TSJCI Annual Report 2021

Trinity St James’s Cancer Institute Annual Report 2021 7 Section 1.0 Clinical Care Section 1.1 Adolescent and Young Adult Cancers Programme (AYA) AYA cancers are a distinct group, and tend to represent a mix of typically paediatric and adult cancers. The most common cancer in AYA patients are leukaemias, lymphomas, and central nervous system tumours. They are known to be biologically different to children’s and older adult cancers, but this still isn’t fully understood. This might be because we have poor clinical trial rates for this age group, globally and so there is still much to understand. Cancer as an AYA is very unlikely – only about 200 cases in those aged 16-24 years every year in Ireland. Survival rates are improving but we need to focus more on finding best treatments, predicting cancer in this age group and providing tailored services in the acute setting as well as in survivorship and in palliative and end of life care. AYA cancer is very rare, but unfortunately it does happen. There are many challenges that come with a cancer diagnosis in adolescence and young adulthood. Remembering the young person first, is vital to providing appropriate support. AYA patients are strong, intelligent and have their own voice. We need to partner with AYA’s and their families to make their priorities ours too. 1.1.1 Key Priorities for the Adolescent and Young Adult Cancers Programme for 2022 • The designation of adult cancer centres associated with the national AYA cancer network. St James’s Hospital is delighted to be part of this national network, alongside University Hospital Galway, Cork University Hospital and Children’s Health Ireland at Our Lady’s Hospital in Crumlin. • In 2022 we will continue to work on developing the service, holding MDT clinics, opening of AYA beds and designing in conjunction with AYA patients. This is due to open in Q2, 2022. The team in TSJCI and the Academic Health Science Director in collaboration with HOPE directorate leads and AYA consultant Dr Scheryll Alken have partnered with the local Guinness Enterprise Centre to launch a new clinic for AYA patients. This will commence on 29 th June 2022 and will be a young person focused and inter-professional clinic.