Cancer in Adolescents and Young Adults (2^nd Ed., 2nd ed. 2016) Pediatric Oncology Series

This is the second edition of the only book to be devoted exclusively to the total cancer picture in adolescents and young adults (AYA), now expanded from the age range 15-29 to that of 15?39 years. For each of the diverse spectrum of cancers encountered in the AYA group, the epidemiology, natural progression, diagnostic approaches, and treatment options are described, with special emphasis on strategies for early detection and prevention. Comparison is made with management of both younger and older patients, and model programs are presented that address common diagnostic, staging, treatment, and psychosocial shortcomings in the AYA group. Detailed attention is also paid to principles and practices of care, with consideration of psychosocial and quality of life issues, social support systems, rehabilitation, late effects, insurance, and economic aspects of health care, among other topics. The authors make compelling arguments for integrated strategies that allow young adults to benefit from the combined expertise of pediatric and adult oncologists in systems that identify both the complex disease and the social issues specific to this population. 

The proposed models of care include relationships with other specialties that do not specifically target this age group, i.e., infectious disease, endocrinology, pulmonary medicine, nephrology, gastroenterology, thoracic and abdominal surgery, urology, otolaryngology, and neurosurgery. New patterns of communication are advocated and endorsed as essential for productive interaction involving these specialties. References are extensive and are oriented toward users in pediatric hematology-oncologymedical oncology, radiation oncology, surgical oncology, gynecologic oncology, oncology nursing, psycho-oncology, social work, epidemiology, public health and health services research. The contributing authors are from the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Italy, France, Israel, Switzerland and Australia, Germany, Japan and the Netherlands.p>

Introduction.- History of Adolescent Oncology.- Epidemiology and Etiology of Cancer in Adolescents and Young Adults.- Access to Care Before and During Therapy.- Older Adolescents and Young Adults with Cancer, and Clinical Trials: Lack of Participation and Progress in North America.- Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.-  Acute Myelogenous Leukemia.- Hodgkin Lymphoma.- N on-Hodgkin Lymphoma.- Central Nervous System Tumors in Adolescents and Young Adults.- Soft-Tissue Sarcomas.- Bone Sarcomas.- Malignancies of the Ovary.- Testicular Tumors.- Non-Germ-Cell Genitourinary Tract Tumors.- Thyroid Cancer.- Malignant Melanoma.- Breast Cancer.- Liver Tumors.- Colorectal Cancer.- Models of Care and Specialized Units.- Drug Compliance by Adolescent and  Young Adult Cancer Patients: Challenges for the Physician.- Psychological Support for Adolescents and Young Adults.- Psychosocial Support.- Health-Related Quality of Life.- Rehabilitation and Exercise.- Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Survivors: Late Effects of Treatment.-Ethical Issues for the Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Patient: Assent and End-of-Life Care.- Access to Care after Therapy.- Information  and Resources for Young Adults and Adolescents with Cancer.- Making Ends Meet: Financial Issues from the Perspectives of Patients and Their Healthcare Team.- Challenges and Opportunities –The Way Ahead.

Archie Bleyer, MD, became interested in AYA oncology in the mid 1990s when he became aware that the progress in cancer he had personally witnessed in children had not occurred in adolescents. As Chair of the Children’s Cancer Group, he formed the CCG AYA Committee and in 1999, had the U.S. National Cancer Institute (NCI) conduct a workshop on the topic. Dr. Bleyer subsequently engaged in a national AYA oncology initiative the Children’s Oncology Group, NCI Cancer Therapy Evaluation Program, U.S. President’s Cancer Panel, American Society of Clinical Oncology, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, and the Aflac Foundation. The initiative has since been joined by U.S. NCI Director’s Office, Teens Living with Cancer (13 to Thirty), the LiveStrong Young Adult Alliance, the Critical Mass Young Adult Cancer Alliance, Teenage Cancer Trust, Planet Cancer, CanTeen, Teen Impact, CancerCare, Young Survival Coalition, multiple cancer centers in the U.S., Australia, and Europe, and Sigma-Tau, Jazz and Baxalta Pharmaceuticals. All this was facilitated by what he learned from >$75 million research grants over the years that he has had the privilege to administer as a  Principal Investigator. He is a Clinical Research Professor in Radiation Medicine and The Knight Cancer Institute at the Oregon Health and Science University and founder of DEFEATcancer of the St. Charles Health System in Central and Eastern Oregon.

In 2014, he received the Critical Mass Trailblazer Awardin Young Adult Oncology and in 2015 the American Society of Clinical Oncology Special Recognition Award, the Distinguished Alumnus Award from the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, and the Archie Bleyer Aflac Young Investigator Award in AYA Oncology from the Children’s Oncology Group. Prior awards include the American Society of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Distinguished Career Award, the American

Provides detailed guidance on the diagnosis and treatment of cancers encountered in adolescents and young adults, aged 15–39

Emphasizes the role of integrated strategies

Makes comparisons with management of both younger and older patients

Discusses principles and practices of care