clinical trial consortia has the potential to elucidate referral patterns of children and adolescents with newly diagnosed cancer, including enrollment into cancer clinical trials. This study's primary objective was to assess the feasibility of this linkage approach. METHODS Patients younger than 20 years diagnosed with incident cancer during 2012-2017 in the Kentucky Cancer Registry (KCR) were linked with patients enrolled in a Children's Oncology Group (COG) study. Matched patients between databases were described by sex, age, race and ethnicity, geographical location when diagnosed, and cancer type. Logistic regression modeling identified factors associated with COG study enrollment. Timeliness of patient identification by KCR was reported through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Early Case Capture (ECC) program. RESULTS Of 1,357 patients reported to KCR, 47% were determined by matching to be enrolled in a COG study. Patients had greater odds of enrollment if they were age 0-4 years (v 15-19 years), reported from a COG-affiliated institution, and had renal cancer, neuroblastoma, or leukemia. Patients had lower odds of enrollment if Hispanic (v non-Hispanic White) or had epithelial (eg, thyroid, melanoma) cancer. Most (59%) patients were reported to KCR within 10 days of pathologic diagnosis. CONCLUSION Linkage of clinical trial data with cancer registries is a feasible approach for tracking patient referral and clinical trial enrollment patterns. Adolescents had lower enrollment compared with younger age groups, independent of cancer type. Population-based early case capture could guide interventions designed to increase cancer clinical trial enrollment.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A. Siegel
- Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
| | - Eric B. Durbin
- Kentucky Cancer Registry, Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
| | - Brad H. Pollock
- University of California Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, Sacramento, CA
| | - Allison Grimes
- University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX
| | - Lingyun Ji
- Children’s Oncology Group, Monrovia, CA
- University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Todd A. Alonzo
- Children’s Oncology Group, Monrovia, CA
- University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
| | | | - Bin Huang
- Kentucky Cancer Registry, Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
| | - Jaclyn R. McDowell
- Kentucky Cancer Registry, Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
| | - Ellen Lycan
- Kentucky Cancer Registry, Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
| | - Peter Ransdell
- Kentucky Cancer Registry, Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
| | - Eric Tai
- Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
| | - Michael E. Roth
- Division of Pediatrics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - David R. Freyer
- University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
- Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
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2
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Siegel DA, King JB, Lupo PJ, Durbin EB, Tai E, Mills K, Van Dyne E, Lunsford NB, Henley SJ, Wilson RJ. Counts, incidence rates, and trends of pediatric cancer in the United States, 2003-2019. J Natl Cancer Inst 2023; 115:1337-1354. [PMID: 37433078 PMCID: PMC11018256 DOI: 10.1093/jnci/djad115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer is a leading cause of death by disease among children and adolescents in the United States. This study updates cancer incidence rates and trends using the most recent and comprehensive US cancer registry data available. METHODS We used data from US Cancer Statistics to evaluate counts, age-adjusted incidence rates, and trends among children and adolescents younger than 20 years of age diagnosed with malignant tumors between 2003 and 2019. We calculated the average annual percent change (APC) and APC using joinpoint regression. Rates and trends were stratified by demographic and geographic characteristics and by cancer type. RESULTS With 248 749 cases reported between 2003 and 2019, the overall cancer incidence rate was 178.3 per 1 million; incidence rates were highest for leukemia (46.6), central nervous system neoplasms (30.8), and lymphoma (27.3). Rates were highest for males, children 0 to 4 years of age, Non-Hispanic White children and adolescents, those in the Northeast census region, the top 25% of counties by economic status, and metropolitan counties with a population of 1 million people or more. Although the overall incidence rate of pediatric cancer increased 0.5% per year on average between 2003 and 2019, the rate increased between 2003 and 2016 (APC = 1.1%), and then decreased between 2016 and 2019 (APC = -2.1%). Between 2003 and 2019, rates of leukemia, lymphoma, hepatic tumors, bone tumors, and thyroid carcinomas increased, while melanoma rates decreased. Rates of central nervous system neoplasms increased until 2017, and then decreased. Rates of other cancer types remained stable. CONCLUSIONS Incidence of pediatric cancer increased overall, although increases were limited to certain cancer types. These findings may guide future public health and research priorities.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A. Siegel
- Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Jessica B. King
- Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Philip J. Lupo
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Eric B. Durbin
- Kentucky Cancer Registry, Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Eric Tai
- Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Kathi Mills
- Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Elizabeth Van Dyne
- Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Natasha Buchanan Lunsford
- Office of the Director, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - S. Jane Henley
- Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Reda J. Wilson
- Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
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3
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Roth ME, Grimes AC, Reed DR, Weiss AR, Mittal N, Parsons SK, Freyer DR. Children's Oncology Group 2023 blueprint for research: Adolescent and young adult oncology. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2023; 70 Suppl 6:e30564. [PMID: 37439574 PMCID: PMC10630986 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.30564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
Over the past few decades, 5-year cancer survival has steadily improved for all adolescents and young adults (AYA, 15-39 years at diagnosis) combined. While encouraging, this progress simultaneously highlights a compelling need for improving survival in higher risk AYA subsets and for addressing health outcomes and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among long-term survivors. The Children's Oncology Group (COG), in collaboration with the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and the adult network groups within the NCI National Clinical Trials Network (NCTN), has developed a large and growing portfolio of therapeutic AYA cancer clinical trials to identify optimal treatment approaches for common AYA cancers. Additional initiatives, led by the COG AYA Oncology Discipline Committee for increasing collaboration between the COG and the adult network groups, optimizing AYA clinical trial enrollment, and standardizing the assessment of HRQoL, have been highly successful to date. Further, NCTN-wide collaborations are currently underway focused on improving survival for AYA malignancies with poor prognosis and, through development of supportive care and care delivery trials, reducing the short- and long-term toxicity caused by cancer treatment. Leveraging the research infrastructure within the NCTN and the NCI Community Oncology Research Program, the COG will continue to champion meaningful advancements in health and survival for AYAs with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael E Roth
- Division of Pediatrics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Allison C Grimes
- Department of Pediatrics, UT Health Science Center San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Damon R Reed
- Department of Individualized Cancer Management, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Aaron R Weiss
- Department of Pediatrics, Maine Medical Center, Portland, Maine, USA
| | - Nupur Mittal
- Department of Pediatrics, Rush Medical College, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Susan K Parsons
- Institute for Clinical Research and Health Policy Studies and the Division of Hematology/Oncology, Tufts Medical Center, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - David R Freyer
- Departments of Pediatrics, Medicine, and Population & Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
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4
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Wojcik KY, Hawkins M, Anderson-Mellies A, Hall E, Wysong A, Milam J, Hamilton AS, Cockburn MG. Melanoma survival by age group: Population-based disparities for adolescent and young adult patients by stage, tumor thickness, and insurance type. J Am Acad Dermatol 2023; 88:831-840. [PMID: 36610687 PMCID: PMC10246749 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2022.10.063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Melanoma survival literature predominantly represents patients >65 years of age. Study of younger patients may reveal potential age-group-specific differences in survival outcome. OBJECTIVE Identify factors associated with differences in melanoma survival in 2 age groups, adolescents and young adults (AYAs; ages 15-39) and older adults (ages 40-64). METHODS This population-based registry study included all cases (n = 81,597) of cutaneous melanoma diagnosed at ages 15 to 64 from 2004 to 2015 in California. Age-group-specific multivariable Cox hazard regressions were used. RESULTS In the adjusted, age-group-specific models, AYA patients with stage IV melanoma had worse survival (hazard ratio: 20.39, 95% CI: 13.30-31.20) than was observed among older adults (hazard ratio: 10.79, 95% CI: 9.33-12.48). Thicker tumors and public insurance were also associated with worse survival for AYAs than observed in models for older adults. AYAs experienced better survival when detected at earlier stages. LIMITATIONS Registry data do not routinely collect behavioral information or family history of melanoma. CONCLUSIONS Survival was much worse for AYAs with stage IV melanoma than observed among older adults. To improve AYA survival, early melanoma detection is critical. Greater awareness, suspicion, and screening for AYA melanoma may disrupt delays in diagnosis and reduce the excess burden of mortality from stage IV melanoma in young patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Y Wojcik
- Public Health Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington; Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington.
| | - Makenzie Hawkins
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | | | - Evan Hall
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington; Division of Medical Oncology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Ashley Wysong
- Department of Dermatology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Joel Milam
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Program in Public Health, University of California, Irvine, California
| | - Ann S Hamilton
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern CA, Los Angeles, California
| | - Myles G Cockburn
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern CA, Los Angeles, California; Department of Dermatology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
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5
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Keim-Malpass J, Callahan LB, Lindley LC, Templeman CA, Mooney-Doyle K. Perspectives on Access to Novel Therapeutics Through Clinical Trials Among Adolescents and Young Adults with Advanced Cancer: Implications for Patient-Centered Clinical Trials. J Adolesc Young Adult Oncol 2023; 12:53-58. [PMID: 35235445 DOI: 10.1089/jayao.2021.0152] [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: Adolescents and young adults (AYA) with advanced cancer have unequal access to and enrollment in clinical trials. Many AYA use online platforms to share their treatment experiences. The purpose of this analysis was to explore how AYA discuss clinical trials and their access to novel therapeutics through their blogs. Methods: We studied illness blogs from 22 AYA (ages 16-38 years old) with advanced cancer who specifically discussed experiences enrolling in a clinical trial. Nearly 500 excerpts were abstracted from their blogs, and we used qualitative descriptive methodology and thematic analysis to explore their longitudinal perspectives. Results: We describe three themes: (1) "Blinded", which represents the uncertainty in treatment pathway and underrepresentation of AYA in clinical trials, (2) "Totally healthy except for the damn cancer", which represents the numerous challenges associated with meeting eligibility criteria and lack of available clinical trials, and (3) "Go ahead and send me the bill!", which represents the precarious financial challenges associated with participating with clinical trials (both direct costs and indirect costs associated with travel, time away from work) as well as the costs of novel therapeutics. Conclusions: By studying AYA online narratives, we can outline several gaps in accessing clinical trials and generate future research priorities. AYA with advanced cancer are known to have aggressive trajectories, and there are opportunities to integrate patient-reported outcomes and supportive care frameworks embedded within clinical trial study design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Keim-Malpass
- Department of Acute and Specialty Care, University of Virginia School of Nursing, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Linda B Callahan
- Department of Acute and Specialty Care, University of Virginia School of Nursing, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Lisa C Lindley
- Department of Nursing, University of Tennessee-Knoxville College of Nursing, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Claire A Templeman
- Department of Acute and Specialty Care, University of Virginia School of Nursing, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Kim Mooney-Doyle
- Department of Nursing, University of Maryland School of Nursing, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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6
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Recruiting Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Survivors for Patient-Reported Outcome Research: Experiences and Sample Characteristics of the SURVAYA Study. Curr Oncol 2022; 29:5407-5425. [PMID: 36005166 PMCID: PMC9406992 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol29080428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Participation of Adolescents and Young Adults with cancer (AYAs: 18–39 years at time of diagnosis) in patient-reported outcome studies is warranted given the limited knowledge of (long-term) physical and psychosocial health outcomes. We examined the representativeness of AYAs participating in the study, to observe the impact of various invitation methods on response rates and reasons for non-participation. Methods: A population-based, cross-sectional cohort study was performed among long-term (5–20 years) AYA cancer survivors. All participants were invited using various methods to fill in a questionnaire on their health outcomes, including enclosing a paper version of the questionnaire, and sending a reminder. Those who did not respond received a postcard in which they were asked to provide a reason for non-participation. Results: In total, 4.010 AYAs (response 36%) participated. Females, AYAs with a higher socio-economic status (SES), diagnosed more than 10 years ago, diagnosed with a central nervous system tumor, sarcoma, a lymphoid malignancy, stage III, or treated with systemic chemotherapy were more likely to participate. Including a paper questionnaire increased the response rate by 5% and sending a reminder by 13%. AYAs who did not participate were either not interested (47%) or did want to be reminded of their cancer (31%). Conclusions: Study participation was significantly lower among specific subgroups of AYA cancer survivors. Higher response rates were achieved when a paper questionnaire was included, and reminders were sent. To increase representativeness of future AYA study samples, recruitment strategies could focus on integrating patient-reported outcomes in clinical practice and involving AYA patients to promote participation in research.
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7
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Siembida EJ, Loomans-Kropp HA, Tami-Maury I, Freyer DR, Sung L, Crosswell HE, Pollock BH, Roth ME. Comparing Barriers and Facilitators to Adolescent and Young Adult Clinical Trial Enrollment Across High- and Low-Enrolling Community-Based Clinics. Oncologist 2022; 27:363-370. [PMID: 35522559 PMCID: PMC9074986 DOI: 10.1093/oncolo/oyac030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adolescent and young adult (AYA) patients with cancer are underrepresented on cancer clinical trials (CCTs), and most AYAs are treated in the community setting. Past research has focused on individual academic institutions, but factors impacting enrollment vary across institutions. Therefore, we examined the patterns of barriers and facilitators between high- and low-AYA enrolling community-based clinics to identify targets for intervention. MATERIALS AND METHODS We conducted 34 semi-structured interviews with stakeholders employed used at National Cancer Institute Community Oncology Research Program (NCORP) affiliate sites ("clinics"). Stakeholders (eg, clinical research associates, patient advocates) were recruited from high- and low-AYA enrolling clinics. We conducted a content analysis and calculated the percentage of stakeholders from each clinic type that reported the barrier or facilitator. A 10% gap between high- and low-enrollers was considered the threshold for differences. RESULTS Both high- and low-enrollers highlighted insufficient resources as a barrier and the presence of a patient eligibility screening process as a facilitator to AYA enrollment. High-enrolling clinics reported physician gatekeeping as a barrier and the improvement of departmental collaboration as a facilitator. Low-enrollers reported AYAs' uncertainty regarding the CCT process as a barrier and the need for increased physician endorsement of CCTs as a facilitator. CONCLUSIONS High-enrolling clinics reported more barriers downstream in the enrollment process, such as physician gatekeeping. In contrast, low-enrolling clinics struggled with the earlier steps in the CCT enrollment process, such as identifying eligible trials. These findings highlight the need for multi-level, tailored interventions rather than a "one-size-fits-all" approach to improve AYA enrollment in the community setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth J Siembida
- Institute of Health System Science, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY, USA,Corresponding author: Elizabeth J. Siembida, Institute of Health System Science, Northwell Health, 600 Community Drive, Suite 403, Manhasset, NY 11030, USA. Tel: (516) 600-1757;
| | - Holli A Loomans-Kropp
- Cancer Prevention Fellowship Program, Division of Cancer Prevention, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD, USA,Gastrointestinal and Other Cancers Research Group, Division of Cancer Prevention, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Irene Tami-Maury
- Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics, and Environmental Sciences, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Public Health, Houston, TX, USA
| | - David R Freyer
- Department of Pediatrics, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA,Department of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA,Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Lillian Sung
- Department of Pediatrics, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Brad H Pollock
- Department of Public Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Michael E Roth
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatrics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
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8
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Young Adult Populations Face Yet Another Barrier to Care With Insurers: Limited Access to Proton Therapy. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2021; 110:1496-1504. [PMID: 33677051 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2021.02.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Revised: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Young patients, including pediatric, adolescent, and young adult (YA) patients, are most likely to benefit from the reduced integral dose of proton beam radiation therapy (PBT) resulting in fewer late toxicities and secondary malignancies. This study sought to examine insurance approval and appeal outcomes for PBT among YA patients compared with pediatric patients at a large-volume proton therapy center. METHODS AND MATERIALS We performed a cross-sectional cohort study of 284 consecutive patients aged 0 to 39 years for whom PBT was recommended in 2018 through 2019. Pediatric patients were defined as aged 0 to 18 years and YA patients 19 to 39 years. Rates of approval, denials, and decision timelines were calculated. Tumor type and location were also evaluated as factors that may influence insurance decisions. RESULTS A total of 207 patients (73%) were approved for PBT at initial request. YA patients (n = 68/143, 48%) were significantly less likely to receive initial approval compared with pediatric patients (n = 139/141; 99%) (P < .001). Even after 47% (n = 35 of 75) of the PBT denials for YA patients were overturned, YAs had a significantly lower final PBT approval (72% vs pediatric 99%; P < .001). The median wait time was also significantly longer for YA patients (median, 8 days; interquartile range [IQR] 3-17 vs median, 2 days; IQR, 0-6; P < .001). In those patients requiring an appeal, the median wait time was 16 days (IQR, 9-25). CONCLUSION Given the decades of survivorship of YA patients, PBT is an important tool to reduce late toxicities and secondary malignancies. Compared with pediatric patients, YA patients are significantly less likely to receive insurance approval for PBT. Insurance denials and subsequent appeal requests result in significant delays for YA patients. Insurers need to re-examine their policies to include expedited decisions and appeals and removal of arbitrary age cutoffs so that YA patients can gain easier access to PBT. Furthermore, consensus guidelines encouraging greater PBT access for YA may be warranted from both medical societies and/or AYA experts.
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Ellis JA, Malalasekera VS, Allan C, Choong PF, Hansford JR, Hehir R, Morello N, O'Callaghan S, Orme L, Phillipson N, Rosenthal MA, Sawyer S, Strong R, Super L, Watt A, Williams C, Woollett A, Robertson A, Lewin J. Systems-Level Change to Alleviate Barriers to Cancer Clinical Trial Access for Adolescents and Young Adults in Australia. J Adolesc Young Adult Oncol 2021; 11:173-180. [PMID: 34297611 PMCID: PMC9057899 DOI: 10.1089/jayao.2021.0026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: International data demonstrate association between clinical trial participation and reduced cancer mortality. Adolescents and young adults (AYA) have low clinical trial enrollment rates. We established a program to understand local barriers and develop targeted solutions that lead to greater AYA clinical trial participation. Methods: A steering committee (SC) with expertise in adult and pediatric oncology, research ethics, and consumer representation was formed. The SC mapped barriers related to AYA trial access and established working groups (WGs) around three themes. Results: The Regulatory Awareness WG identified a lack of understanding of processes that support protocol approval for clinical trials across the AYA age range. A guideline to raise awareness was developed. The Access WG identified challenges for young adults (18–25 years) to access a pediatric hospital to enroll in a pediatric trial. A procedure was developed to streamline applications for access. The first six applications using this procedure have been successful. The Availability WG identified lack of pediatric–adult oncology reciprocal relationships as a barrier to awareness of open trials, and future collaboration. An AYA Craft Group Framework was established to grow relationships within tumor streams across institutions; two craft groups are now operating locally. An additional achievement was a successful request to the Therapeutic Goods Administration for Australian adoption of the Food and Drug Administration Guidance on Considerations for the Inclusion of Adolescent Patients in Adult Oncology Clinical Trials. Conclusion: This multipronged approach to improving AYA clinical trial access has relevance for other health environments. Our knowledge products are available as an online toolkit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justine A Ellis
- Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia.,Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Vajiranee S Malalasekera
- Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia.,ONTrac at PeterMac, Victorian Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Service, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - Peter F Choong
- Department of Orthopaedics, St. Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Surgery, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.,Bone and Soft Tissue Sarcoma Service, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jordan R Hansford
- Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.,Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Hudson Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Ryan Hehir
- Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Natasha Morello
- Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre Consumer Representative, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - Lisa Orme
- Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia.,ONTrac at PeterMac, Victorian Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Service, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia.,Bone and Soft Tissue Sarcoma Service, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Cancer Medicine, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - Mark A Rosenthal
- Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Cancer Medicine, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Susan Sawyer
- Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.,Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Robyn Strong
- Australian and New Zealand Children's Haematology/Oncology Group
| | - Leanne Super
- Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia.,Monash Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Angela Watt
- Office for Research, Melbourne Health, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Chris Williams
- Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia.,Paediatric Integrated Cancer Service, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Anne Woollett
- Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Alexandra Robertson
- Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia.,Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jeremy Lewin
- ONTrac at PeterMac, Victorian Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Service, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia.,Bone and Soft Tissue Sarcoma Service, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Cancer Medicine, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia.,Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
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10
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Ferrari A, Stark D, Peccatori FA, Fern L, Laurence V, Gaspar N, Bozovic-Spasojevic I, Smith O, De Munter J, Derwich K, Hjorth L, van der Graaf WTA, Soanes L, Jezdic S, Blondeel A, Bielack S, Douillard JY, Mountzios G, Saloustros E. Adolescents and young adults (AYA) with cancer: a position paper from the AYA Working Group of the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) and the European Society for Paediatric Oncology (SIOPE). ESMO Open 2021; 6:100096. [PMID: 33926710 PMCID: PMC8103533 DOI: 10.1016/j.esmoop.2021.100096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Revised: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
It is well recognised that adolescents and young adults (AYA) with cancer have inequitable access to oncology services that provide expert cancer care and consider their unique needs. Subsequently, survival gains in this patient population have improved only modestly compared with older adults and children with cancer. In 2015, the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) and the European Society for Paediatric Oncology (SIOPE) established the joint Cancer in AYA Working Group in order to increase awareness among adult and paediatric oncology communities, enhance knowledge on specific issues in AYA and ultimately improve the standard of care for AYA with cancer across Europe. This manuscript reflects the position of this working group regarding current AYA cancer care, the challenges to be addressed and possible solutions. Key challenges include the lack of specific biological understanding of AYA cancers, the lack of access to specialised centres with age-appropriate multidisciplinary care and the lack of available clinical trials with novel therapeutics. Key recommendations include diversifying interprofessional cooperation in AYA care and specific measures to improve trial accrual, including centralising care where that is the best means to achieve trial accrual. This defines a common vision that can lead to improved outcomes for AYA with cancer in Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Ferrari
- Pediatric Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori, Milan, Italy.
| | - D Stark
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research, School of Medicine University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.
| | - F A Peccatori
- Gynecologic Oncology Department, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - L Fern
- Department of Oncology, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - V Laurence
- Medical Oncology Department and SIREDO Oncology Center (Care, Innovation and Research for Children and AYA with Cancer), Institut Curie, Paris, France
| | - N Gaspar
- Department of Oncology for Child and Adolescent, Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, Villejuif, France
| | - I Bozovic-Spasojevic
- Medical Oncology Department, Institute for Oncology and Radiology of Serbia, Belgrade, Republic of Serbia
| | - O Smith
- National Children's Cancer Service, Children's Health Ireland at Crumlin and Systems Biology Ireland, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - J De Munter
- University Hospital Ghent Cancer Center, UZ Gent, Ghent, Belgium
| | - K Derwich
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Transplantology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - L Hjorth
- Lund University, Skane University Hospital, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Pediatrics, Lund, Sweden
| | - W T A van der Graaf
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - L Soanes
- Teenage Cancer Trust, London, UK
| | - S Jezdic
- Scientific and Medical Division, European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO), Lugano, Switzerland
| | - A Blondeel
- Department of Scientific Programme Coordination, European Society for Paediatric Oncology (SIOPE), Brussels, Belgium
| | - S Bielack
- Zentrum für Kinder, Jugend und Frauenmedizin Pädiatrie 5, KlinikumStuttgart - Olgahospital, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - J-Y Douillard
- Scientific and Medical Division, European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO), Lugano, Switzerland
| | - G Mountzios
- 2nd Department of Medical Oncology and Clinical Trial Unit, Henry Dunant Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - E Saloustros
- Department of Oncology, University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece
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11
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Siembida EJ, Loomans-Kropp HA, Tami-Maury I, Freyer DR, Sung L, Crosswell HE, Pollock BH, Roth ME. Barriers and Facilitators to Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Trial Enrollment: NCORP Site Perspectives. JNCI Cancer Spectr 2021; 5:pkab027. [PMID: 34104866 PMCID: PMC8178801 DOI: 10.1093/jncics/pkab027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Revised: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Although it is well documented that adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with cancer have low participation in cancer clinical trials (CCTs), the underlying reasons are not well understood. We used the National Cancer Institute Community Oncology Research Program (NCORP) network to identify barriers and facilitators to AYA CCT enrollment, and strategies to improve enrollment at community-based and minority and/or underserved sites. Methods We performed one-on-one semistructured qualitative interviews with stakeholders (NCORP site principle investigators, NCORP administrators, physicians involved in enrollment, lead clinical research associates or clinical research nurses, nurse navigators, regulatory research associates, patient advocates) in the AYA CCT enrollment process. NCORP sites that included high and low AYA–enrolling affiliate sites and were diverse in geography and department representation (eg, pediatrics, medical oncology) were invited to participate. All interviews were recorded and transcribed. Themes related to barriers and facilitators and strategies to improve enrollment were identified. Results We conducted 43 interviews across 10 NCORP sites. Eleven barriers and 13 facilitators to AYA enrollment were identified. Main barriers included perceived limited trial availability and eligibility, physician gatekeeping, lack of provider and research staff time, and financial constraints. Main facilitators and strategies to improve AYA enrollment included having a patient screening process, physician endorsement of trials, an “AYA champion” on site, and strong communication between medical and pediatric oncology. Conclusions Stakeholders identified several opportunities to address barriers contributing to low AYA CCT enrollment at community-based and minority and/or underserved sites. Results of this study will inform development and implementation of targeted interventions to increase AYA CCT enrollment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth J Siembida
- Center for Health Innovation and Outcomes Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY, USA
| | - Holli A Loomans-Kropp
- Cancer Prevention Fellowship Program, Division of Cancer Prevention, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD, USA.,Division of Cancer Prevention, Gastrointestinal and Other Cancers Research Group, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Irene Tami-Maury
- Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics, and Environmental Sciences, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Public Health, Houston, TX, USA
| | - David R Freyer
- Departments of Pediatrics, Medicine, and Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Lillian Sung
- Department of Pediatrics, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Brad H Pollock
- Department of Public Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Michael E Roth
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatrics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
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12
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AYA Considerations for Aggressive Lymphomas. Curr Hematol Malig Rep 2021; 16:61-71. [PMID: 33728589 DOI: 10.1007/s11899-021-00607-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Lymphoma is the one of the most common cancer diagnoses among adolescents and young adults (AYAs) aged 15-39. Despite significant advances in outcomes observed in older adults and younger children, improvements in AYAs have lagged behind. The reasons for this are likely multifactorial including disparities in access to health insurance, low rates of enrollment to clinical trials, potential differences in disease biology, and unique psychosocial challenges. Here we will review Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) and primary mediastinal B cell lymphoma (PMBCL), two of the most common aggressive lymphomas that occur in AYAs. We will discuss the current knowledge about disease biology in AYAs, adult and pediatric treatment strategies, novel targeted therapies, and ongoing AYA clinical trials in these lymphoma subtypes. We also will review unique considerations for treatment-related toxicities in AYAs and psychosocial issues relevant to this population. RECENT FINDINGS Pediatric and adult trials in HL and PMBCL have demonstrated that treatment with dose-intense chemotherapeutic regimens with or without radiation results in high cure rates but can also be associated with long-term toxicity which must be considered in this young population. Novel targeted agents such as the antibody-drug conjugate brentuximab vedotin and/or antibodies targeted against PD-1/PD-L1 have demonstrated activity in the relapsed setting and are currently being evaluated in the upfront setting, which may reduce our reliance on therapies associated with long-term toxicity. AYA-focused clinical trials are currently underway to better elucidate the optimal therapy for lymphomas in this age group. There is an urgent need for clinical trials including AYAs in order to increase the knowledge of age-specific outcomes, toxicities, disease biology, and the need to develop comprehensive AYA care models that meet the unique and complex care needs of this patient population.
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13
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Hart RI, Boyle D, Cameron DA, Cowie FJ, Hayward L, Heaney NB, Jesudason AB, Lawton J. Strategies for improving access to clinical trials by teenagers and young adults with cancer: A qualitative study of health professionals' views. Eur J Cancer Care (Engl) 2021; 30:e13408. [PMID: 33474755 DOI: 10.1111/ecc.13408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Revised: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Few teenagers and young adults (TYA) with cancer participate in clinical trials. Lack of opportunity has been identified as a major barrier. We canvassed health professionals' views on how TYA's access to trials might be improved. METHODS We interviewed 35 professionals with responsibility for delivering or facilitating cancer care and/or clinical trials. We analysed data using a qualitative descriptive approach. RESULTS Interviewees viewed improving TYA's access to trials as challenging, but possible. They reframed the problem as one of rare disease and surmised that modifying the organisation, administration and resourcing of research (and care) might expand opportunities for both TYA and other patients with low volume conditions. Proposals coalesced around four themes: consolidating the pool of patients; streamlining bureaucratic requirements; investing in the research workforce; and promoting pragmatism in trial design. CONCLUSION Accounts suggest there is scope to improve access to trials by TYA with cancer and other patients with rare diseases. Though re-configuring care, research and resource frameworks would present substantial challenges, doing nothing would also have costs. Change will require the support of a range of stakeholders, and agreement as to the best way forward. Further work, such as priority setting exercises, may be necessary to reach a consensus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth I Hart
- Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Dorothy Boyle
- Edinburgh Cancer Centre, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, UK
| | - David A Cameron
- NHS Research Scotland Cancer Lead and Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre, MRC Institute of Genetics & Molecular Medicine, Western General Hospital, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | | | - Larry Hayward
- Edinburgh Cancer Centre, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, UK
| | | | - Angela B Jesudason
- Department of Paediatric Haematology and Oncology, Royal Hospital for Sick Children, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Julia Lawton
- Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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14
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Dewar EO, Ahn C, Eraj S, Mahal BA, Sanford NN. Psychological distress and cognition among long-term survivors of adolescent and young adult cancer in the USA. J Cancer Surviv 2021; 15:776-784. [PMID: 33415652 DOI: 10.1007/s11764-020-00969-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients diagnosed with cancer as adolescent and young adult (AYA) are at risk for a range of long-term psychosocial sequelae, which have been poorly studied. We sought to characterize the prevalence of cognitive dysfunction and psychological distress among long-term AYA cancer survivors. METHODS Using data from the National Health Interview Survey between 2010 and 2018, multivariable logistic regression analyses defined the association between AYA cancer diagnosis and cognitive dysfunction and psychological distress, as defined by the 6-item Kessler Psychological Distress Scale. Among AYA cancer survivors, the association between psychological distress and cognitive dysfunction was assessed via multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS Among 230,675 participants, 2646 (1.1%) were AYA cancer survivors diagnosed > 10 years prior to survey administration. Prior AYA cancer diagnosis was associated with greater odds of cognitive dysfunction (AOR 1.61, 95% CI 1.41-1.82; 27.8% vs. 16.4%) and psychological distress (AOR 1.60, 95% CI 1.41-1.83; 26.6 vs. 15.3%) as compared to individuals without a cancer history. Among survey participants reporting a cancer diagnosis, greater psychological distress was associated with greater odds of cognitive dysfunction (AOR 12.31, 95% CI 7.51-20.18 for severe psychological distress) and cognitive dysfunction was associated with having psychological distress (AOR 4.97, 95% CI 3.66-6.73). CONCLUSION Long-term survivors of AYA cancer have higher rates of cognitive dysfunction and psychological distress as compared to the general population. Additional services addressing psychosocial and neurocognitive issues should be integrated into standard AYA cancer survivorship care. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS Cancer survivors should be aware of self-reported high rates of long-term cognitive dysfunction and psychologic distress and actively seek out formal evaluation and services such as mental health counseling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena O Dewar
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Texas Southwestern, 2280 Inwood Road, Dallas, TX, 75390-9303, USA.,The Hockaday School, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Chul Ahn
- Department of Clinical Sciences, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.,Harold Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Salman Eraj
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Texas Southwestern, 2280 Inwood Road, Dallas, TX, 75390-9303, USA
| | - Brandon A Mahal
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Nina N Sanford
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Texas Southwestern, 2280 Inwood Road, Dallas, TX, 75390-9303, USA.
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15
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Triarico S, Capozza MA, Mastrangelo S, Attinà G, Maurizi P, Ruggiero A. Gynecological cancer among adolescents and young adults (AYA). ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2020; 8:397. [PMID: 32355841 PMCID: PMC7186636 DOI: 10.21037/atm.2020.02.41] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Adolescents and young adults (AYA) patients with cancer show specific biological, sociodemographic and behavioral features, with lower survival rates than younger group. Gynecologic malignancies that occur among AYA requires a multidisciplinary management and a tailored model of care, in order to enhance the early diagnosis, the adherence to the treatment, the enrollment in clinical trials, the rate of survival and the quality of life (QoL). In this article, we review the main gynecological tumors that may occur in AYA, with a focus on the clinical signs at the diagnosis and the modality of treatment. In addition, we proposed a model of multidisciplinary and personalized care for AYA with gynecological tumors, which can help the clinicians to manage the specific gynecologic concerns, such as ovarian failure, contraception, fertility, late psychosocial effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Triarico
- Unità di Oncologia Pediatrica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Università Cattolica Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Stefano Mastrangelo
- Unità di Oncologia Pediatrica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Università Cattolica Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy.,Istituto di Pediatria, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Giorgio Attinà
- Unità di Oncologia Pediatrica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Università Cattolica Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Palma Maurizi
- Unità di Oncologia Pediatrica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Università Cattolica Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy.,Istituto di Pediatria, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Ruggiero
- Unità di Oncologia Pediatrica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Università Cattolica Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy.,Istituto di Pediatria, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
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16
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Roth ME, Unger JM, O'Mara AM, Lewis MA, Budd T, Johnson RH, Pollock BH, Blanke C, Freyer DR. Enrollment of adolescents and young adults onto SWOG cancer research network clinical trials: A comparative analysis by treatment site and era. Cancer Med 2020; 9:2146-2152. [PMID: 32009305 PMCID: PMC7064039 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.2891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Few adolescents and young adults (AYAs, 15‐39 years old) enroll onto cancer clinical trials, which hinders research otherwise having the potential to improve outcomes in this unique population. Prior studies have reported that AYAs are more likely to receive cancer care in community settings. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) has led efforts to increase trial enrollment through its network of NCI‐designated cancer centers (NCICC) combined with community outreach through its Community Clinical Oncology Program (CCOP; replaced by the NCI Community Oncology Research Program in 2014). Methods Using AYA proportional enrollment (the proportion of total enrollments who were AYAs) as the primary outcome, we examined enrollment of AYAs onto SWOG therapeutic trials at NCICC, CCOP, and non‐NCICC/non‐CCOP sites from 2004 to 2013 by type of site, study period (2004‐08 vs 2009‐13), and patient demographics. Results Overall, AYA proportional enrollment was 10.1%. AYA proportional enrollment decreased between 2004‐2008 and 2009‐2013 (13.1% vs 8.5%, P < .001), and was higher at NCICCs than at CCOPs and non‐NCICC/non‐CCOPs (14.1% vs 8.3% and 9.2%, respectively; P < .001). AYA proportional enrollment declined significantly at all three site types. Proportional enrollment of AYAs who were Black or Hispanic was significantly higher at NCICCs compared with CCOPs or non‐NCICC/non‐CCOPs (11.5% vs 8.8, P = .048 and 11.5% vs 8.6%, P = .03, respectively). Conclusion Not only did community sites enroll a lower proportion of AYAs onto cancer clinical trials, but AYA enrollment decreased in all study settings. Initiatives aimed at increasing AYA enrollment, particularly in the community setting with attention to minority status, are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael E Roth
- Division of Pediatrics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Joseph M Unger
- SWOG Cancer Research Network Statistics and Data Management Center, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Ann M O'Mara
- Community Oncology and Prevention Trials Research Group, Division of Cancer Prevention, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | | | - Troy Budd
- Community Oncology and Prevention Trials Research Group, Division of Cancer Prevention, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Rebecca H Johnson
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Mary Bridge Children's Hospital and Health Center and Tacoma General Hospital, Tacoma, WA, USA
| | - Brad H Pollock
- Department of Public Health Sciences and the UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Charles Blanke
- Southwest Oncology Group Chair's Office and Knight Cancer Center Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - David R Freyer
- Departments of Pediatrics and Medicine, Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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17
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Hart RI, Cameron DA, Cowie FJ, Harden J, Heaney NB, Rankin D, Jesudason AB, Lawton J. The challenges of making informed decisions about treatment and trial participation following a cancer diagnosis: a qualitative study involving adolescents and young adults with cancer and their caregivers. BMC Health Serv Res 2020; 20:25. [PMID: 31914994 PMCID: PMC6950988 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-019-4851-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2019] [Accepted: 12/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Limited attention has been paid to adolescents and young adults' (AYA's) experiences in the aftermath of a cancer diagnosis, despite this being a time when potentially life-changing decisions are made. We explored AYA's and caregivers' experiences of, and views about, making treatment and trial participation decisions following a cancer diagnosis, in order to understand, and help facilitate, informed treatment decision-making in this age group. METHODS Interviews were undertaken with 18 AYA diagnosed, or re-diagnosed, with cancer when aged 16-24 years, and 15 parents/caregivers. Analysis focused on the identification and description of explanatory themes. RESULTS Most AYA described being extremely unwell by the time of diagnosis and, consequently, experiencing difficulties processing the news. Distress and acceleration in clinical activity following diagnosis could further impede the absorption of treatment-relevant information. After referral to a specialist cancer unit, many AYA described quickly transitioning to a calm and pragmatic mind-set, and wanting to commence treatment at the earliest opportunity. Most reported seeing information about short-term side-effects of treatment as having limited relevance to their recovery-focused outlook at that time. AYA seldom indicated wanting to make choices about front-line treatment, with most preferring to defer decisions to health professionals. Even when charged with decisions about trial participation, AYA reported welcoming a strong health professional steer. Parents/caregivers attempted to compensate for AYA's limited engagement with treatment-relevant information. However, in seeking to ensure AYA received the best treatment, these individuals had conflicting priorities and information needs. CONCLUSION Our study highlights the challenging context in which AYA are confronted with decisions about front-line treatment, and reveals how their responses make it hard to ensure their decisions are fully informed. It raises questions about the direct value, to AYA, of approaches that aim to promote decision-making by improving understanding and recall of information, though such approaches may be of value to caregivers. In seeking to improve information-giving and involvement in treatment-related decision-making at diagnosis, care should be taken not to delegitimize the preference of many AYA for a directive approach from trusted clinicians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth I Hart
- Usher Institute, Medical School, University of Edinburgh, Teviot Place, Edinburgh, EH8 9AG, UK
| | - David A Cameron
- NHS Research Scotland Cancer Lead and Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre, MRC Institute of Genetics & Molecular Medicine, The University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Crewe Road South, Edinburgh, EH4 2XR, UK
| | - Fiona J Cowie
- Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre, 1053 Great Western Road, Glasgow, G12 0YN, UK
| | - Jeni Harden
- Usher Institute, Medical School, University of Edinburgh, Teviot Place, Edinburgh, EH8 9AG, UK
| | - Nicholas B Heaney
- Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre, 1053 Great Western Road, Glasgow, G12 0YN, UK
| | - David Rankin
- Usher Institute, Medical School, University of Edinburgh, Teviot Place, Edinburgh, EH8 9AG, UK
| | - Angela B Jesudason
- Royal Hospital for Sick Children, Department of Paediatric Haematology and Oncology, Sciennes Road, Edinburgh, EH9 1LF, UK
| | - Julia Lawton
- Usher Institute, Medical School, University of Edinburgh, Teviot Place, Edinburgh, EH8 9AG, UK.
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18
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Docherty SL, Crane S, Haase JE, Robb SL. Improving recruitment and retention of adolescents and young adults with cancer in randomized controlled clinical trials. Int J Adolesc Med Health 2019; 33:/j/ijamh.ahead-of-print/ijamh-2018-0215/ijamh-2018-0215.xml. [PMID: 30973826 DOI: 10.1515/ijamh-2018-0215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2018] [Accepted: 11/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Participation of adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with cancer in randomized clinical trials (RCTs) is necessary to advance treatments and psychosocial programs. Exploring AYAs experiences in an RCT will inform strategies to support recruitment and retention. A qualitative design was used to study the experiences of 13 AYAs in the Stories and Music for Adolescent and Young Adult Resilience during Transplant I (SMART I) trial. Key themes included: Weighing the Pros and Cons; Randomization Preferences; Completing Measures; and Worthwhile Experience. The experiences of AYAs during RCTs can bring insights that inform the design and management of AYA trials. Strategies include improving assent/consent processes, design of electronic interfaces and encouraging researcher flexibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharron L Docherty
- Duke University, School of Nursing, 307 Trent Drive, DUMC 3322, Durham, NC 27710, USA, Phone: (+919) 668-3836
| | - Stacey Crane
- Indiana University, School of Nursing, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Joan E Haase
- Indiana University, School of Nursing, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Sheri L Robb
- Indiana University, School of Nursing, Indianapolis, IN, USA
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19
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Lo AC, Laperriere N, Hodgson D, Bouffet E, Nicholson J, McKenzie M, Hukin J, Cheng S, Goddard KJ. Canadian patterns of practice for intracranial germ cell tumors in adolescents and young adults. J Neurooncol 2019; 143:289-296. [PMID: 30937607 DOI: 10.1007/s11060-019-03159-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2019] [Accepted: 03/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The study objectives were to describe patterns of practice for intracranial germ cell tumors (IGCT) in adolescents and young adults (AYA) and to determine factors associated with practice patterns. METHODS A survey was written containing questions on the management of two 17-year old males, one with localized pineal germinoma and the other with localized pineal non-germinomatous germ cell tumor (NGGCT). An invitation to participate anonymously in the survey was e-mailed to 119 oncologists who treat brain tumors across Canada. RESULTS Seventy-two (61%) of the 119 oncologists participated in the study. For the germinoma case, the most common treatment approaches were whole ventricular radiotherapy (WVRT) and chemotherapy (CH) (56%), WVRT alone (15%), and craniospinal radiotherapy (CSRT) alone (10%); for physicians recommending WVRT + CH, most frequently selected whole ventricular doses were 24 Gy (57%) and 18 Gy (20%). Chemotherapy was included in the treatment of germinoma by 96% of pediatric physicians vs. 54% of adult physicians (P = 0.001). The most common treatment approaches for NGGCT were CSRT + CH (44%), WVRT + CH (21%), and pineal gland RT + CH (15%). The selection of craniospinal vs. smaller-volume RT was not associated with the physicians' specialty, percentage of practice treating brain tumors, number of IGCTs seen, or size of institution. CONCLUSIONS There is wide variation in the management of IGCT in AYA across Canada. A 17-year old male with a localized pineal germinoma is highly likely to receive chemotherapy if managed by a pediatric oncologist, while the same patient is much less likely to receive chemotherapy if managed by an adult oncologist.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea C Lo
- BC Cancer, 600 W. 10th Avenue, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 4E1, Canada. .,Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, 610 University Ave, Toronto, ON, M5G 2C1, Canada. .,University of British Columbia, 2329 West Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada. .,University of Toronto, 27 King's College Cir, Toronto, ON, M5S, Canada.
| | - Normand Laperriere
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, 610 University Ave, Toronto, ON, M5G 2C1, Canada.,The Hospital of Sick Children, 555 University Ave, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X8, Canada.,University of Toronto, 27 King's College Cir, Toronto, ON, M5S, Canada
| | - David Hodgson
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, 610 University Ave, Toronto, ON, M5G 2C1, Canada.,The Hospital of Sick Children, 555 University Ave, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X8, Canada.,University of Toronto, 27 King's College Cir, Toronto, ON, M5S, Canada
| | - Eric Bouffet
- The Hospital of Sick Children, 555 University Ave, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X8, Canada.,University of Toronto, 27 King's College Cir, Toronto, ON, M5S, Canada
| | | | - Michael McKenzie
- BC Cancer, 600 W. 10th Avenue, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 4E1, Canada.,University of British Columbia, 2329 West Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Juliette Hukin
- British Columbia Children's Hospital, 4480 Oak St, Vancouver, BC, V6H 3N1, Canada.,University of British Columbia, 2329 West Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Sylvia Cheng
- British Columbia Children's Hospital, 4480 Oak St, Vancouver, BC, V6H 3N1, Canada.,University of British Columbia, 2329 West Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Karen J Goddard
- BC Cancer, 600 W. 10th Avenue, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 4E1, Canada.,British Columbia Children's Hospital, 4480 Oak St, Vancouver, BC, V6H 3N1, Canada.,University of British Columbia, 2329 West Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada
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Clinical Trial Enrollment is Associated With Improved Follow-up Rates Among Survivors of Childhood Cancer. J Pediatr Hematol Oncol 2019; 41:e18-e23. [PMID: 29668542 PMCID: PMC6854689 DOI: 10.1097/mph.0000000000001169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Fortunately >80% of children diagnosed with cancer become long-term survivors; however, this population is at a significantly increased risk of morbidity and mortality as a result of their previous cancer therapy, and long-term follow-up (LTFU) is critical. Multiple barriers to receiving adequate LTFU care have been studied. We investigated whether lack of enrollment in a therapeutic clinical trial may be a barrier to receiving LTFU care. We conducted a review of 353 patient records at the Children's Hospital of Michigan enrolled in our Children's Oncology Group registry between January 1, 2005 and December 31, 2010. In total, 71 patients were excluded (death before follow-up, n=61; currently receiving therapy, n=5; known transfer of care, n=4; insufficient information, n=1). In total, 158 (56%) patients were enrolled in a therapeutic clinical trial. Follow-up rates at 1-, 2- and 5-years following completion of therapy for patients enrolled in a therapeutic clinical trial were 96.8% (153/158), 93.7% (148/158), and 81.7% (103/126), respectively, compared with 83.1% (103/124; P<0.001), 74.2% (92/124; P<0.001), and 66.7% (72/108; P=0.001) for patients not enrolled. Our findings suggest patients enrolled in a therapeutic clinical trial have better LTFU rates and supports the importance of patient enrollment in therapeutic clinical trials when possible. Additional resources may be warranted to improve LTFU for patients not enrolled.
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Baker KS, Syrjala KL. Long-term complications in adolescent and young adult leukemia survivors. HEMATOLOGY. AMERICAN SOCIETY OF HEMATOLOGY. EDUCATION PROGRAM 2018; 2018:146-153. [PMID: 30504303 PMCID: PMC6245964 DOI: 10.1182/asheducation-2018.1.146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with cancer, defined by the National Cancer Institute as having been diagnosed between the ages of 15 and 39 years old, have not benefited from the same improvements in quality of outcomes and survival that have been seen for individuals diagnosed in childhood or as older adults. Although is leukemia composed of a diverse group of diagnoses, leukemia AYA survivors share unique vulnerabilities with other AYA diagnostic groups. They will spend the majority of their lives as survivors, with clear evidence of adverse medical conditions, health care requirements, and social and psychological needs that differ not only from their peers but also, from the needs of other cancer survivor populations. Furthermore, they share a developmental stage of life in which careers, finances, and family concerns are uniquely impacted by the cancer diagnosis and treatment. Leukemia in AYAs typically presents with higher-risk biologic features, and treatment requires multiagent chemotherapy, including alkylating agents, anthracyclines, high-dose steroids, frequently intrathecal chemotherapy, and sometimes, cranial radiation. Thus, AYAs have significant risks for long-term complications, subsequent malignancies, and accelerated development of usual age-related comorbid conditions, such as cardiovascular disease and dyslipidemias. AYAs require specialized health care monitoring, surveillance for late effects, and periodic evaluation of psychosocial, health behavior, and life goal outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Scott Baker
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA
| | - Karen L Syrjala
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA
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White V, Skaczkowski G, Anazodo A, Bibby H, Nicholls W, Pinkerton R, Thompson K, Orme LM, Conyers R, Osborn M, Phillips MB, Harrup R, Walker R, Coory M. Clinical trial participation by adolescents and young adults with cancer: A continued cause for concern? Semin Oncol 2018; 45:275-283. [DOI: 10.1053/j.seminoncol.2018.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2017] [Revised: 10/24/2017] [Accepted: 04/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
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Fern LA, Taylor RM. Enhancing accrual to clinical trials of adolescents and young adults with cancer. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2018; 65:e27233. [PMID: 29749691 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.27233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2017] [Revised: 03/05/2018] [Accepted: 03/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Underrepresentation of young people in cancer research is an international phenomenon and may contribute to poorer outcomes. We sought to identify systematically tested interventions and strategies to improve recruitment. The review identified 13 papers. The following four themes emerged: trial availability/regulatory factors; service configuration/place-of-care factors; recruitment methods and developmental factors specific to young people. We could not identify any studies that had employed prospective interventions to improve recruitment. Without available research studies in which to garner data on adolescents and young adults, we will always be constrained in our ability to provide evidence based care with resultant limitations on our ability to improve outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorna A Fern
- Cancer Division, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Rachel M Taylor
- Cancer Division, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
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Bleyer A, Tai E, Siegel S. Role of clinical trials in survival progress of American adolescents and young adults with cancer-and lack thereof. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2018; 65:e27074. [PMID: 29667766 PMCID: PMC6077840 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.27074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2017] [Revised: 02/19/2018] [Accepted: 02/26/2018] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
In the United States, adolescent and young adult (AYA) patients with cancer have the lowest clinical trial participation rate of all age groups and slower progress in survival improvement than younger patients. Ominously, AYA clinical trial participation has been steadily decreasing since 2010, except in 15-19 year olds and AYAs with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. In order to reverse the accrual trend, multiple changes are necessary, including convincing community oncologists to pursue clinical trials on behalf of their AYA patients and to have the new National Community Oncology Research Program and National Clinical Trials Network lead a coordinated effort to increase accrual.
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Affiliation(s)
- Archie Bleyer
- Oregon Health&Science University
- University of Texas Medical School at Houston
| | - Eric Tai
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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25
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Hughes N, Stark D. The management of adolescents and young adults with cancer. Cancer Treat Rev 2018; 67:45-53. [PMID: 29753962 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2018.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2018] [Revised: 05/03/2018] [Accepted: 05/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Adolescents and Young Adults (AYA) with cancer are young people developing serious illness when at the interface between the responsibilities of paediatric and adult cancer services. Personally, they are in a period of transition both biologically and in major social roles (Sawyer et al., 2018) [1]. For these and other reasons they present a unique set of clinical challenges in their management. Over the last 20 years the requirement for specific services to address their needs has been identified and this has become a growing field of research. Despite this survival rates still lag behind those of children and older adults with cancer (Gatta et al., 2009) [2]. Why do AYA patients have worse outcomes? The observation is that the reason is multifactorial with path to diagnosis, unique cancer biology, uncertainty of treatment protocol, compliance issues and poor recruitment to clinical trials all playing a part. In this review we will discuss the unique challenges faced by healthcare professionals when managing AYA patients who are commonly and accurately described as being in an 'interface' position.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Hughes
- Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Molecular Medicine, University of Leeds, UK.
| | - Dan Stark
- Leeds Institute of Cancer and Pathology, St James's Institute of Oncology, Beckett Street, Leeds, UK
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Tai E, Hallisey E, Peipins LA, Flanagan B, Lunsford NB, Wilt G, Graham S. Geographic Access to Cancer Care and Mortality Among Adolescents. J Adolesc Young Adult Oncol 2018; 7:22-29. [PMID: 28933979 PMCID: PMC6125785 DOI: 10.1089/jayao.2017.0066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Adolescents with cancer have had less improvement in survival than other populations in the United States. This may be due, in part, to adolescents not receiving treatment at Children's Oncology Group (COG) institutions, which have been shown to increase survival for some cancers. The objective of this ecologic study was to examine geographic distance to COG institutions and adolescent cancer mortality. METHODS We calculated cancer mortality among adolescents and sociodemographic and healthcare access factors in four geographic zones at selected distances surrounding COG facilities: Zone A (area within 10 miles of any COG institution), Zones B and C (concentric rings with distances from a COG institution of >10-25 miles and >25-50 miles, respectively), and Zone D (area outside of 50 miles). RESULTS The adolescent cancer death rate was highest in Zone A at 3.21 deaths/100,000, followed by Zone B at 3.05 deaths/100,000, Zone C at 2.94 deaths/100,000, and Zone D at 2.88 deaths/100,000. The United States-wide death rate for whites without Hispanic ethnicity, blacks without Hispanic ethnicity, and persons with Hispanic ethnicity was 2.96 deaths/100,000, 3.10 deaths/100,000, and 3.26 deaths/100,000, respectively. Zone A had high levels of poverty (15%), no health insurance coverage (16%), and no vehicle access (16%). CONCLUSIONS Geographic access to COG institutions, as measured by distance alone, played no evident role in death rate differences across zones. Among adolescents, socioeconomic factors, such as poverty and health insurance coverage, may have a greater impact on cancer mortality than geographic distance to COG institution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Tai
- Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Elaine Hallisey
- Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Geospatial Research, Analysis, and Services Program, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Lucy A. Peipins
- Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Barry Flanagan
- Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Geospatial Research, Analysis, and Services Program, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Natasha Buchanan Lunsford
- Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Grete Wilt
- Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Geospatial Research, Analysis, and Services Program, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Shannon Graham
- Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Geospatial Research, Analysis, and Services Program, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
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Viola A, Mitchell HR, Salner A, Gillan E, Rotatori J, Cartmel B, Santacroce S, Ma X, Kadan-Lottick N. Survivorship Care Preferences: A Pilot Study of Young Adults With Cancer. Clin J Oncol Nurs 2017; 21:E71-E78. [PMID: 29658261 DOI: 10.1188/17.cjon.e71-e78] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Background Adolescents and young adults (AYAs) face increased risk for physical, social, and cognitive late complications of cancer therapy. Strategies are needed to better engage AYAs in survivorship research. Objectives This study aimed to determine the feasibility of enrolling AYAs within six months of diagnosis to a survivorship study and assess their health concerns and survivorship care preferences. Methods Patients aged 15–34 years who were diagnosed with leukemia, lymphoma, or sarcoma at three Connecticut hospitals from 2008–2011 were identified and recruited by mail. Participants and their physicians received a survivorship care plan. Participants completed surveys at 6 months and 18 months after diagnosis. Findings Recruiting AYAs to survivorship research remains challenging, even when approaching them soon after diagnosis. Novel strategies are needed for nurses and other healthcare team members to engage AYAs in survivorship care and research.
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Isenalumhe LL, Fridgen O, Beaupin LK, Quinn GP, Reed DR. Disparities in Adolescents and Young Adults With Cancer. Cancer Control 2017; 23:424-433. [PMID: 27842332 DOI: 10.1177/107327481602300414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer care for adolescents and young adults (AYAs) focuses on the care of patients aged 15 to 39 years. Historically, this group has favorable outcomes based on a preponderance of diagnoses such as thyroid cancers and Hodgkin lymphoma. Improvements in outcomes among the AYA population have lagged behind compared with younger and older populations. METHODS We discuss and review recent progress in AYA patient care and highlight remaining disparities that exist, including financial disadvantages, need for fertility care, limited clinical trial availability, and other areas of evolving AYA-focused research. RESULTS Survival rates have not improved for this age group as they have for children and older adults. Disparities are present in the AYA population and have contributed to this lack of progress. CONCLUSIONS Recognizing disparities in the care of AYAs with cancer has led many medical specialty disciplines to improve the lives of these patients through advocacy, education, and resource development. Research addressing barriers to clinical trial enrollment in this population, quality-of-life issues, and the improvement of survivorship care is also under way.
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Chuk MK, Mulugeta Y, Roth-Cline M, Mehrotra N, Reaman GH. Enrolling Adolescents in Disease/Target-Appropriate Adult Oncology Clinical Trials of Investigational Agents. Clin Cancer Res 2016; 23:9-12. [PMID: 27780857 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-16-1367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2016] [Revised: 09/21/2016] [Accepted: 09/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The enrollment of adolescents with cancer in clinical trials is much lower than that of younger pediatric patients. For adolescents with "adult-type" cancers, lack of access to relevant trials is cited as one of the reasons for this discrepancy. Adolescents are generally not eligible for enrollment in adult oncology trials, and initial pediatric trials for many drugs are conducted years later, often after the drug is approved. As a result, accrual of adolescents to these trials may be slow due to off-label use, prospectively collected safety and efficacy data are lacking at the time of initial approval, and, most importantly, these adolescents have delayed access to effective therapies. To facilitate earlier access to investigational and approved drugs for adolescent patients with cancer, and because drug exposure is most often similar in adolescents and adults, we recommend the inclusion of adolescents (ages 12-17) in disease- and target-appropriate adult oncology trials. This approach requires careful monitoring for any differential safety signals, appropriate pharmacokinetic evaluations, and ensuring that ethical requirements are met. Inclusion of adolescents in adult oncology trials will require the cooperation of investigators, cooperative groups, industry, institutional review boards, and regulatory agencies to overcome real and perceived barriers. Clin Cancer Res; 23(1); 9-12. ©2016 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meredith K Chuk
- Office of Hematology and Oncology Products, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland.
| | - Yeruk Mulugeta
- Office of Clinical Pharmacology, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland
| | - Michelle Roth-Cline
- Office of Pediatric Therapeutics, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland
| | - Nitin Mehrotra
- Office of Clinical Pharmacology, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland
| | - Gregory H Reaman
- Office of Hematology and Oncology Products, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland
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Ferrari A, Rondelli R, Pession A, Mascarin M, Buzzoni C, Mosso ML, Maule M, Barisone E, Bertolotti M, Clerici CA, Jankovic M, Fagioli F, Biondi A. Adolescents with Cancer in Italy: Improving Access to National Cooperative Pediatric Oncology Group (AIEOP) Centers. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2016; 63:1116-9. [PMID: 26914476 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.25954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2015] [Accepted: 01/28/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
This analysis compared the numbers of patients treated at Italian pediatric oncology group (Associazione Italiana Ematologia Oncologia Pediatrica [AIEOP]) centers with the numbers of cases predicted according to the population-based registry. It considered 32,431 patients registered in the AIEOP database (1989-2012). The ratio of observed (O) to expected (E) cases was 0.79 for children (0-14 years old) and 0.15 for adolescents (15-19 years old). The proportion of adolescents increased significantly over the years, however, from 0.05 in the earliest period to 0.10, 0.18, and then 0.28 in the latest period of observation, suggesting a greater efficacy of local/national programs dedicated to adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Ferrari
- Pediatric Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori, Milano, Italy
| | - Roberto Rondelli
- Pediatric Oncology and Hematology Unit "Lalla Seràgnoli,", University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Andrea Pession
- Pediatric Oncology and Hematology Unit "Lalla Seràgnoli,", University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Maurizio Mascarin
- Pediatric Radiotherapy Unit, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico, Aviano, Italy
| | - Carlotta Buzzoni
- Clinical and Descriptive Epidemiology and Registries Unit, ISPO-Cancer Research and Prevention Institute, Florence, Italy
| | - Maria Luisa Mosso
- Childhood Cancer Registry of Piedmont, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Italy
| | - Milena Maule
- Childhood Cancer Registry of Piedmont, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Italy
| | - Elena Barisone
- Pediatric Onco-Hematology, Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy Division, Regina Margherita Children's Hospital, Torino, Italy
| | - Marina Bertolotti
- Pediatric Onco-Hematology, Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy Division, Regina Margherita Children's Hospital, Torino, Italy
| | - Carlo Alfredo Clerici
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology, Psychology Section, Faculty of Medicine, University of Milan, Milano, Italy
| | - Momcilo Jankovic
- Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Department and "Tettamanti" Research Centre, Milano-Bicocca University, "Fondazione MBBM," San Gerardo Hospital, Monza, Italy
| | - Franca Fagioli
- Pediatric Onco-Hematology, Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy Division, Regina Margherita Children's Hospital, Torino, Italy
| | - Andrea Biondi
- Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Department and "Tettamanti" Research Centre, Milano-Bicocca University, "Fondazione MBBM," San Gerardo Hospital, Monza, Italy
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Hay AE, Rae C, Fraser GA, Meyer RM, Abbott LS, Bevan S, McBride ML, Cuvelier GDE, McKillop S, Barr RD. Accrual of adolescents and young adults with cancer to clinical trials. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016; 23:e81-5. [PMID: 27122988 DOI: 10.3747/co.23.2925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Cancer is the most common disease-related cause of death in 15- to 29-year-olds in Canada [...]
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Affiliation(s)
- A E Hay
- Canadian Cancer Trials Group and Department of Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, ON
| | - C Rae
- McMaster University, Hamilton, ON
| | - G A Fraser
- Department of Oncology, McMaster University, and the Juravinski Hospital and Cancer Centre, Hamilton, ON
| | - R M Meyer
- Department of Oncology, McMaster University, and the Juravinski Hospital and Cancer Centre, Hamilton, ON
| | - L S Abbott
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, ON
| | - S Bevan
- Canadian Cancer Society, Toronto, ON
| | - M L McBride
- BC Cancer Agency, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC
| | - G D E Cuvelier
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, University of Manitoba, and CancerCare Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB
| | - S McKillop
- Department of Pediatrics, Alberta Health Services, Calgary, AB
| | - R D Barr
- Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON
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Roth ME, O'Mara AM, Seibel NL, Dickens DS, Langevin AM, Pollock BH, Freyer DR. Low Enrollment of Adolescents and Young Adults Onto Cancer Trials: Insights From the Community Clinical Oncology Program. J Oncol Pract 2016; 12:e388-95. [PMID: 27026648 PMCID: PMC4960459 DOI: 10.1200/jop.2015.009084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Stagnant outcomes for adolescents and young adults (AYAs; 15 to 39 years old) with cancer are partly attributed to poor enrollment onto clinical trials. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) Community Clinical Oncology Program (CCOP) was developed to improve clinical trial participation in the community setting, where AYAs are most often treated. Further, many CCOP sites had pediatric and medical oncologists with collaborative potential for AYA recruitment and care. For these reasons, we hypothesized that CCOP sites enrolled proportionately more AYAs than non-CCOP sites onto Children's Oncology Group (COG) trials. METHODS For the 10-year period 2004 through 2013, the NCI Division of Cancer Prevention database was queried to evaluate enrollments into relevant COG studies. The proportional enrollment of AYAs at CCOP and non-CCOP sites was compared and the change in AYA enrollment patterns assessed. All sites were COG member institutions. RESULTS Although CCOP sites enrolled a higher proportion of patients in cancer control studies than non-CCOP sites (3.5% v 1.8%; P < .001), they enrolled a lower proportion of AYAs (24.1% v 28.2%, respectively; P < .001). Proportional AYA enrollment at CCOP sites decreased during the intervals 2004 through 2008 and 2009 through 2013 (26.7% v 21.7%; P < .001). CONCLUSION Despite oncology practice settings that might be expected to achieve otherwise, CCOP sites did not enroll a larger proportion of AYAs in clinical trials than traditional COG institutions. Our findings suggest that the CCOP (now the NCI Community Oncology Research Program) can be leveraged for developing targeted interventions for overcoming AYA enrollment barriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael E Roth
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY; National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD; Helen DeVos Children's Hospital at Spectrum Health, Grand Rapids, MI; University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX; University of California, Davis; and University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Ann M O'Mara
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY; National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD; Helen DeVos Children's Hospital at Spectrum Health, Grand Rapids, MI; University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX; University of California, Davis; and University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Nita L Seibel
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY; National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD; Helen DeVos Children's Hospital at Spectrum Health, Grand Rapids, MI; University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX; University of California, Davis; and University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
| | - David S Dickens
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY; National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD; Helen DeVos Children's Hospital at Spectrum Health, Grand Rapids, MI; University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX; University of California, Davis; and University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Anne-Marie Langevin
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY; National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD; Helen DeVos Children's Hospital at Spectrum Health, Grand Rapids, MI; University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX; University of California, Davis; and University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Brad H Pollock
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY; National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD; Helen DeVos Children's Hospital at Spectrum Health, Grand Rapids, MI; University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX; University of California, Davis; and University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
| | - David R Freyer
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY; National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD; Helen DeVos Children's Hospital at Spectrum Health, Grand Rapids, MI; University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX; University of California, Davis; and University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
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Abstract
Adolescent and young adult (AYA) patients with cancer are a unique category of patients who, depending on age at time of diagnosis, might receive treatment from oncologists specializing either in the treatment of children or adults. In the USA, AYA oncology generally encompasses patients 15-39 years of age. AYA patients with cancer typically present with diseases that span the spectrum from 'paediatric' cancers (such as acute lymphoblastic leukaemia [ALL] and brain tumours) to 'adult' tumours (such as breast cancer and melanoma), as well as cancers that are largely unique to their age group (such as testicular cancer and bone tumours). Research indicates that outcomes of AYA patients with cancer are influenced not only by the treatment provided, but also by factors related to 'host' biology. In addition to the potential biological and cancer-specific differences between AYAs and other patients with cancer, AYA patients also often have disparate access to clinical trials and suffer from a lack of age-appropriate psychosocial support services and health services, which might influence survival as well as overall quality of life. In this Review, these issues are discussed, with a focus on two types of AYA cancer--ALL and melanoma--highlighting findings arising from the use of emerging technologies, such as whole-genome sequencing.
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