Advancing cancer care for adolescents and young adults: the role of the European Network of Expertise
Adolescents and young adults (AYAs, aged 15-39 years at cancer diagnosis) are recognized as a distinct patient group with specific clinical and psychosocial needs requiring tailored care. This article presents the Network of Expertise (NoE) on AYAs with cancer developed through the Joint Action on Network of Expertise to strengthen AYA research and care across Europe. The NoE adopts a structured, collaborative approach aligning national and European Union-level goals, creating a platform for professionals, patient groups, and stakeholders to advance AYA cancer care, influence policy, and reduce disparities among member states. It also promotes cooperation between pediatric and adult oncology services to improve care throughout the cancer continuum. The article highlights the main challenges ahead and emphasizes that their successful resolution depends on shared commitment to collaboration-ultimately aiming to enhance outcomes and quality of life for AYAs with cancer.
Authors
- Fedro A. Peccatori (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8227-8740)
- A. Trama
- H. A. Poirel
- C. Larrosa
- A. Kienesberger
- Jack D. Morgan (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9122-9403)
- K. Rizvi
- Emmanouil Saloustros (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0485-0120)
- Nathalie Gaspar (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1827-8903)
- Enrico Franceschi (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9332-4677)
- Dan Stark (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6172-733X)
- Fabienne Van Aelst (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0009-5182-6463)
- A. Ferrari
- S. Provenzano
- V. Laurence
- O. Husson
- W. van der Graaf
- C. Schneider
- A.C. Heredia (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3678-1657)
- P. Quarello
- U. Dirksen
- P. Casali
- C. Prampolini
- U. Kosir
- M. Fiorente
- I. Murphy (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0001-8326-4524)
Institutions
- Hospital Sant Joan de Déu Barcelona (ES)
- Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust (GB)
- Institut Gustave Roussy (FR)
- The Netherlands Cancer Institute (NL)
- European Society for Paediatric Oncology (BE)
- University Hospital of Larissa (GR)
- Essen University Hospital (DE)
- Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna (IT)
- Ospedale Regina Margherita (IT)
- Sciensano (Belgium) (BE)
- Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori (IT)
- European Institute of Oncology (IT)
- Institut Curie (FR)
Publication Details
- Journal
- ESMO Open
- Published
- 2026-09-19
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.esmoop.2026.108542
- Primary Topic
- Childhood Cancer Survivors' Quality of Life
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00
Funders
- European Commission