Evolution of a Teenage and Young Adult Service, in Sheffield, U.K., for Patients with Gestational Trophoblastic Neoplasia.

Objective: To describe the evolution of a teenage and young adult (TYA) service for patients with gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN).

Background: Since its opening in 2002 the TYA unit has demonstrated its effectiveness and ability to care for GTN patients, offering additional emotional assessment and meeting the specific needs that many young GTN patients have. Patients using the TYA unit were identified from the Centre's databases, and individual records were scrutinized for demographics, clinical presentation, barriers to care, compliance, and specific needs.

Results: Of the 121 GTN patients who have utilized the facilities, there were 94 complete moles, 11 choriocarcinomas, 3 placental site trophoblastic tumors, 1 twin molar pregnancy, and 4 with persistent unexplained hCG elevation. Presenting with a complicated social background was identified as a barrier to care in 8 patients. In addition to patients, 40 relatives and 12 infants have also utilized the facilities. A total of 33% of patients and carers had social work input and/or refer-ral to psychology services.

Conclusion: The bespoke service and care offered to TYA patients is appropriate and should be considered the gold standard for young patients, enabling them to cope with their unique challenges during diagnosis and treatment.