The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC – James) has announced the launch of the BRIDGE Program, an initiative designed to address the increasing incidence of cancer among people under age 50. The program aims to provide coordinated support for early-onset cancer patients, focusing on needs such as fertility counseling, genomic testing, survivorship resources, and community education about early detection.
Sara Myers, MD, PhD, co-leader of the BRIDGE Program with John Alexander, MD, explained that the new approach differs from traditional models by integrating clinical care, advocacy, and research into a single framework. "Unlike traditional programs that address clinical excellence, advocacy, and research according to cancer type, our program integrates these components into a single, cohesive framework to give our patients the best possible care throughout their cancer journey, not just isolated treatment encounters," said Myers.
W. Kimryn Rathmell, MD—appointed chief executive officer of OSUCCC – James in May 2025—has made this initiative a signature project of her administration. Rathmell previously led efforts on early onset cancers as director of the National Cancer Institute and emphasized the program’s potential impact nationwide. She estimates a $20 million investment over five years will be needed for new clinical services and staff as well as a competitive grants program supporting scientific discovery in young adult cancers.
Currently at OSUCCC – James, support services are provided on a case-by-case basis depending on disease type. Under the BRIDGE Program model, all patients aged 18-50 will be offered enrollment to ensure consistent access to key services like fertility counseling and genomic testing early in their treatment process.
Rathmell described how this comprehensive approach will connect existing efforts such as the Adolescent and Young Adult Program and other supportive care initiatives at OSUCCC – James: "This multi-pronged, programmatic 'umbrella' approach will tie together existing efforts to support younger patients at the OSUCCC – James like the existing Adolescent and Young Adult Program, Immunotherapy Management Clinic and JamesCare for Life supportive care programs to treat and support the whole patient."
Dedicated care coordinators will serve as central points for referrals to age-appropriate resources and help maintain continuity between patients and their treatment teams.
"Many of these patients are navigating cancer at the same time they are building careers or raising young children. Cancer comes with emotional, financial and physical stress. The BRIDGE Program will provide meaningful, thorough services and support to make the journey more streamlined, with the goal of improving outcomes," said Rathmell. "There is no question that timely cancer screening saves lives, and we also need to learn how to identify and intercept these cancers early... We must start to tackle this growing clinical problem and scientific mystery, and the way to do that is through research."
A component of the BRIDGE Program includes pilot research grants funded by Pelotonia through OSUCCC – James's Intramural Research Program. These two-year grants will encourage cross-disease studies into tumor biology for younger patients affected by cancer; up to three projects will be funded in its first year following a competitive peer review process.
Rathmell highlighted challenges faced by researchers seeking funding for innovative ideas: "Advancing truly innovative out-of-the box research ideas is a chicken or the egg problem: you have to have funding to gather data but it is challenging to get funding from traditional sources without data... We are creating the catalyst to drive these ideas forward."
According to recent findings from national health authorities including the National Cancer Institute, rates of colon, breast, uterine and kidney cancers are rising among people under age 50—with notable increases among those aged 20-29. In Ohio specifically,cancer rates among residents under age 50 have risen by up to 20% in recent years, while rates among older adults have remained steady or declined.
"This is a trend that we can't ignore or manage with the same old approaches," said Rathmell. "Drs. Myers and Alexander were inspired...by patients they cared for in their practices...Our goal is that individuals affected by these cancers are a part of creating this program...That is how we can make a change that impacts younger adult cancers for good."
More information about clinical services through BRIDGE can be found at cancer.osu.edu/bridge-program or by calling 1-800-293-5066; details about pilot research funding opportunities are available at cancer.osu.edu/irp.
