PHILADELPHIA (December 2, 2025) — Christopher G. Cann, MD, Assistant Professor in the Department of Hematology/Oncology at Fox Chase Cancer Center, first found his passion for treating young adult cancer patients as a resident and fellow. In caring for these patients and witnessing their unique psychosocial and emotional needs, Cann made it his mission to focus his career on working with this underserved population.
After recently receiving the Robert A. Winn Excellence in Clinical Trials: Career Development Award, he is now even better equipped to do just that.
“Receiving the Winn Award is absolutely instrumental in helping us further develop the Young Adult Cancer Program at Fox Chase,” Cann, the program’s Director, said of the award, which is designed to accelerate the careers of early-stage physician investigators “With this support, we can make a difference in patients’ lives right away, while also collecting the data we need to show long-term benefits.”
Young Cancer Patients Face Unique Hurdles and Limited Trial Access
Young adult cancer patients, considered those between the ages of 18 and 39, face distinct challenges such as fertility preservation, psychosocial stress, and disruptions to education or career. According to a recent study in the Annals of Internal Medicine, from 2003 through 2017, the incidence rates for six of 13 cancers assessed rose among young adults in over 75% of the countries studied. Although cancer incidence in this group has risen steadily, these patients remain underrepresented in clinical trials, particularly among minority populations.
“There are still many unanswered questions about why young adult cancers behave differently,” said Cann. “This award provides an opportunity to begin closing those gaps while improving care for patients today.”
One area to focus on are cancer therapies, Cann wrote in an editorial, which has been covered in various media outlets, that he co-authored on the Annals study: “As cancer treatments evolve, it is essential that we understand the most efficacious approach based on the biological distinctions between different cancer types in various age groups. We must also recognize the differences in treatment tolerance by age and associated comorbidities.”
Research May Help Support Patient Navigation and Boost Outcomes
With this award, Cann will conduct a randomized clinical trial that will provide objective measures of how a comprehensive young adult cancer program that integrates patient navigation, psychosocial support, financial counseling, oncofertility access, and trial-matching services can improve patient outcomes relative to the standard of care.
He will also participate in a specialized training curriculum to strengthen his expertise in clinical trial design, enrollment, and management. Cann will be mentored by Margaret von Mehren, MD, Vice Chair of the Department of Hematology/Oncology and Physician Director of the Clinical Trials Office at Fox Chase, who brings experience in young adult cancer care and clinical research.
Program Aims to be a Model For Young Adult Cancer Care
The Young Adult Cancer Program aims to inform future clinical trials tailored specifically to this population, who often present with more aggressive cancers at later stages.
The program has several goals:
- Increase clinical trial enrollment among young adult patients across Fox Chase and Temple Health.
- Provide enhanced social, financial, and supportive services so patients can focus on treatment and trial participation.
- Expand access to fertility preservation through Fox Chase’s oncofertility team.
- Improve psychosocial support.
- Enhance treatment continuity by reducing chemotherapy delays and dose reductions.
Cann and others at Fox Chase are pursuing various research projects focused on young adults with cancer. Earlier this year, Cann presented a study that found that a simple addition to the electronic medical record system can assist fertility preservation efforts for young adult cancer patients. Within six months of this addition, oncofertility referrals at Fox Chase increased by 450% compared to the center’s average over the previous 12 years.
Although he has already accomplished much with the program, Cann is envisioning a more widespread impact on patient care.
“My hope is that this program becomes a model for cancer centers nationwide,” said Cann, “ensuring that all young adult patients have access to this type of care.”