Experience in the approach to adolescents with cancer in a multidisciplinary unit. Growing together

Over the past few years, there has been growing concern about the treatment and management of adolescents and young adults (AYA) with cancer, due to the unique characteristics of these patients transitioning to adulthood and the lack of progress in improving survival compared to younger patients. The main objective of the study is to analyze the epidemiology and overall survival of the adolescent patient cohort at Gregorio Marañón Hospital since the creation of the Adolescent Unit. A study was conducted in the Adolescent Unit of the Gregorio Marañón Hospital, analyzing epidemiology and survival. A total of 111 patients were included, with a wide variety of diagnoses, with lymphomas being the most frequent pathology. The 5-year survival rate was 73%. Pediatric treatment protocols were used in 77% of the patients, and fertility preservation techniques were performed in 25% of the cases.

The Adolescent Unit undertakes a multidisciplinary approach to adolescents and it is necessary to improve the factors that allow an increase in survival and quality of life.

• The increase in cancer survival among adolescent and young adult patients has been smaller than that observed in the pediatric population.

• Dedicated, multidisciplinary units are needed for the care of adolescent patients in order to improve management and survival in this population.