Cancer treatment reviews
-
Cancer treatment reviews · Nov 2007
ReviewParticipation of adolescents with cancer in clinical trials.
Adolescent patients with cancer reside in a "no-man's land" between the world of pediatric oncology and that of "adult" medical oncology. As compared to younger and older patients, adolescents and young adults are under-represented on clinical trials. This relative lack of participation in clinical protocols has been associated to a lack of progress in survival improvement over the last years. ⋯ This solution, however, is probably appropriate for the tumor, but not necessarily for the patient. Adolescents are neither old children nor young adults, and are very complicated individuals, with unique socio-psychological problems and needs, that may be addressed only by dedicated professionals, adequately trained and supported. The ultimate challenge is the development of a new discipline, adolescent/teenage and young adult oncology, devoted to the care of these patients.