New guidelines for young oncology patients (AYA)

The AYA (Adolescent and Young Adult) population is the term used in oncology for patients between the ages of 15 and 39. These individuals, although formally no longer children, often do not fit into adult treatment standards either. Their health, social and psychological needs are unique - so they require an approach that addresses issues such as education, career planning, family formation, as well as the impact of treatment on fertility and long-term health outcomes.

A Polish team of experts has developed an adaptation of the US NCCN guidelines to the conditions of the national health care system. The document focuses primarily on the period after completion of oncological treatment - it includes recommendations on patient follow-up, prevention of side effects of therapy and psychosocial support.

What are the NCCN guidelines?

The guidelines developed by the US-based National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) are among the most frequently updated and detailed clinical documents in the world. Created on the basis of solid scientific evidence and broad expert consensus, they are the standard of oncology care in the US, Canada and Western Europe, among others. Their goal is to provide each patient with the best possible treatment - effective, accessible and patient-centered.

Thanks to the NCCN's cooperation with the National Institute of Oncology - National Research Institute (NIO-PIB), it was possible to prepare a Polish version of the document adapted to:

• the reimbursements in force in Poland and the benefits available,
• National organizational and clinical standards,
• up-to-date scientific data.

Relevance of AYA guidelines to clinical practice

The new recommendations fall into the category of supportive care, rather than diagnostic and therapeutic care. This means that their main goal is to improve patients' quality of life after treatment and prevent the long-term consequences of the disease and therapy. They take into account, among other things, the need for mental health monitoring, support in returning to social life, and education on fertility and secondary cancer prevention.

The adaptation was carried out by a team of specialists led by Prof. Jan Styczynski, in cooperation with the National Monitoring Center, which serves as the coordinator of the process of adapting and updating the guidelines within the National Cancer Network.

Comprehensive care in practice - AYA clinic in Warsaw

A specialized AYA outpatient clinic is now in operation at the National Institute of Oncology in Warsaw, providing care in accordance with the new guidelines. This is a step toward better, more personalized and comprehensive care for young oncology patients in Poland.

The full guidelines are available here → Guidelines for the diagnostic and therapeutic management of cancer patients in the Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology (AYA) population.

Source: NIO