Feasibility of Symptom Burden Assessments and Early Palliative Care Integration in an Adolescent and Young Adult Leukemia Clinic

J Adolesc Young Adult Oncol. 2025 Oct 17. doi: 10.1177/21565333251389438. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Adolescents and young adults (AYA; ages 15-39) with acute leukemia have significant unmet supportive care needs. This pilot study integrated same-day palliative care (PC) into an AYA leukemia clinic, measuring symptom burden (SB) with validated symptom assessment tools at baseline, 3, and 6 months. Among 31 patients, moderate-severe symptoms included tiredness, anxiety, and poor appetite. AYAs experienced high SB and psychological distress, regardless of care phase or sociodemographics. With PC integration, tiredness and depression improved significantly; no symptoms worsened. Half of the PC visits led to management changes. Early integration of symptom-focused PC was feasible, value-adding, and well-received by patients.

PMID:41122915 | DOI:10.1177/21565333251389438