A clinical review by Dr Saif Ahmad, Cambridge Cancer Centre Research Fellow based at the MRC Cancer Unit, and colleagues at Addenbrooke’s Hospital (Dr Marika Reinius, Dr Helen Hatcher and Dr Thankamma Ajithkumar) examines the late effects of anticancer chemotherapy in teenagers and young adults (TYAs).
Their findings are published in the British Medical Journal this week.
In the UK, almost 2,500 teenagers and young adults are diagnosed with cancer each year and although more than 80% of these patients are cured of their disease, their quality of life can be significantly affected by long term drug-related side effects such as infertility, cardiovascular disease, second cancers, fatigue and psychosocial problems.
At present, there are few standardised guidelines detailing the screening and management of these conditions, some of which are listed in the image below.
The article, aimed at non-specialist clinicians, provides an evidence-based review on the prevalence of and causative factors associated with these late effects and highlights how best to identify and manage them.
Dr Ahmad said: "Our review is focused specifically at GPs and other non-cancer specialists, providing them with practical information and guidance on how best to prevent, identify and treat these complications."
This includes making sure that teenagers and young adults are aware of the potential long-term effects of their treatment and how to manage them.
To minimise the impact of potential long term effects, teenage and young adult cancer survivors may be given lifestyle advice to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, offered routine cancer screening or referred to fertility preservation services.
Reference:
Anticancer chemotherapy in teenagers and young adults: managing long term side effects
Saif S Ahmad, academic specialist registrar in clinical oncology, Marika AV Reinius, core medical trainee, Helen M Hatcher, consultant medical oncologist, Thankamma V Ajithkumar, consultant clinical oncologist
BMJ 2016;354:i4567
