Medical experts highlight gaps in rare tumor and adolescent cancer care

Medical experts and patient advocacy groups are highlighting critical gaps in cancer research and treatment access for specific vulnerable populations. At the European Institute of Oncology in Milan, international specialists and organizations, including the National Leiomyosarcoma Foundation and the Sarcoma Patients Advocacy Global Network, met to address challenges in treating leiomyosarcoma. As a rare soft tissue sarcoma, its low incidence complicates clinical trial enrollment and reduces commercial investment in new drugs.

Separately, concerns have been raised regarding the treatment of adolescents with cancer. While nearly 100% of children aged 0 to 14 are treated within the Aieop network protocols, fewer than 50% of adolescents aged 15 to 19 receive similar access. Experts note that these patients often fall into a “middle ground” between pediatric and adult oncology, which can delay access to specialized centers and innovative therapeutic protocols, potentially impacting survival rates.