Alexander Mayers
Research Mentor(s): Victoria Wytiaz
Mentor Department: School of LSA
Authors:
Session: Session 7 (4:00pm – 4: 50pm)
Presentation Type: Poster 67
Abstract
Abstract Adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with soft tissue sarcoma (STS) and bone sarcoma (BS)face unique psychosocial and medical challenges, underscoring the necessity for tailored palliative care (PC) within oncology. These patients often struggle with intensified stress and unmet psychosocial needs due to disrupted developmental milestones like identity formation and relationship-building. While PC has demonstrated its benefits in symptom management and emotional support, AYAs frequently associate it with end-of-life care, leading to underutilization. Furthermore, traditional oncology practices, typically focused on treatment progression, do not fully integrate PC’s patient-centered approach. This study aims to compare the structural organization and patient-centered elements of PC and oncology visits for AYA sarcoma patients through a mixed-methods approach, analyzing their combined contributions to improved quality of life. By evaluating both quantitative and qualitative aspects of care, the study seeks to develop a framework that integrates PC and oncology to address the complex, age-specific needs of AYAs with sarcoma.
