60 Participants Needed

Survivorship Program for Young Adult Cancer Survivors

Age: 18 - 65
Sex: Any
Trial Phase: Academic
Sponsor: Mayo Clinic
No Placebo GroupAll trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

This clinical trial studies the effectiveness of a group curriculum in improving survivorship outcomes in adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer survivors. Many AYA survivors typically do not feel prepared to re-enter "daily life" and would likely benefit from structured interventions to offer education and support in a timely manner as to prepare them for the challenges of life in survivorship. A 6-week group curriculum, designed to specifically meet the needs of AYA cancer survivors and facilitated by licensed social workers, may meet the unique needs of young adults who have survived a cancer diagnosis, and if so, the curriculum could be licensed and used across Mayo Clinic sites and potentially at other cancer centers nationwide.

Do I have to stop taking my current medications for this trial?

The trial protocol does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It seems focused on group support and education rather than medical treatment, so it's unlikely that you would need to change your medications.

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Group Curriculum for Improving Survivorship Outcomes in young adult cancer survivors?

Research shows that educational programs for young adult cancer survivors can significantly increase their knowledge about survivorship issues and available resources, which suggests that similar group curriculums could be effective in improving survivorship outcomes.12345

Is the Survivorship Program for Young Adult Cancer Survivors safe for humans?

The research articles do not provide specific safety data for the Survivorship Program for Young Adult Cancer Survivors, but they emphasize the importance of education and follow-up care to manage long-term effects of cancer treatment in young adults.13467

How is the Survivorship Program for Young Adult Cancer Survivors different from other treatments?

The Survivorship Program for Young Adult Cancer Survivors is unique because it focuses on educational and psychosocial support specifically tailored for young adult cancer survivors, addressing their distinct needs and challenges as they transition from cancer care to community care, unlike standard treatments that may not provide such targeted support.348910

Research Team

MA

Melody A Griffith, MSW, LISW

Principal Investigator

Mayo Clinic

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for young adults aged 18-39 who are cancer survivors, treated at Mayo Clinic Arizona with the intent to cure. They must have completed treatment within the last 6 months to 2 years, be able to attend six group sessions, and participate in a group setting. Excluded are those without internet or computer access, currently receiving cancer treatment, on hospice care, or with severe illnesses that could interfere with the study.

Inclusion Criteria

Is a patient of Mayo Clinic Arizona for oncologic care and/or follow-up
Ability to read/write/speak English
My treatment was aimed at curing my condition.
See 5 more

Exclusion Criteria

Not receiving care at Mayo Clinic Arizona
You are currently receiving hospice care.
Inability to read/write/speak English
See 5 more

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants attend a 6-week online group curriculum facilitated by oncology social workers, focusing on coping with cancer survivorship and discussing issues with peers

6 weeks
6 online sessions

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in quality of life and well-being after completing the curriculum

4 weeks

Treatment Details

Interventions

  • Group Curriculum
Trial OverviewThe trial tests a 6-week group curriculum aimed at improving life after cancer for adolescent and young adult survivors. Facilitated by licensed social workers, it offers education and support tailored to their unique needs post-treatment. The effectiveness of this program will determine its potential use across Mayo Clinic sites and possibly other centers.
Participant Groups
1Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Group I: Supportive Care (group curriculum)Experimental Treatment6 Interventions
Participants attend an online group facilitated by two oncology social workers and receive information regarding coping with cancer survivorship as a young adult, as well as discuss survivorship issues/concerns with peers.

Find a Clinic Near You

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Mayo Clinic

Lead Sponsor

Trials
3,427
Recruited
3,221,000+

National Cancer Institute (NCI)

Collaborator

Trials
14,080
Recruited
41,180,000+

Findings from Research

Only 9.5% of adolescent and young adult cancer survivors demonstrated complete knowledge of their required surveillance testing, despite attending a survivorship clinic, indicating a significant gap in awareness.
Younger age at the survivorship visit was linked to better knowledge of testing needs, suggesting that earlier education and follow-up may improve understanding among survivors.
Knowledge of Required Medical Surveillance Among Adolescent and Young Adult Survivors of Childhood Cancer.Goode, E., Shah, D., Ver Hoeve, ES., et al.[2022]
Adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer survivors face specific long-term challenges and risks related to their treatment and disease, which can significantly impact their quality of life.
An interprofessional survivorship clinic has been developed to address the unique needs of AYA cancer survivors aged 18-39, aiming to provide tailored support and care for this population.
Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Survivors: Development of an Interprofessional Survivorship Clinic.Colabroy, D.[2021]
The ACCESS AYA program effectively increased health literacy and communication between adolescent and young adult cancer survivors and healthcare providers, as indicated by a high mean effectiveness rating of 4 out of 5 from participants.
The evaluation identified key themes such as survivor wellbeing and the importance of professional education, highlighting the need for ongoing resources to support AYA cancer survivors in managing their long-term health after treatment.
Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Survivorship Educational Programming: A Qualitative Evaluation.Vollmer Dahlke, D., Fair, K., Hong, YA., et al.[2020]

References

Knowledge of Required Medical Surveillance Among Adolescent and Young Adult Survivors of Childhood Cancer. [2022]
Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Survivors: Development of an Interprofessional Survivorship Clinic. [2021]
Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Survivorship Educational Programming: A Qualitative Evaluation. [2020]
Evaluation of a survivorship educational program for adolescent and young adult survivors of childhood cancer. [2019]
Evaluation of a transition to survivorship program for pediatric, adolescent, and young adult cancer patients and caregivers. [2023]
Limitations in health care access and utilization among long-term survivors of adolescent and young adult cancer. [2018]
Survivorship in adolescents and young adults. [2014]
Is the Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Survivor at Risk for Late Effects? It Depends on Where You Look. [2018]
"Struck down by cancer with no old life to fall back on" a clinical study of illness experiences among Norwegian adolescent and young adult cancer survivors investigating the ethical implications of their illness narratives. [2023]
10.United Statespubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Models of Cancer Survivorship Care for Adolescents and Young Adults. [2018]