Nurs-22. Navigating Disparities: Comprehensive Care and Access to Clinical Trials for Adolescents and Young Adults With Central Nervous System Tumors

Abstract BACKGROUND Central nervous system (CNS) tumors are one of the most common causes of cancer-related death in the adolescent and young adult (AYA) age group. Despite being a prevalent cancer diagnosis, adolescents and young adults continue to be underrepresented in clinical trials. Literature review shows a notable lack of research focused on clinical care, reproductive health, and psychosocial aspects specific to this population. The longstanding issue of low AYA participation in clinical trials persists across various cancer types, with a particular scarcity of data regarding CNS tumors. Notably, the lack of participation in clinical trials has been associated with worse survival outcomes and increase in frequency and severity of treatment-related toxicity, emphasizing the critical impact of this issue on patients’ overall morbidity and mortality. The literature underscores the under-representation of AYAs with CNS tumors in neuro-oncology trials.. METHODS This talk will review challenges faced by adolescents and young adults (AYAs) diagnosed with central nervous system (CNS) tumors.We will discuss the necessity for molecular profiling in the diagnostic workup of CNS patients to delineate tumor biology and guide treatment plans, including clinical trial access. To address the insufficient understanding of best practices for this group, there is a crucial call for expanding access to clinical trials. We will explore barriers to clinical trial access and provide case examples of successful and unsuccessful work with AYA patients with CNS tumors with ideas to improve access. Finally, we will discuss the holistic care of AYAs with CNS tumors through a multidisciplinary approach, incorporating expertise in neuro-oncology, oncofertility, palliative care, and psychosocial aspects within both pediatric and adult care settings RESULTS N/A CONCLUSIONS By the end of this presentation, pediatric RNs and APPs will have an understanding of the differences in caring for this unique population of patients including benefits of enrolling adolescents and young adults with CNS tumors in clinical trials.