Young Cancer Patients Research Articles

I was only sixteen.

This short piece describes a new project developed by the adolescent patients with cancer involved in the Youth Project at the Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori in Milan, Italy. This is a scheme dedicated to young cancer patients with the dual aim of optimizing medical aspects of their care and promoting a holistic approach to their needs. "I was only sixteen" is a ballad, written in English by the patients, that became a song with the help of professional musicians (and among them international star Tony Hadley, former frontman of Spandau Ballet). This song sounds like hymn to life for teenagers with cancer in the world. It emphasizes again the value of giving young patients novel creative ways to express themselves.

Identification of subgroups of patients with gastrointestinal cancers based on symptom severity and frequency: A latent profile and latent class analysis

PurposeIdentify subgroups of patients with gastrointestinal cancer with different frequency and severity of symptoms and assess differences in demographics, clinical characteristics, and degree of interference with daily life. MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study. A total of 202 patients with gastrointestinal cancers completed the Chinese version of the MD Anderson Symptom Inventory for Gastrointestinal Cancer Module by convenience sampling. Subgroups of patients were identified using latent profile analysis and latent class analysis. Chi-squared, Mann-Whitney-U, and Kruskal-Wallis tests assessed differences among subgroups. ResultsIn terms of symptom severity, low (70.3%), Moderate (13.4%), and high (16.3%) classes were identified. Compared with the other two classes, the Moderate group had a higher proportion of patients with a history of tobacco and alcohol, esophageal cancer, and gastric cancer (P < 0.05). In terms of symptom frequency, all -high (57.9%), high physical symptoms (9.9%), and all-low (32.2%) classes were identified. All-high groups had a younger age and a higher proportion of patients with cancer stage IV (P < 0.05). The high group had the most interference with daily life in both perspectives (P < 0.001), and psycho-emotional symptoms were frequent and severe. ConclusionsThe two perspectives of symptom severity and frequency can play a complementary role in identifying high-risk groups. Clinical practitioners should strengthen psychological interventions in young and advanced cancer patients and provide pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical interventions for dysphagia symptoms in esophageal and gastric cancer patients with a history of tobacco and alcohol.

Development of the Together - Teens&20s microsite, an online resource for adolescent and young adult cancer patients

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to explore the information needs and preferences of adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer patients to guide next steps for development of a new online resource for this audience. The goals were to understand information needs, prioritize topic areas, and inform website design and functionality. MethodsParticipants were AYA cancer patients ages 13–25 years. We used multiple methods in two phases to gather audience feedback. The first phase collected quantitative data in an electronic survey (n = 45) about AYA patients' internet use and content preferences. The second phase collected qualitative data through focus groups (n = 13) about user preferences for content design and website function. ResultsSurvey results showed AYA patients were more interested in content about how treatments would impact their lives rather than the treatments themselves. They preferred content on school, careers, relationships, independence, side effects, and fertility. The focus groups indicated AYA patients prefer a clean, stylish design; infographics and visual aids; and the ability to find information quickly and control the amount they read. ConclusionsOnline resources represent an important opportunity to advance cancer education for AYA patients. However, it is important to consider the information needs and preferences of this audience in content design and delivery. InnovationPractitioners should use stakeholder input to guide the creation of patient education resources that are age- and audience-appropriate. This study provides insights into AYA information needs and preferences in pediatric oncology.

Strategies for recruitment and retention of adolescent and young adult cancer patients in research studies.

We conducted a literature review to identify commonly used recruitment and retention strategies in research among adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer survivors 15-39 years of age and examine the effectiveness of these strategies based on the reported recruitment and retention rates. We identified 18 publications published after 2010, including 14 articles describing recruitment strategies and four articles discussing retention strategies and addressing reasons for AYA cancer patients dropping out of the studies. In terms of recruitment, Internet and social networking strategies were used most frequently and resulted in higher participation rates of AYA cancer survivors compared to other conventional methods, such as hospital-based outreach, mailings, and phone calls. In terms of retention, investigators used monetary incentives in all four studies and regular emails in two studies. There was no association between the number of strategies employed and the overall recruitment (p = 0.09) and retention rates (p = 0.33). Future research and planned studies testing recruitment and retention strategies are needed to identify optimal, modern communication procedures to increase AYA participation and adherence. More education should be provided to AYAs to increase their knowledge of research studies and strengthen the connection between AYA cancer survivors and their health providers.

Risk of Therapy-Related Acute Myeloid Leukemia (t-AML) in Adolescent and Young Adults Cancer Patients Treated with Chemotherapy with or without Radiotherapy: A National Population-Based Cohort Study Using SEER Registry

INTRODUCTION The risk of treatment-related acute myeloid leukemia (t-AML) in adolescents and young adults (AYA) with first cancers treated with chemotherapy with or without radiation is not well characterized. We analyzed Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Result (SEER) data for the past 45-years (1975-2020) to identify the overall risk of t-AML in treated AYA cancer patients (pts) and by index cancer sites as well as latency periods. METHOD We analyzed NCI's SEER-8 registries. ICD-O-3/WHO-2008 codes were used to identify pts with index cancer types between the ages of 15-39 years (AYA), treated with either chemotherapy or radiotherapy, and with a subsequent diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) at least one year after index cancer, between January 1975 and December 2020. The risk of t-AML was estimated by standardized incidence ratio (SIR), defined as the ratio of observed t-AML-cases in the AYA-with-cancer, to the expected number of AML-cases in the matched general US population. A reference rate file for AML incidence in age, gender, race and calendar-year matched US population is available in SEERStat software. A Poisson distribution of observed t-AML was assumed for the calculation of 95% confidence intervals (CIs). A P-value &amp;lt;.05 was considered statistically significant. We stratified the risk of t-AML for index cancer types with ten or more pts, by attained-calendar-years, and latency at multiple time intervals (Table-1) from index cancer diagnosis. RESULT Among 102,879 AYA cancer pts eligible for analysis, 236 pts developed t-AML with SIR of 6.19 (95%CI: 5.43-7.04, P &amp;lt;.05) with excess risk of 1.46 per-10000 person-years (pyrs). (Table-1). We stratified risk for index cancer types with at least ten patients developing t-AML, these included breast, Hodgkin lymphoma (HL), non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), testicular, thyroid, bone and joint, and soft tissue including heart. As a general trend, risk of t-AML was highest during 1-3 years after index cancer diagnosis compared to subsequent latency periods. However, risk for t-AML was significantly greater than the matched-general US population even after 20-40 years of breast cancer, HL, and NHL (Table-1). When stratified by attained calendar-year periods (1975-1985, 1986-1995, 1996-2005, 2006-2015, 2016-2020), risk for t-AML was higher than general population in all time periods. However, overall SIR was comparatively lower for recent time periods, particularly lowest during 2016-2020 [SIR: 3.49 (2.51-4.72, P &amp;lt;.05)]. Notably, the highest risk for t-AML in 2016-2020 was observed with index cancer of soft tissue including heart [SIR: 10.12 (1.23-36.57), P &amp;lt;.05]. CONCLUSION In this study spanning between 1975-2020, we observed the risk of t-AML trending down among AYA in recent years, albeit higher than the age matched general population. The risk of t-AML remained significantly elevated even after 20-40 from diagnosis of breast cancer, HL and NHL. Since these pts likely received radiation and older (higher intensity) chemotherapy based-regimens, it is essential to analyze the long-term impact of newer therapies for these cancers and assess the risk of t-AML in future studies.

Sexual Behaviors and Intimate Relationships of Sexual Partners of Young Patients with Early-Stage Cervical Cancer: A Qualitative Study.

This study aimed to explore the sexual behaviors and intimate relationships of sexual partners of young patients with cervical cancer. This study employed a descriptive phenomenological research design, which falls within the realm of qualitative research methods. Qualitative research typically utilizes interview techniques for gathering participants' experiences, perceptions, and behaviors. This study conduct face-to-face semi-structured interviews with the sexual partners of 15 young cervical cancer patients receiving cancer treatment to collect their experiences and perspectives on intimate relationships and sexual behavior with cervical cancer patients, and use the Colaizzi method for data analysis. Four themes were identified through the interview analysis: (1) reduction or absence of sexual behavior, (2) unpleasant sexual experiences, (3) adjustment of intimate relationships, and (4) lack of sexual health education. The sexual partners of young cervical cancer patients have experienced significant shifts in their perspectives on sexual behavior and intimate relationships. These changes include reduction or absence of sexual behavior, unpleasant sexual experiences, adjustment of intimate relationships, and lack of sexual health education. Hospitals should pay more attention to the sexual behavior and intimate relationships of patients with cervical cancer and their sexual partners, and social support systems and psychological and emotional counselling services should be established for providing relevant knowledge and guidance.

Rotationplasty outcomes assessed by gait analysis following resection of lower extremity bone neoplasms

AimsThe standard of surgical treatment for lower limb neoplasms had been characterized by highly interventional techniques, leading to severe kinetic impairment of the patients and incidences of phantom pain. Rotationplasty had arisen as a potent limb salvage treatment option for young cancer patients with lower limb bone tumours, but its impact on the gait through comparative studies still remains unclear several years after the introduction of the procedure. The aim of this study is to assess the effect of rotationplasty on gait parameters measured by gait analysis compared to healthy individuals.MethodsThe MEDLINE, Scopus, and Cochrane databases were systematically searched without time restriction until 10 January 2022 for eligible studies. Gait parameters measured by gait analysis were the outcomes of interest.ResultsThree studies were eligible for analyses. Compared to healthy individuals, rotationplasty significantly decreased gait velocity (-1.45 cm/sec; 95% confidence interval (CI) -1.98 to -0.93; p &lt; 0.001), stride length (-1.20 cm; 95% CI -2.31 to -0.09; p &lt; 0.001), cadence (-0.83 stride/min; 95% (CI -1.29 to -0.36; p &lt; 0.001), and non-significantly increased cycle time (0.54 sec; 95% CI -0.42 to 1.51; p = 0.184).ConclusionRotationplasty is a valid option for the management of lower limb bone tumours in young cancer patients. Larger studies, with high patient accrual, refined surgical techniques, and well planned rehabilitation strategies, are required to further improve the reported outcomes of this procedure.Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2023;4(11):817–824.

Early skeletal muscle loss in adolescent and young adult cancer patients treated with anthracycline chemotherapy.

Early skeletal muscle loss has been observed in adolescent and young adult (AYA) sarcoma patients undergoing treatment. Identification of individuals within the AYA populace that are at greatest risk of anthracycline-induced skeletal muscle loss is unknown. Moreover, investigations which seek out underlying causes of skeletal muscle degradation during chemotherapy are critical for understanding, preventing, and reducing chronic health conditions associated with poor skeletal muscle status. Computed tomography (CT) scans were used to investigate changes in skeletal muscle of 153 AYA sarcoma and Hodgkin lymphoma patients at thoracic vertebra 4 after anthracycline treatment. Images were examined at three time points during the first year of treatment. In parallel, we used translational juvenile mouse models to assess the impact of doxorubicin (DOX) in the soleus and gastrocnemius on muscle wasting. Significant reductions in total skeletal muscle index and density were seen after chemotherapy in AYA cancer patients (p < 0.01 & p = 0.04, respectively). The severity of skeletal muscle loss varied by subgroup (i.e., cancer type, sex, and treatment). Murine models demonstrated a reduction in skeletal muscle fiber cross-sectional area, increased apoptosis and collagen volume for both the soleus and gastrocnemius after DOX treatment (all p < 0.05). After DOX, hindlimb skeletal muscle blood flow was significantly reduced (p < 0.01). Significant skeletal muscle loss is experienced early during treatment in AYA cancer patients. Reductions in skeletal muscle blood flow may be a key contributing factor to anthracycline doxorubicin induced skeletal muscle loss.

Patient Reported Fatigue Among Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Patients Compared to Non-Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer patients and survivors are a growing population due to more frequent diagnoses and improved survival. Fatigue is a common symptom experienced by cancer patients and it is often missed by health care professionals. Patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) can assist in evaluating patient reported fatigue. This systematic review aims to determine if AYA cancer patients report more fatigue than AYAs who have not been diagnosed with cancer. We used a subset of articles from a larger review that searched PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, and PsycINFO to determine which PROMs and domains are currently being used to evaluate AYA cancer. This study identified 175 articles related to PROMs in the AYA cancer population. Articles with PROMs reporting on fatigue/vitality were used in this review. From the original 175 articles, we identified 8 fatigue/vitality articles for this review. All eight articles found an increase in fatigue/decrease in vitality in the AYA cancer population compared to healthy controls. A meta-analysis was performed on four articles that used the same PROM tool (EORTC QLQ-C30). This found a statistically significant and clinically meaningful increase in mean fatigue of 12.5 95% confidence interval: 3.3-21.8 points (scale 0-100, higher number indicates more fatigue) in the AYA cancer group compared to healthy noncancer controls. Fatigue in the AYA cancer population is a significant issue, it is often undetected and underreported, and early interventions are needed to prevent the negative subsequent sequelae.

Sexual health outcomes among adolescent and young adult cancer patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Sexual health outcomes (SHO), which entail the physical, emotional, mental, and social impacts, are an important consideration for adolescent and young adults (AYA, ages 15-39) affected by cancer. The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to summarize the current literature and evaluate AYA cancer impact on SHO. EMBASE and MEDLINE were searched from January 1, 2000 to September 28, 2022 to identify epidemiologic studies that used an analytic observational design, included individuals with AYA cancer and non-cancer control participants, and evaluated SHO. Odds ratios and prevalence ratios were calculated; random effects models were used to obtain pooled measures where possible. Of 2621 articles, 8 were included that investigated 23 SHO in 9038 AYA cancer patients. Based on the sexual response cycle, outcomes were categorized as those occurring among males (desire = 1, arousal = 1, orgasm = 4, other = 3) and females (desire = 2, arousal = 1, orgasm = 2, pain = 6, other = 3). It was feasible to conduct meta-analysis for 3 female SHO and 5 male SHO. There were associations between AYA cancer and 3 SHO: vaginal dryness (pooled odds ratio = 3.94; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.02 to 7.70), ejaculatory dysfunction (pooled odds ratio = 3.66; 95% CI = 2.20 to 6.08), and testosterone level (pooled mean difference = -2.56 nmol/liter; 95% CI = -3.46 to -1.66; P = .00001). This study found increased ejaculatory dysfunction and reduced testosterone levels in male AYA cancer patients and increased vaginal dryness in female AYA cancer patients, highlighting the need for sexual health resources in this population.

1694MO Socio-economic consequences among adolescent and young adult cancer patients: A European perspective

1694MO Socio-economic consequences among adolescent and young adult cancer patients: A European perspective

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor as a biomarker in cancer-related cognitive impairment among adolescent and young adult cancer patients

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) improves cognitive function by stimulating neurogenesis and neuroplasticity. We hypothesize that higher plasma BDNF levels are protective against cognitive toxicity among adolescent and young adult cancer patients (15–39 years old). In a prospective, longitudinal study, we recruited 74 newly diagnosed cancer and 118 age-matched non-cancer controls who completed the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB), Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Cognitive Function questionnaire (FACT-Cog) and blood draws. Plasma BDNF was quantified using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Genomic DNA from buffy coat was genotyped for BDNF Val66Met. Most cancer participants were diagnosed with breast (24%) and head/neck (22%) cancers. After adjusting for sociodemographic variables (age, gender, race, marital status, education years), cancer participants had lower BDNF levels (ng/mL) at baseline (median: 10.7 vs 21.6, p < 0.001) and 6-months post-baseline (median: 8.2 vs 15.3, p = 0.001) compared to non-cancer controls. Through linear mixed modelling adjusted for sociodemographic variables, baseline cognition, fatigue, psychological distress, and time, we observed that among cancer participants, lower baseline BDNF levels were associated with worse attention (p = 0.029), memory (p = 0.018) and self-perceived cognitive abilities (p = 0.020) during cancer treatment. Met/Met was associated with enhanced executive function compared to Val/Val (p = 0.012). Plasma BDNF may serve as a predictive biomarker of cancer-related cognitive impairment.

Neural Invasion is an Independent Prognostic Factor in Young and Lymph Node Negative Gastric Cancer Patients Underwent Curative Gastrectomy

Background The prognostic significance of neural invasion (NI) in gastric cancer (GC) has not been established. This study is to investigate the characteristic and prognostic value of NI in GC. Methods 592 patients who had undergone gastrectomy for GC were retrospectively analyzed. NI was defined when cancer cells infiltrated into the perineurium or neural fascicles by hematoxylin and eosin staining of surgical specimens. NI and the other clinical factors were analyzed. Results NI was detected in 270 of the 592 patients. NI was associated with tumor size, site, depth of invasion, lymph node metastasis, TNM stage, D dissection, tumor differentiation, Lauren classification, and blood vessel invasion. NI was associated with the overall survival. Multivariate analysis indicated that NI was not an independent prognostic factor for total patients, while NI independently predicted prognosis for age < 60 and lymph node metastasis negative patients by subgroup analysis. Concomitant existence of NI with tumor size ≥3cm, TNM stage III, or diffused Lauren classification independently predicted prognosis. Conclusions The frequency of NI is high in GC patients and increases with disease progression. NI is related to poor survival in GC patients who underwent curative gastrectomy and provides independent prognostic value for young and lymph node metastasis negative patients.

Evaluation of the spectrum of genetic variations in young cancer patients presenting to the tertiary cancer centre

Background: Aim of the study was to evaluate the spectrum of genetic variations in young cancer patients presenting to the tertiary cancer center Methods: All newly diagnosed patients with cancer presenting to medical oncology OPD at continental hospitals between November 2021 till July 2023 were analyzed. Multigene panel testing (56 genes) by next-generation sequencing was performed for all patients. Demographics and clinical characters were represented using descriptive statistics. The Chi-square test was used to compare the cohorts of Mutations vs. non mutations. Results: A total of 130 cancer patients were screened and 70 were recruited in the study, which had complete set of clinical details available. Median age of Cohort is 41.9±6.6 years and for females it is 43.6±6.8 years and males it is 40.5±7.3, with males presenting at approximately 3 years earlier than females (p=0.12), which is not statistically significant. Male female ratio is 1.2:1, which is much less compared to Globocon statistics of cancer in India. A total of 47% (33/70) subjects had some mutation and approximately 16% (11/70) had variance of unknown significance and 32% (22/70) patients had pathogenic variants. The commonest cancer is breast followed by colon and prostate. Conclusions: Younger cancer patients presenting with atypical symptoms harbor more frequent germ line mutations, than expected. In view of the low cost, standardized and wide availability of the germ line analysis, it’s preferred to offer the test, wherever clinically relevant. This can help for better education, screening and early intervention, that ultimately help improve the cancer statistics in healthier directions.

Risk factors for post-traumatic stress disorder among young and middle-aged cancer patients in the intensive care unit: A case-control study.

Young and middle-aged cancer patients in intensive care unit (ICU) often suffer from stress and pressure, causing huge physical and mental damage. Currently, there is few research on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among young and middle-aged cancer patients in ICU in China, and the psychological status of patients who have experienced both cancer development and ICU stay is still unclear. To explore the risk factors for PTSD in young and middle-aged patients with cancer in ICU. Using convenient sampling method, we enrolled 150 young and middle-aged patients with cancer who were admitted to the ICU of our center during the period from July to December 2020. The general data of the patients and PTSD-related indicators were collected. The Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R) was used for assessing PTSD one month after the discharge from the ICU. Binary Logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the independent risk factors for PTSD in these patients. Among these 150 patients, 32 (21.33%) were found to be with PTSD. Binary Logistic regression analysis revealed that factors significantly associated with PTSD among young and middle-aged patients with cancer in ICU included monthly income (OR = 0.24, P = 0.02), planned transfers (OR = 0.208, P = 0.019), and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE II) score (OR = 1.171, P = 0.003). The low monthly income, unplanned transfers, and increased APACHE II score are the risk factors for PTSD in young and middle-aged patients with cancer in ICU.

Fertility Preservation in Children and Adolescents during Oncological Treatment-A Review of Healthcare System Factors and Attitudes of Patients and Their Caregivers.

Oncofertility is any therapeutic intervention to safeguard the fertility of cancer patients. Anti-cancer therapies (chemotherapy, radiation therapy, etc.) entail the risk of reproductive disorders through cytotoxic effects on gamete-building cells, especially those not yet fully developed. This literature review analyzes the available data on securing fertility in pediatric and adolescent populations to identify the methods used and describe aspects related to financing, ethics, and the perspective of patients and their parents. Topics related to oncofertility in this age group are relatively niche, with few peer-reviewed articles available and published studies mostly on adults. Compared to pubertal individuals, a limited number of fertility preservation methods are used for prepubertal patients. Funding for the procedures described varies from country to country, but only a few governments choose to reimburse them. Oncofertility of pediatric and adolescent patients raises many controversies related to the decision, parents' beliefs, having a partner, ethics, as well as the knowledge and experience of healthcare professionals. As the fertility of young cancer patients is at risk, healthcare professionals should make every effort to provide them with an opportunity to fulfill their future reproductive plans and to have a family and offspring. Systemic solutions should form the basis for the development of oncofertility in pediatric and adolescent populations.

Proton Therapy in the Adolescent and Young Adult Population.

Adolescent and young adult cancer patients are at high risk of developing radiation-associated side effects after treatment. Proton beam radiation therapy might reduce the risk of these side effects for this population without compromising treatment efficacy. We review the current literature describing the utility of proton beam radiation therapy in the treatment of central nervous system tumors, sarcomas, breast cancer and Hodgkin lymphoma for the adolescent and young adult cancer population. Proton beam radiation therapy has utility for the treatment of certain cancers in the young adult population. Preliminary data suggest reduced radiation dose to normal tissues, which might reduce radiation-associated toxicities. Research is ongoing to further establish the role of proton therapy in this population. This report highlights the potential utility of proton beam radiation for certain adolescent young adult cancers, especially with reducing radiation doses to organs at risk and thereby potentially lowering risks of certain treatment-associated toxicities.

Prevalence and spectrum of cancer predisposition germline mutations in young patients with the common late-onset cancers.

Pathogenic germline variants (PGVs) can play a vital role in the oncogenesis process in carriers. Previous studies have recognized that PGVs contribute to early onset of tumorigenesis in certain cancer types, for example, colorectal cancer and breast cancer. However, the reported prevalence data of cancer-associated PGVs were highly inconsistent due to nonuniform patient cohorts, sequencing methods, and prominent difficulties in pathogenicity interpretation of variants. In addition to the above difficulties, due to the rarity of cases, the prevalence of cancer PGV carriers in young cancer patients affected by late-onset cancer types has not been comprehensively evaluated to date. A total of 131 young cancer patients (1-29 years old at diagnosis) were enrolled in this study. The patients were affected by six common late-onset cancer types, namely, lung cancer, liver cancer, colorectal cancer, gastric cancer, renal cancer, and head-neck cancer. Cancer PGVs were identified and analyzed. based on NGS-based targeted sequencing followed by bioinformatic screening and strict further evaluations of variant pathogenicity. Twenty-three cancer PGVs in 21 patients were identified, resulting in an overall PGV prevalence of 16.0% across the six included cancer types, which was approximately double the prevalence reported in a previous pancancer study. Nine of the 23 PGVs are novel, thus expanding the cancer PGV spectrum. Seven of the 23 (30.4%) PGVs are potential therapeutic targets of olaparib, with potential implications for clinical manipulation. Additionally, a small prevalence of somatic mutations of some classic cancer hallmark genes in young patients, in contrast to all-age patients, was revealed. This study demonstrates the high prevalence of PGVs in young cancer patients with the common late-onset cancers and the potentially significant clinical implications of cancer PGVs, the findings highlight the value of PGV screening in young patients across lung cancer, liver cancer, colorectal cancer, gastric cancer, renal cancer, or head-neck cancer.

Fertility preservation in male cancer patients. Counseling and reproductive outcomes.

Introduction: Advances in cancer treatments have determined an increase in survival rates. However, these lifesaving therapies may have a negative impact on reproductive health. To diminish the infertility risk; different fertility preservation strategies have been designed. Sperm freezing is the gold standard fertility preservation method in the case of post-pubertal men. The main objective of this study is to evaluate the fertility status of Uruguayan male cancer survivors who have gone through sperm freezing, as well as to assess oncofertility counseling received by these patients. Methods: This is a descriptive, cross-sectional, observational, and transversal study. A survey was conducted on male cancer survivors who cryopreserved sperm between 1985 and 2021 in "Reprovita Lab and Biobank" which is the only sperm bank in this country. Results: One hundred thirty-five participants answered the survey. At the time of diagnosis, the mean age of patients was 28.8 ± 6.4 years old. Testicular was the most frequent type of cancer (64%). Only, 12% (n = 15) already had children at the time of diagnosis. Among the interviewed survivors, 50% (n = 62) attempted to conceive after cancer treatment, and 68% (n = 42) achieved natural pregnancy. Patients who did not achieve spontaneous conception (n = 11), used their cryopreserved samples, and 45.4% achieved pregnancy. About 86% (n = 107) of survivors believed that the timing of oncofertility referrals was appropriate and 97% considered that having the possibility of protecting their fertility was very important. Eighty percent (n = 101), were advised by their attending physicians, 14% (n = 18) sought advice from family members or friends, and 4% (n = 5) from oncofertility specialists. Discussion: To our knowledge, this is the first study evaluating the reproductive outcomes of male cancer survivors in our country and the region. Most of the interviewed survivors considered fertility preservation as a positive initiative, independent of their reproductive outcomes, reflecting the importance of fertility preservation counseling as one of the most important aspects for futurequality of life of young cancer patients.

Psychosexual functioning in cancer survivorship: What the pediatric oncologist needs to know.

Sexual health may be disrupted in adolescents and young adults (AYAs) both during and after cancer treatment, irrespective of whether they are diagnosed in childhood, adolescence, or young adulthood. Unfortunately, oncology providers often underestimate the relevance of psychosexual issues for AYAs and underprioritize sexual health throughout treatment and survivorship. The purpose of this narrative review is to provide information on (a) the etiology of psychosexual dysfunction in childhood, adolescent, and young adult cancer patients and young adult survivors of childhood cancer; (b) strategies for communicating and evaluating potential sexual health issues of AYA patients/survivors; and (c) guidance for the practicing pediatric oncologist on how to address sexual health concerns with patients.