Advancing cancer care for adolescents and young adults: the role of the European Network of Expertise
Summary
Adolescents and young adults (AYAs, aged 15-39 years at cancer diagnosis) are recognized as a distinct patient group with specific clinical and psychosocial needs requiring tailored care. This article presents the Network of Expertise (NoE) on AYAs with cancer developed through the Joint Action on Network of Expertise to strengthen AYA research and care across Europe. The NoE adopts a structured, collaborative approach aligning national and European Union — level goals, creating a platform for professionals, patient groups, and stakeholders to advance AYA cancer care, influence policy, and reduce disparities among member states. It also promotes cooperation between pediatric and adult oncology services to improve care throughout the cancer continuum. The article highlights the main challenges ahead and emphasizes that their successful resolution depends on shared commitment to collaboration―ultimately aiming to enhance outcomes and quality of life for AYAs with cancer.
Authors
1. Pediatric Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan; 2. Department of Oncology and Hemato-oncology, University of Milan, Milan; 3. Mesenchymal and Rare Cancer Medical Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan; 4. Evaluative Epidemiology Unit, Department of Epidemiology and Data Science, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy; 5. Department of Medical Oncology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; 6. Pediatric Onco-Hematology, Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy Division, Regina Margherita Children’s Hospital, Turin; 7. Department of Pediatric and Public Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy; 8. Pediatric Oncology Unit, Pediatric Cancer Center Barcelona, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain; 9. Gynecologic Oncology Department, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy; 10. Institute of Medical Research, University of Leeds, UK and Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, UK; 11. Adolescents and Young Adults Unit, Medical Oncology and SIREDO (Care, Innovation and Research for Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults with Cancer) Departments, Curie Institute, Paris; 12. Département de Cancérologie de l’Enfant et l’Adolescent, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France; 13. Cancer Center, Epidemiology and Public Health, Sciensano, Brussels, Belgium; 14. Azienda USL/IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy; 15. Department of Oncology, University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece; 16. University Hospital Essen, West German Cancer Center Essen, Board of Directors, Essen, North Rhine-Westphalia; 17. Department of Pediatrics III (Oncology, Hematology, Cardiology, Rheumatology, Pulmonology), University Hospital Essen, Essen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany; 18Childhood Cancer International