Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 9, 2026

Therapeutic Massage for Psychological Well-being in Geriatric Oncology
Published on: May 22, 2026
Current issues in adolescent and young adult cancer survivorship
Hatem Soliman1, Samuel V Agresta
1Sarcoma Program, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612, USA. hatem.soliman@moffitt.org
Background:
Overall, the survival rate for cancer patients has continued to improve over the past several decades. However, those aged 15 to 29 years have not experienced the same improvements in survival. This review explores some of the challenges faced by adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer patients and their survivorship needs.
Methods:
Using the OVID Medline database from 1966 to present, a variety of search terms including "adolescent," "young adult," and "cancer survivorship" were entered. Articles related to those obtained by the search were also collected. Additional data were obtained from the SEER database AYA monograph, the Childhood Cancer Survivorship Study, the Report of the Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology Progress Review Group, and the Long-Term Follow-Up Recommendations of the Children's Oncology Group.
Results:
Cancer patients in this age-group are at increased risk for second malignancies, cardiotoxicity, and reproductive difficulties. Few data exist concerning intellectual and other psychosocial issues for this specific patient population.
Conclusions:
More research is needed to develop accurate data on treatment and survivorship for AYA patients. A separate cancer discipline focusing on improving outcomes in treatment and survivorship among AYA patients should be developed in major academic cancer centers.
Related Concept Videos
Cancer Survival Analysis
Treatment Resistant Cancers
Treatment Resistent Cancers
Cancer 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...
Cancer 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...
Cancer Stem Cells and Tumor Maintenance
Cancer stem cells are thought to originate from tissue-specific normal stem cells or progenitor cells. The normal stem cells usually reside in...