Inclusion of Adolescents and Young Adults in Cancer Clinical Trials

ObjectivesTo discuss recent and current initiatives to increase enrollment of adolescents and young adult (AYA) cancer patients onto National Cancer Institute-funded clinical trials to improve outcomes.Data SourcesPeer-reviewed publications, websites of professional organizations.ConclusionDespite many challenges facing AYAs, recent studies illustrate that AYA-focused cancer clinical trials can be successfully developed and conducted. Development of the National Cancer Institute National Clinical Trials Network and related AYA-focused initiatives create new opportunities to expand clinical trials that serve AYAs.Implications for Nursing PracticeNurses can influence AYA outcomes by leveraging their roles as educators and collaborators to increase participation in cancer clinical trials.