Comparative Analysis of 5-Year Relative Survival in Adolescents and Young Adults with cancer relative to both children and adults in Europe (EUROCARE-6): results from a population-based study
Menée à partir de données de 95 registres des cancers de pays européens, cette étude analyse la survie relative à 5 ans de patients atteints d'un cancer diagnostiqué entre 2006 et 2013, en fonction de catégories d'âge (enfants 0-14 ans, adolescents et jeunes adultes 15-39 ans, adultes 40-69 ans)
Introduction: In Europe, cancer survival rates are high and improving for children (0-14 years) and AYAs (15–39 years). However, AYAs often have worse outcomes than children but better than adults. Using EUROCARE data, this study analyzes 5-year relative survival rates across age groups, highlighting age-specific differences and survival trends over time to address persistent disparities.
Methods: Data were collected from 95 European population-based cancer registries, covering 57% of the European population. Analyses included malignant cancers diagnosed between 2006 and 2013. Five-year RS was estimated using the period approach for follow-up between 2010 and 2014. Comparisons between AYAs, children, and adults (40-69 years) were conducted using the Z test for absolute differences. Changes in survival trends over time were analyzed from 2004 to 2013 using the Average Annual Percentage Change (AAPC).
Results: AYAs had lower 5-year RS than children for hematologic cancers, particularly acute lymphoblastic leukemia (61% vs. 90%) and Ewing sarcoma (51% vs. 69%). Survival gaps were smaller for central nervous system tumors, germ cell cancers, and thyroid carcinoma. Compared to adults, AYAs had higher 5-year RS for most cancers, except breast, colon, and prostate cancers. Over time, 5-year RS improved across all age groups, with AYAs showing faster improvement than children but slower progress compared to adults for certain cancers.
Conclusion: Age-specific disparities in cancer survival persist despite overall improvements. Tailored treatment approaches, specialized AYA oncology programs and collaboration between pediatric and adult oncologists are crucial to bridging survival gaps and improving outcomes for this population.
European Journal of Cancer , résumé, 2025