Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Patient Characteristics and Palliative Care Trends in an Asian Tertiary Cancer Center

Abstract

Purpose:

Adolescent and young adult oncology patients represent a unique group with complex needs, yet data on palliative care utilization remain scarce in the Asian population. The definition of this group remains heterogeneous across organizations, and it is unclear whether extending the age range beyond conventional cutoffs affects observed patterns of care. We conducted a retrospective cohort study to describe palliative care utilization and end-of-life outcomes among oncology patients aged 16–45 years at a tertiary cancer center in Singapore.

Methods:

Oncology patients aged 16–45 referred to the palliative team from 2011 to 2021 were identified using institutional databases. Chi-square tests and sensitivity analysis were used to compare outcomes across age groups. The timing of last treatment relative to palliative referral was described. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify predictors of aggressive care.

Results:

Median age was 37 years; 58.8% were female; 83.6% of patients were deceased at the time of study. There was a trend toward earlier referrals in recent years, including during the COVID-19 pandemic. Outcomes including cause of death, place of death, rates of early/late referral, and aggressive care did not differ significantly across age groups. Timing of referral was the key independent factor associated with poor end-of-life outcomes including aggressive treatment.

Conclusion:

Referral patterns and end-of-life care intensity are consistent across ages through 45 years. Late palliative referrals were associated with higher usage of aggressive treatment and death in hospital. Findings support integrated, timely access to palliative care in this group and validate flexibility in the definition of age ranges.