Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 7, 2026
Establishment of Cancer Stem Cell Cultures from Human Conventional Osteosarcoma
Published on: October 14, 2016
"Juvenile" oncology--a missing subspecialty. The experience of a reference cancer centre
George Pentheroudakis1, Davide Mauri, Lida Kostadima
1Department of Medical Oncology, Ioannina University Hospital, Greece.
Introduction:
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.
Conclusion:
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.
Related Concept Videos
02:56Treatment Resistant Cancers
02:56Treatment Resistent Cancers
02:49Cancer Therapies
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
02:49Cancer Therapies
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
01:22Bone Marrow Sampling and Transplants
The transplant begins with high doses of chemotherapy and radiation treatment, which aim to destroy the...
02:57Targeted Cancer Therapies
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...