Enhancing Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology Research Within the National Clinical Trials Network: Rationale, Progress, and Emerging Strategies

Semin Oncol. 2015 Oct;42(5):740-7. doi: 10.1053/j.seminoncol.2015.07.012. Epub 2015 Jul 10.

Abstract

Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology (AYAO, including patients 15-39 years of age) is an emerging discipline in the field of cancer treatment and research. Poorer survival outcomes for this population and characteristic age-related challenges in care have called attention to the need for increased AYAO research. This chapter outlines pressing questions and reviews recent progress in AYAO research within the current organizational structure of the federal clinical trials enterprise, emphasizing how the United States National Cancer Institute's National Clinical Trials Network (NCTN) has created novel opportunities for collaborative AYAO research among the pediatric and adult NCTN groups. Potential strategies for expanding AYAO research, both within the NCTN and with other partners in the federal and advocacy domains are identified.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Biomedical Research*
  • Cooperative Behavior*
  • Humans
  • Medical Oncology*
  • National Cancer Institute (U.S.)
  • Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Pediatrics*
  • Transition to Adult Care
  • United States
  • Young Adult