In the realm of oncology, nutrition often remains a silent yet pivotal factor influencing patient outcomes, particularly among adolescents and young adults (AYA) diagnosed with cancer. A new groundbreaking study set to unfold aims to fill the critical gap in understanding the intricate relationship between cancer treatment and nutritional status in this unique population. Adolescents and young adults face distinct challenges that impact their nutrition, physical development, and overall well-being during and after cancer therapy, a dimension that has remained largely underexplored until now.
Cancer treatment modalities such as chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery impose immense physiological stress, frequently disrupting optimal nutritional intake and absorption. For AYA patients, whose bodies are still undergoing essential growth and development, these disruptions can translate into significant complications. Malnutrition in this age group not only stymies physical growth but also compromises their immune system, potentially exacerbating treatment side effects and undermining recovery. Despite extensive research on nutrition-related issues in pediatric and older adult cancer populations, the nuances specific to AYA remain elusive—posing a challenge for clinicians aiming to provide tailored nutritional care.
To address this glaring knowledge gap, the AYCANN-study (Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Nutrition Project) introduces a comprehensive mixed-methods research approach. By integrating quantitative and qualitative methodologies across three interrelated sub-studies, researchers hope to capture a holistic picture of nutritional status, outcomes, and unmet needs following cancer diagnosis in AYA patients. This multipronged design enables the exploration of not only measurable changes in body composition and quality of life but also the subjective experiences of patients and healthcare professionals navigating nutrition care.
The first component of the study is a prospective observational investigation involving AYA individuals aged 15 to 25, newly diagnosed with any cancer type. This arm will track changes in critical parameters such as body weight, muscle mass and function, and overall nutritional status at four pivotal time points: at recruitment, and then 2, 4, and 6 months post-recruitment. Assessments will employ validated instruments including the Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment (PG-SGA) and mid-upper arm circumference measurements to evaluate malnutrition risk objectively. Additionally, hand-grip strength tests will serve as proxies for muscle function, while specific screening tools like the Patient Nutrition Screening Tool (PNST) or Malnutrition Screening Tool (MST) will provide early risk detection.
Complementing these clinical metrics, the study also prioritizes patient-reported outcomes, particularly health-related quality of life (HRQoL), measured through the Assessment of Quality of Life (AQoL-6D) instrument. Given the psychosocial complexities faced by AYA cancer patients—including anxiety, social isolation, and academic or vocational disruption—understanding nutrition’s impact on their quality of life is paramount. This nuanced approach permits an integrated view, correlating physical nutritional indicators with mental and emotional well-being over time.
The second and third sub-studies employ qualitative methodologies to delve deeper into experiences and perceptions surrounding nutrition care. Focus groups involving AYA patients will explore their access to nutrition-related services, uncover preferences for nutrition support, and highlight barriers faced during their cancer journey. Such patient-centered insights are essential to tailor nutrition interventions that resonate with this demographic’s unique needs and lifestyle considerations.
In parallel, oncology healthcare professionals (OHPs)—including physicians, dietitians, nurses, and allied health staff—will participate in separate focus groups. These discussions aim to shed light on existing service models for nutrition care in AYA cancer patients, identify gaps in professional nutrition education, and solicit perspectives on optimal service delivery frameworks. Understanding OHPs’ experiences can drive systemic improvements, ensuring that nutrition assumes a more prominent place in cancer care pathways.
Statistical analysis in the observational study will emphasize description and estimation of effect sizes to illuminate differences between nutritional status groups over follow-up periods. This approach equips researchers with the ability to quantify the magnitude of nutritional decline or improvement, informing clinical decision-making. Meanwhile, thematic analysis of qualitative data will generate rich, contextual understanding of stakeholder experiences, ultimately guiding patient-focused and clinician-informed recommendations.
The longitudinal, multisite nature of the AYCANN-study affords several methodological strengths. Tracking patients over half a year captures dynamic changes occurring during critical phases of diagnosis, treatment, and early survivorship. Recruiting from multiple centers enhances the generalizability of findings across varying healthcare settings, demographic backgrounds, and cancer types, broadening the impact of research conclusions.
Beyond illuminating current nutritional challenges faced by AYA cancer patients, the study promises to influence future clinical practice and research trajectories. By explicitly identifying subgroups at heightened risk of malnutrition or poor nutritional outcomes, clinicians can prioritize early intervention strategies. The integration of patient and practitioner voices also ensures that interventions are both evidence-based and pragmatically feasible within real-world oncology care environments.
Furthermore, findings from this study are poised to underpin the development of dedicated clinical practice guidelines tailored specifically for AYA nutrition in oncology—a dimension largely absent in current standards. Such guidelines could revolutionize treatment protocols, embedding routine nutritional screening, personalized nutrition plans, and interdisciplinary approaches as standard care. This progress holds significant promise for improving survival rates, enhancing treatment tolerance, and elevating the quality of life for young cancer patients worldwide.
Cancer malnutrition has traditionally been conceptualized within pediatric or older adult frameworks, often neglecting the transitional nature of adolescence and young adulthood. The AYCANN-study’s focus on AYA bridges this critical gap, recognizing the distinct biological, psychological, and social milieu defining this age group. Nutritional strategies effective in children or older adults may not translate seamlessly to AYA, underscoring the importance of tailored research such as this.
In conclusion, the AYCANN-study exemplifies a rigorous, multidisciplinary effort to confront an overlooked yet vital aspect of oncology care. By elucidating the nutritional status and needs of AYA following cancer diagnosis through innovative mixed methods, the research will empower clinicians, inform policy, and inspire further interventional studies. As the study progresses, it is anticipated to catalyze a paradigm shift that positions nutrition not as ancillary but as central to comprehensive cancer care for adolescents and young adults.
Subject of Research: Nutritional status, outcomes, and needs of adolescents and young adults (AYA) following a cancer diagnosis.
Article Title: Investigating the nutritional status, outcomes and needs of adolescents and young adults (AYA) following a cancer diagnosis: protocol for a mixed-methods study.
Article References:
Murnane, A., Laing, E., Steer, B. et al. Investigating the nutritional status, outcomes and needs of adolescents and young adults (AYA) following a cancer diagnosis: protocol for a mixed-methods study. BMC Cancer 25, 1325 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12885-025-14618-7
Image Credits: Scienmag.com
