Weill Cornell Medicine has been awarded a five-year, $5 million grant from the National Cancer Institute (NIH) to investigate support strategies for adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer survivors.
Approximately 80,000 people aged 15-39 are diagnosed with cancer annually in the US.
Study Scope and Background
Due to medical advances, over 2 million young survivors are alive today. The study aims to build a cohort of 2,000 AYA survivors in New York City.
Research will focus on the long-term effects of newer treatments (e.g., biologics, immunotherapies), as well as fertility, sexual health, and financial stress.
Methodology
- A mobile app will be developed for data collection, including surveys, sensor data, and activity/sleep patterns.
- Participants may provide biological samples and electronic medical record data.
- The app may also facilitate community building and supportive care strategies.
Leadership
- Principal investigator: Dr. Shoshana Rosenberg (associate professor, Weill Cornell).
- Co-principal investigators: Dr. Danielle Friedman (Memorial Sloan Kettering) and Jeanine Genkinger (Columbia University).
Goal
The researchers aim to identify patients at risk for long-term complications, develop earlier interventions, and improve supportive care for this growing population.