Adolescents and Young Adults (AYAs)
AYAs, defined by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) as ages 15-39
years, are a vulnerable group in cancer care due to biologic and genetic
differences, as well as risk factors that uniquely impact health and QOL
outcomes, including concerns related to clinical trial access and
enrollment, reproductive and sexual health, socioeconomic hardship, and
mental health/psychosocial functioning.17 Through BSC
liaison work with COG’s AYA Committee, cross-network collaboration with
AYA investigators in medical oncology, and involvement in specific task
forces, the BSC is poised to help address gaps in supportive care AYA
research.
Given BSC expertise in QOL and patient-reported outcome (PRO)
measurement, the BSC liaison was invited to join the National Clinical
Trials Network (NCTN) AYA PRO Task Force formed in 2020. This task force
yielded an AYA PRO core battery to assess health-related QOL and
study-specific symptom burden, with recommended time points from study
entry into survivorship.18 Inclusion and evaluation of
the implementation of this battery in AYA clinical trials is underway.
BSC members also have significant expertise in psychosocial development;
thus, members are represented on the Sexual Health Task Force (SHTF) of
COG’S AYA Committee. This task force aims to identify knowledge gaps and
prioritize research questions to improve the quality of sexual health
care for AYAs. The SHTF conducted a scoping review of sexual health
among AYA cancer survivors that highlighted the post-treatment burden of
sexual dysfunction and negative impact of cancer on romantic
relationships and body image.19 The SHTF also
conducted a COG-wide survey of pediatric oncologists and advanced
practice providers that suggested a need for provider education on AYA
sexual health assessment, management, and
communication.20 Following the approach of the AYA PRO
Task Force, the SHTF created a sexual health PRO battery with potential
sexual health study endpoints for future inclusion in COG and
cross-network trials. Future initiatives will focus on provider
education and AYA patient-focused interventions to improve
provider-patient sexual health communication and care.