"Juvenile" oncology--a missing subspecialty. The experience of a reference cancer centre.
BACKGROUND
Despite unique tumor epidemiology and a higher cancer incidence compared to pediatric patients, adolescents and young adults have not been receiving specialized, multidisciplinary, centralized care. In an effort to emphasize this need, we present outcome and toxicity data from a reference centre.


METHODS
Cohort of 150 patients aged 15-30 treated for malignant tumors of lymphoid and solid organs from 1986 to 2002.


RESULTS
Patients aged 15-19 commonly had lymphomas, germ cell tumors and pediatric sarcomas, whereas those aged 20-30 experienced germ cell tumors, lymphomas, melanomas and epithelial tumors more often. Overall 5- and 10-year survival was 80%, whereas 5-year and 10-year time to treatment failure was 68% and 43.5% respectively. 24% of patients experienced persistent, late treatment-related toxicities that interfered with their normal lifestyle.


CONCLUSIONS
Despite the need for specialized care, psychosocial support and enrollment in clinical trials, youngsters have not been recognized as a patient group with distinct needs. Development of "Juvenile" oncology is required.
Pentheroudakis
George
G
Department of Medical Oncology, Ioannina University Hospital, Greece.
Mauri
Davide
D
Kostadima
Lida
L
Golfinopoulos
Vassilis
V
Alexiou
George
G
Karakatsanis
Anestis
A
Pavlidis
Nicholas
N
D000046:Academic Medical Centers / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects; D002173:Cancer Care Facilities / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003953:Diagnosis-Related Groups; D005260:Female; D006115:Greece / Q000453:epidemiology; D006785:Hospitals, University / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D033183:Interdisciplinary Communication; D008297:Male; D008495:Medical Oncology; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D010348:Patient Care Team; D010372:Pediatrics; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology; D011788:Quality of Life; D011878:Radiotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012944:Social Support; D016019:Survival Analysis; D015996:Survival Rate
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents