Back to Authors

Hanson, Collin

A5025505090 | I4210147348

Mayo Clinic

Northwestern Medicine

Citations 1

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

Journal of Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology | October 22, 2025 | Volume: 15 | Issue: 5 | Pages: 378-383

10.1177/21565333251389438 | PMID 41122915

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.