Impact of Radiation Therapy on Physical and Psychosocial Health of Adolescents and Young Adults: A Joint Report From the Children's Oncology Group AYA and Radiation Oncology Committees.

Rates of cancer among adolescents and young adults (AYA), age 15-39 years, are increasing. Consequently, radiation oncologists are treating more AYAs who have diagnoses spanning both pediatric and adult practices. Compared to pediatric and older adult patients, AYAs face a unique set of challenges. Overall, these result in worse outcomes for AYAs compared to older and younger patients. The physical, mental, social, and holistic impacts of radiation in this population are only beginning to be understood. This review will summarize the current state of knowledge of the impacts of radiation on AYAs and highlight opportunities for future investigation.