BRIDGE Program: Reframing Care for Young Patients With Cancer

In an interview with Targeted Oncology, W. Kimryn Rathmell, MD, PhD, of The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, explains how emerging insights into early-onset cancers have shaped the development and priorities of the new BRIDGE Program at Ohio State.

Watch the first part of Dr Rathmell’s interview.

Rather than focusing narrowly on tumor type, the program is structured around age—specifically addressing adolescents and young adults (AYA) as well as patients aged 20 to 50 diagnosed with cancers more typical of older populations. This age-centric approach reflects a key clinical reality: cancer affects younger patients differently than older adults, regardless of histology. Beyond disease biology, younger individuals face distinct challenges, including fertility preservation, financial toxicity, career disruption, and psychosocial strain on family systems. By integrating these considerations into care delivery, the BRIDGE Program aims to provide more comprehensive, patient-centered support.

Importantly, the model does not replace disease-specific expertise. Patients continue to receive care from dedicated specialists—for example, a young patient with colorectal cancer is still managed by a gastrointestinal oncologist. However, BRIDGE ensures that these experts are attuned to the unique needs of younger populations. In parallel, the program offers cross-cutting resources such as care navigation, supportive services, and tailored counseling to address issues that transcend tumor type.

The program also establishes a cohesive framework for research and policy development. By unifying this patient population under a single clinical and investigative umbrella, BRIDGE creates opportunities to study screening gaps, prevention strategies, and optimal treatment approaches for early-onset and AYA cancers. It also facilitates broader conversations about guideline evolution and best practices.

Ultimately, Rathmell emphasizes that the BRIDGE Program represents a shift toward more holistic oncology care—one that aligns clinical expertise with the life-stage–specific needs of younger patients while advancing research to better understand and address this growing population.

Read the full interview here.