Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Program | Services | MedStar Health

Comprehensive cancer care for adolescents, young adults, and their families

At MedStar Health, our Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Hematology/Oncology program at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital provides state-of-the-art care for patients aged 15 to 39 with cancer and blood disorders. As the first program of its kind in the Washington, D.C. area, we’re honored to meet the unique needs of young patients. Our compassionate team delivers advanced, multidisciplinary cancer treatment integrated with the support patients need to achieve the best possible outcome.

Whether facing a new cancer or hematologic diagnosis, coping with complications of therapy, or transitioning to life after cancer, our team of cancer experts supports young patients and their families throughout the entire experience.

Here, you’ll find:

  • Highly skilled cancer specialists who are experts in diagnosing and treating various diseases. At the region’s only National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center, our physicians care for patients diagnosed with both common and rare cancers, as well as hematologic (blood) disorders.
  • A complete array of clinical and psychosocial family-centered support services dedicated to caring for the whole patient and meeting their specific needs. These services include fertility preservation, integrative medicine offerings, mental health support, educational and career guidance, and more. We’re here to help navigate any social and personal challenges that come with being diagnosed at a young age.
  • Innovative clinical trials and treatment options as part of both the Children’s Oncology Group and the Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center.
  • Personalized survivorship care to improve overall health and quality of life for young cancer survivors.
  • Advocacy and peer support to help patients and their families connect with others who are navigating and coping with serious illness.

Specialties and programs

Leukemia and Lymphoma Program
Through our Leukemia and Lymphoma program, patients benefit from various treatment options for conditions such as:

Treatments are customized to meet each patient’s individual needs. Depending on the diagnosis, treatment may include chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and/or clinical trials, as well as novel cellular therapies and bone marrow transplants for patients over 18.

Multidisciplinary Sarcoma Clinic
Our AYA program features a team of oncologists, surgeons, pathologists, and radiation oncologists who work together to plan individualized treatment for patients with sarcomas—solid tumors that can develop in bone, muscle, or soft tissue.

Brain Tumor Program
Our comprehensive Brain Tumor program is dedicated to caring for young patients with brain tumors and brain cancer. Our multidisciplinary experts collaborate on treatment plans to ensure patients benefit from access to the latest and least invasive options, all tailored to their unique needs.

Radiation Oncology
When radiation is recommended as a part of treatment, patients benefit from access to the latest advances in radiation oncology. From innovative techniques in traditional radiation therapy to state-of-the-art CyberKnife treatment and proton therapy, our experts offer highly targeted radiation therapies designed to improve treatment effectiveness and minimize short and long-term side effects.

Cancer Genetic Counseling
Genetic testing and counseling can help AYA patients and their families understand inherited cancer risks, equipping them with critical information that can help inform treatment decisions.

Fertility Preservation
Life-saving cancer treatments can affect fertility for both young men and women. We aim to educate our patients about the latest cancer treatments while keeping their future family goals in mind. Through fertility risk assessments, we help patients understand potential risks to their reproductive health, provide guidance on fertility preservation options, and refer to local fertility specialists.

Clinical Trials
Patients in the AYA program have access to the latest clinical trials and innovative care options. These treatment options may significantly improve the quality of care and outcomes for young people.

Survivorship Clinic
Cancer care continues even after treatment ends. Through our Survivorship Clinic, we provide patient education and ongoing support for long-term follow-up care, management of side effects, and post-cancer support. Our goal is to promote a healthy, fulfilling future for our patients.

Cancer Rehabilitation
Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy can help young cancer patients cope with challenges like pain and fatigue, both during and after treatment. We make it easy to access personalized cancer rehabilitation services through the MedStar National Rehabilitation Network.

Supportive care

From disease diagnosis to long-term survivorship, our approach fully embraces the concept of cura personalis—caring for the whole person. Through innovative diagnostic and holistic treatment options, we create a compassionate experience designed to enhance well-being and reduce side effects of therapy.

We frequently assess the physical, social, and emotional needs of our patients, their families, and their caregivers. Our goal is to ensure easy access to specialized support services, including:

  • Integrated Medicine Services, such as:

    • Acupuncture

    • Massage therapy

    • Mind-body medicine, including meditation, biofeedback, and guided imagery

    • Physical therapy and occupational therapy

    • Yoga

  • Arts and Humanity program, offering music, expressive writing, dance, and visual arts

  • Nutrition guidance and support

  • Psychosocial resources, including mental health counseling and educational, career support

Video

Adolescent, and Young Adult Hematology and Oncology: Ask Dr. Tara Suntum

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Frequently asked questions

  • What does AYA stand for?

    AYA is an acronym that stands for “Adolescents and Young Adults.” The National Cancer Institute defines the AYA population to include patients between the ages of 15 and 39. AYA patients with cancer face unique challenges and our program was created to optimize the care, outcomes, and experiences for AYA patients at our cancer center.

  • Who is on the oncology multidisciplinary team?

    Your multidisciplinary care team includes:

    • Board-certified pediatric hematologists-oncologists
    • Radiation oncologists
    • Surgeons
    • Psychiatrists
    • Oncology nurse practitioners
    • Certified oncology nurses
    • Clinical research associates
    • Clinical social workers
    • Art therapists
    • Nutritionists
    • Patient advocates
    • Chaplains
    • And others

    We work as a team to develop and implement individualized treatment plans based on each patient’s distinct diagnosis and circumstance. Our approach is collaborative, comprehensive, and compassionate.


  • How can I learn more about the program?

    To learn more about our Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Hematology/Oncology program, please contact Annie Jeffries at MGUH-AYAProgram@medstar.net or 202-444-9711.

Contact us

To learn more about our Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Hematology/Oncology program, please contact Annie Jeffries at MGUH-AYAProgram@medstar.net or 202-444-9711.