Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Program

• Acute lymphoblastic leukemia
• Acute myeloid leukemia
• Chronic myeloid leukemia

• Hodgkin lymphoma

• Non-Hodgkin lymphoma

Treatments are customized to meet each patient’s individual needs. Depending on the diagnosis, treatment may include chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and/or clinical trials, as well as novel cellular therapies and bone marrow transplants for patients over 18.

Our AYA program features a team of oncologists, surgeons, pathologists, and radiation oncologists who work together to plan individualized treatment for patients with sarcomas—solid tumors that can develop in bone, muscle, or soft tissue.

Our comprehensive Brain Tumor program is dedicated to caring for young patients with brain tumors and brain cancer. Our multidisciplinary experts collaborate on treatment plans to ensure patients benefit from access to the latest and least invasive options, all tailored to their unique needs.

When radiation is recommended as a part of treatment, patients benefit from access to the latest advances in radiation oncology. From innovative techniques in traditional radiation therapy to state-of-the-art CyberKnife^Ⓡ treatment and proton therapy, our experts offer highly targeted radiation therapies designed to improve treatment effectiveness and minimize short and long-term side effects.

Genetic testing and counseling can help AYA patients and their families understand inherited cancer risks, equipping them with critical information that can help inform treatment decisions.

Life-saving cancer treatments can affect fertility for both young men and women. We aim to educate our patients about the latest cancer treatments while keeping their future family goals in mind. Through fertility risk assessments, we help patients understand potential risks to their reproductive health, provide guidance on fertility preservation options, and refer to local fertility specialists.

Patients in the AYA program have access to the latest clinical trials and innovative care options. These treatment options may significantly improve the quality of care and outcomes for young people.

Cancer care continues even after treatment ends. Through our Survivorship Clinic, we provide patient education and ongoing support for long-term follow-up care, management of side effects, and post-cancer support. Our goal is to promote a healthy, fulfilling future for our patients.

Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy can help young cancer patients cope with challenges like pain and fatigue, both during and after treatment. We make it easy to access personalized cancer rehabilitation services through the MedStar National Rehabilitation Network.

From disease diagnosis to long-term survivorship, our approach fully embraces the concept of cura personalis—caring for the whole person. We frequently assess the physical, social, and emotional needs of our patients, their families, and their caregivers. Our goal is to ensure easy access to specialized support services that enhance well-being and reduce side effects of treatment. These services include:

• Integrated Medicine Services, such as:
  • Acupuncture
  • Massage therapy
  • Mind-body medicine, including meditation, biofeedback, and guided imagery 
  • Physical therapy and occupational therapy
  • Yoga
• Arts and Humanity program, offering music, expressive writing, dance, and visual arts
• Nutrition guidance and support
• Psychosocial resources, including mental health counseling and educational/career support

AYA is an acronym that stands for “Adolescents and Young Adults.” The National Cancer Institute defines the AYA population to include patients between the ages of 15 and 39. AYA patients with cancer face unique challenges and our program was created to optimize the care, outcomes, and experiences for AYA patients at our cancer center.

Your multidisciplinary care team includes:

• Board-certified pediatric hematologists-oncologists
• Radiation oncologists
• Surgeons
• Psychiatrists
• Oncology nurse practitioners
• Certified oncology nurses
• Clinical research associates
• Clinical social workers
• Art therapists
• Nutritionists
• Patient advocates
• Chaplains
• And others

We work as a team to develop and implement individualized treatment plans based on each patient’s diagnosis and unique circumstance. Our approach is collaborative, comprehensive, and compassionate.

To learn more about our Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Hematology/Oncology program, please contact Annie Jeffries at MGUH-AYAProgram@medstar.net or 202-444-9711.