Helping young cancer survivors manage symptoms and stay connected to follow-up care
Symptom Management and Transitioning to Engagement with Post-treatment Care for Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Survivors (AYA STEPS)
A program for adolescent and young adult cancer survivors to help manage ongoing physical and emotional symptoms and connect with the right follow-up care.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11162309 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would work with a team that focuses on the lasting physical symptoms (like pain and fatigue) and emotional challenges (like anxiety or depression) many young cancer survivors face. The program combines symptom-management supports and help navigating post-treatment healthcare so you can establish care providers who know your long-term risks. The team will track symptoms, emotional well-being, and whether you stay engaged with follow-up care over time. Participation may include clinic or remote contacts, education, and care-navigation assistance tailored to the needs of survivors aged 15–39 at diagnosis.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adolescent and young adult cancer survivors (diagnosed between about ages 15 and 39) who have finished cancer treatment and are experiencing ongoing symptoms or difficulty getting appropriate follow-up care.
Not a fit: People still receiving active cancer treatment, those diagnosed well outside the 15–39 age range, or survivors who already have stable, specialist follow-up care may not benefit from this program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could reduce symptom burden and help more young survivors stay connected with follow-up care that matches their long-term health needs.
How similar studies have performed: Navigation and symptom-management programs for adult cancer survivors have shown promise, but approaches specifically tailored to adolescent and young adult survivors are less tested.
Where this research is happening
Durham, United States
- Duke University — Durham, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dorfman, Caroline — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Dorfman, Caroline
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.