Cornell researchers receive $5 million grant to study young cancer survivors
Weill Cornell Medicine researchers received a $5 million federal grant to study long-term challenges faced by adolescents and young adults (ages 15-39) who survive cancer, a population often overlooked despite high survival rates. The study will track 2,000 survivors in New York City, using a mobile app to monitor health impacts like fertility, financial stress, and treatment side effects, with data shared from biological samples and medical records.
A team of researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine has been awarded a $5 million grant from the National Cancer Institute to investigate the long-term effects of cancer treatment on adolescents and young adults aged 15 to 39. This demographic, which includes over 2 million survivors in the U.S., often faces overlooked challenges such as fertility issues, financial stress, and difficulties in education or career development despite improved survival rates. The five-year study will assemble a cohort of 2,000 young cancer survivors in New York City to analyze the impact of modern treatments, including immunotherapies and biological drugs. Researchers will focus on key areas like sexual health, mental well-being, and access to supportive care, aiming to identify high-risk patients for early intervention. Participants will use a specialized mobile app to provide survey responses, health data, and sensor-based metrics such as activity levels and sleep patterns. Biological samples and electronic medical records will also be integrated into the study to create a comprehensive health profile. Dr. Shoshana Rosenberg of Weill Cornell Medicine is leading the project, with collaboration from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health. The goal is to improve long-term outcomes by developing tailored support services and predictive tools for survivors facing post-treatment complications. More than 80,000 adolescents and young adults are diagnosed with cancer annually in the U.S., yet many struggle with lasting effects from treatment while navigating critical life transitions. The study seeks to bridge gaps in care by addressing these unmet needs through data-driven research and intervention strategies.
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