An interdisciplinary team from the University Hospitals of Leipzig and Dresden and the National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT/UCC) Dresden has carried out a comprehensive analysis of over 13,000 publications and developed 32 recommendations for long-term, efficient and tailor-made follow-up care for adolescents and young adults (AYA, 15–39 years) with cancer. The study, published in the Journal of Cancer Survivorship, aims to fill gaps in knowledge about the long-term effects of cancer therapies in this age group.

Cure rates in young cancer patients are high, but the intensive therapies carry risks of long-term physical and psychological side effects. In contrast to pediatric oncology, where individual aftercare is established, AYAs lack systematic data on optimal aftercare. The variety of diagnoses and treatments makes it difficult to develop uniform standards. The new review provides a sound basis for oncologists and general practitioners to ensure the health and quality of life of those affected, avoid unnecessary examinations and detect secondary diseases at an early stage. In particular, the psychological stress after cancer is emphasized as a central aspect.

The study was conducted as part of the consortium of the “LE-Na” study, which has been developing and evaluating Germany-wide structures for the long-term aftercare of children and adolescents with cancer since 2023. The interdisciplinary team of oncologists, psychologists, a pulmonologist and a gynecologist emphasizes the need for holistic aftercare that takes into account both medical and psychosocial needs.

At the NCT/UCC Dresden , the services for young cancer patients are continuously expanded. An AYA guide supports patients between the ages of 16 and 28 with a contact person their age who promotes exchange with their peers. This is often difficult in everyday hospital life, as AYAs are often divided between paediatric and adult wards. In the long term, the aim is to set up a separate AYA ward for patients aged 15 and over in order to combine cutting-edge medicine with optimal psychological and social support.

The Transition Outpatient Clinic, a cooperation between the Clinic for Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, the Medical Clinic I and the Sonnenstrahl e.V. association, serves as a contact point for young patients who reach adulthood during therapy or need aftercare after the end of treatment. This outpatient clinic supports the transition from paediatric oncology to adult medicine and promotes active follow-up care. The aim is to detect long-term side effects and relapses at an early stage and treat them effectively.

The recommendations and structures from the study provide a basis for the further development of aftercare and could significantly shape future research in this area.

Editor: X-Press Journalistenbüro GbR

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