Treatment and Clinical Trials
"Cancer" is not a single disease with a one-size-fits-all approach to treatment. If possible, it’s important to be treated at a cancer center or medical center that specializes in treating the type of cancer you have. Adolescents or young adults with certain kinds of cancer may do better if treated with regimens tailored to younger children rather than those designed for older adults. Talk with your doctor about getting a second opinion and whether being treated on a clinical trial is a possibility.
Clinical trials are an important treatment option for cancer patients of all ages since they provide the most up-to-date treatments. Currently, only about 2 percent of patients 20 to 39 years old are treated in clinical trials, compared with more than 60 percent of children under the age of 15. Survival rates for pediatric cancer have increased dramatically in the last few decades. Participation of more adolescents and young adults in clinical trials will help improve treatment, survival, and understanding of the types of cancers that occur in patients in this age group.
Learn about different types of treatment and about clinical trials that may be an option for you.
The effect of treatment on fertility is a special concern for young cancer patients. An oncologist, a patient advocate, and young adult cancer survivors discuss options for preserving fertility, current research questions, and policy concerns.
On this page:
Biology of Cancers in Young Adults
Cancer Treatments
Clinical Trials
Fertility Issues
Find a Doctor or Treatment Facility
Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Biology of Cancers in Young Adults
- Uncovering the Biology of Cancers in Adolescents and Young Adults 3
Do cancers in teens and young adults have unique features?
Cancer Treatments
- Types of Treatment 4
Information on chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, and other cancer treatment methods. - PDQ® Cancer Information Summaries: Adult Treatment 5
Treatment options for adult cancers. - PDQ® Cancer Information Summaries: Pediatric Treatment 6
Treatment options for childhood cancers. - Care for Children and Adolescents with Cancer 7
A fact sheet about children's cancer centers and health care approaches, including clinical trials for children with cancer. - Late Effects of Treatment for Childhood Cancer (PDQ®)
[ patient ] 8 [ health professional ] 9
Expert-reviewed information summary about the health problems that continue or appear after cancer treatment has ended.
Clinical Trials
- Clinical Trials Offer a Path to Better Care for AYAs with Cancer 10
Researchers and navigators aim to boost AYA clinical trial enrollment to improve outcomes. - Overcoming Age Limits in Cancer Clinical Trials 11
Learn about the factors that influence the participation of adolescents and young adults in cancer clinical trials. (from the May 18, 2010, NCI Cancer Bulletin) - Improving the Treatment of Patients with Ewing Sarcoma: A Conversation with Dr. Mason Bond 12
Dr. Bond, a pediatric oncologist, encourages adolescents and young adults to get into clinical trials such as the one he leads for the treatment of Ewing sarcoma. (from the November 29, 2011, NCI Cancer Bulletin) - Cancer Clinical Trials 13
A fact sheet that describes types of clinical trials, who sponsors them, how they are conducted, how participants are protected, and who pays for the patient care costs associated with a clinical trial. - Should I Take Part in a Clinical Trial? 14
A discussion of the risks, benefits and participant protections associated with a patient's enrollment in a clinical trial. - Participating in a Trial: Questions to Ask Your Doctor 15
Anyone considering a clinical trial should feel free to ask questions. Here are some suggestions. - How to Find a Cancer Treatment Trial: A 10-Step Guide 16
This guide will help you to learn about cancer treatment trials that are of potential benefit to you and to decide whether to participate in a particular trial. - Search for Clinical Trials 17
NCI's List of Cancer Clinical Trials. - Clinical Trials and Insurance Coverage 18
Information about insurance coverage of the patient care costs associated with clinical trials. - States That Require Health Plans to Cover Patient Care Costs in Clinical Trials 19
A searchable list and map of U.S. states that require health plans to pay for the patient care costs associated with clinical trials. Key provisions are summarized.
Fertility Issues
- Preserving Fertility While Battling Cancer 20
Information about the potential impact of cancer treatment on the fertility of cancer patients and ways to address issues related to fertility preservation decisions. - Sexuality and Reproductive Issues (PDQ®)
[ patient ] 21 [ health professional ] 22
Expert-reviewed information summary about factors that may affect sexual functioning in people with cancer. Fertility issues related to cancer treatment are also discussed. - Sexuality and Reproductive Issues 23
Check for clinical trials about cancer treatment-related sexual function problems and treatment-related reproductive issues such as infertility.
Find a Doctor or Treatment Facility
- How To Find a Doctor or Treatment Facility If You Have Cancer 24
A fact sheet that offers suggestions for choosing a physician and facility for cancer treatment. - Teen Cancer Centers: A Conversation with The Who's Roger Daltrey 25
Learn about the benefits for teens with cancer if they receive treatment at centers designed to meet their needs, and see one rock star's role in supporting these centers. (from the March 6, 2012, NCI Cancer Bulletin) - NCI-Designated Cancer Centers 26
NCI-Designated Cancer Centers develop and translate scientific knowledge from promising laboratory discoveries into new treatments for cancer patients. They are at the forefront of NCI-supported efforts at universities and cancer research centers across the United States. Find a center near you and learn about their research capabilities and patient services. - Cancer Center Profiles 27
National Cancer Institute-Designated Cancer Centers published in the NCI Cancer Bulletin. - Map of Cancer Centers 28
Map of National Cancer Institute-Designated Cancer Centers
Complementary and Alternative Medicine
- Complementary and Alternative Medicine 29
Healing philosophies, approaches, and therapies used in complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in cancer care.