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BZKF

Adolescents and young adults (AYA = Adolescents and Young Adults, 15-39 years) with a malignant tumor of the central nervous system (CNS) face particular challenges. The disease is difficult to treat, the chances of recovery are often limited and late effects can occur even after successful treatment.

In order to improve diagnosis and treatment in this patient group, the BZKF's AYA study was launched. In this project, pediatricians and experts from adult medicine work hand in hand. The aim is to gain new insights through joint research and to sustainably improve care for AYAs with brain tumors.

What makes the AYA study special?

  • Close cooperation: All six Bavarian university hospitals are involved and exchange knowledge, data and experience.
  • Modern technology: With the help of an innovative, cloud-based data platform, imaging data (e.g. MRI, FET-PET), tumor tissue, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and other clinical information are brought together.
  • New research approaches: Of particular importance are so-called liquid biopsies (liquid samples such as blood or cerebrospinal fluid). They allow conclusions to be drawn about the type and characteristics of the tumor - without the need for a second operation.

Why is the study important?

Current treatment options are often not sufficient: Tumors can return despite intensive therapies. At the same time, adolescents and young adults are a special age group - their tumors are biologically similar to those in children, but also to those in adults. It therefore makes sense for doctors from both areas to develop strategies together.

The AYA study is the first time in Germany that all available data sources have been systematically brought together. This opens up the opportunity to better understand the disease and to develop more targeted, more effective therapies in the future.

Voices from the research community

  • Prof. Dr. Peter Hau: "With the AYA study, we can evaluate imaging, liquid biopsies and other data together for the first time. This provides us with important information about the biology and prognosis of the disease - and can significantly improve treatment in the medium term."
  • Prof. Dr. Dr. Michael Frühwald: "The chances of a cure have so far been unsatisfactory. By pooling the knowledge of pediatricians and adult physicians, we can make decisive progress in treatment."

Our goal

The AYA study aims to significantly deepen our understanding of brain tumors in adolescents and young adults. At the same time, we want to lay the foundation for more individualized and successful treatments - and thus improve the future prospects for young people with CNS tumors.

More about the study:

Study register

If you are interested in participating in the study, please contact

Dr. Cecilia Vasquez-Robinet, Study Coordinator
0941 944-18744
0941 944-38756
cecilia.vasquez-robinet@ukr.de