A groundbreaking Ohio State program will change cancer care and research for patients aged 50 and under. Along with rising rates of young adult (ages 18-39) and early-onset cancers (ages 18-50) comes an increased need for specialized care, support and research focused on unique issues faced by younger patients, including fertility concerns, family and career commitments and more. Historically, treatment of people with young adult and early-onset cancers has reflected existing standards for pediatric or older adult counterparts, which isn’t always the most effective way to meet patients’ specific needs. “Young adult and early-onset patient populations may have different cancer biology,” says Sara Myers, MD, PhD, a surgeon-scientist at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC – James). “They tend to have more advanced and aggressive cancers and need innovative, personalized treatment approaches.” That need for innovation is driving a new initiative at Ohio State, where Myers is teaming up with orthopedic oncologist John Alexander, MD, to co-lead the OSUCCC – James’ BRIDGE Program (Building Research Innovation and Care Delivery for Groups with Young Adult and Early-Onset Cancers). The program improves care coordination by connecting patients with the expertise and resources they need before, during and after treatment. It is a signature initiative of the administration of OSUCCC – James CEO W. Kimryn Rathmell, MD, PhD, who championed early-onset cancer efforts during her tenure as director of the National Cancer Institute. “Many of these patients are navigating cancer while also building careers or raising young children,” Rathmell says. “Cancer brings emotional, financial and physical stress. The BRIDGE Program will provide comprehensive services and support to streamline that journey, with the goal of improving outcomes.” Get the details of the OSUCCC – James’ new BRIDGE Program for young adult and early-onset cancer. A new approach to early-onset cancer care While research has led to significant progress in many areas of oncology — including increased survival rates — a concerning trend has been emerging: a rise in diagnoses of some cancers in patients aged 18-50. This new problem led to a change in approach for Myers and Alexander, who were already focused on improving care and support for younger cancer patients. “The BRIDGE program started as a reinvigoration of our existing adolescent and young adult (AYA) program (ages 18-39),” Alexander says. “We realized that we’re seeing an alarming increase in rates of new cancer diagnoses in patients through age 50 in Ohio and across the country.” As the new program took shape, Myers, Alexander and their colleagues focused increasingly on coordination. “Unlike traditional programs that address clinical excellence, advocacy and research according to cancer type, our program integrates these components into a single, cohesive framework to give our patients the best possible care throughout their cancer journeys, not just isolated treatment encounters,” Myers says. All OSUCCC – James patients aged 18-50 will be offered BRIDGE Program services early in their cancer journeys, which will improve access to fertility counseling, genomic testing and other important components of comprehensive care. Click here to learn more about comprehensive cancer care, research and support at the OSUCCC – James. Increasing early-onset cancer research Along with specialized care and support for today’s patients (including the OSUCCC – James’ existing AYA and JamesCare for Life programs) the new BRIDGE Program will help create tomorrow’s early-onset cancer treatments through research grants funded by Pelotonia. “Pilot research grants provide scientists with the early funding needed to gather data, test bold ideas and — when those ideas show promise — compete for larger grants to advance the work,” Rathmell says. “We are creating the catalyst that moves these discoveries forward.” The two-year grants — administered through the OSUCCC – James Intramural Research Program — will encourage research into outcomes, tumor biology, genetics and care delivery for younger cancer patients. The emphasis on research is an important part of the BRIDGE Program’s “umbrella” approach, which will improve outcomes for younger patients while also prioritizing a reduction of diagnoses in the future through cancer screening and prevention “This is a trend we can’t ignore or approach with yesterday’s playbook,” Rathmell says. “Drs. Myers and Alexander were inspired by the patients they cared for, and they brought this innovative concept forward. “Our goal is to ensure people affected by these cancers help shape this program, and that it sparks engagement across the OSUCCC – James, the university and our broader community. That is how we create lasting change for younger adults facing cancer.” Click here to learn more about oncology innovation at the OSUCCC – James.