The SIOPE AYA Committee is currently undertaking several projects, including a collaboration with European Clinical Trial Groups on improving the inclusion of the AYA population in the clinical trials of each tumour entity as well as the development of an “AYA certificate” based on guidance and recommendations for caring for the AYA population. We hope to update the community about these initiatives at the SIOPE Annual Meeting 2024.
In the meantime, the “Caring for Adolescents and Young Adults (AYA) with Cancer - A Course by the SIOP Europe AYA Committee” was held online on 29-30 September 2023. The Course covered the challenges and unique needs of AYA with cancer, from diagnosis through treatment and long-term follow-up care, including psychosocial, social and financial issues. This Course was attended by 50 participants from various disciplines who care for AYA cancer patients and survivors. The participants heard from the AYAs themselves, learned from keynote speakers, and interacted with experts and each other while working on cases in small groups. Select recordings from the Course will be made available online and we hope to repeat this successful initiative again in the future.
The AYA Genomic session at the SIOPE Annual Meeting 2023 was a success and discussed the feasibility and clinical value of whole genome sequencing for AYA from cancer diagnostics to cancer predisposition. The SIOPE AYA Committee is making plans to organise another AYA-centered session at the SIOPE Annual Meeting 2024.
For more information about the SIOPE AYA Committee, visit here.