WHERE IT ALL BEGAN

Honouring Jackie's legacy

By providing age-appropriate care and support for adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer patients aged 15 to 39.

Clinical Trials & Research

Clinical Trials

A clinical trial is a research study that helps doctors and researchers evaluate new ways to prevent, diagnose, or treat cancer. For some young adults, a clinical trial may provide access to new treatment options while receiving close follow-up from a dedicated healthcare and research team.

Participation is always voluntary, and every study follows strict ethical and safety guidelines so you can explore care options that may benefit you today while helping improve cancer care for future patients.

Not Sure Where to Start?

You don’t need to search for clinical trials or research studies on your own. The JAX team can help you understand your options and connect you with opportunities that may be right for you.

How JAX Can Help

The JAX Clinical Research Coordinator helps adolescents and young adults learn about, access, and navigate clinical trial opportunities and AYA-focused research studies. Working closely with patients, families, and healthcare teams, they help explain available options, answer questions, and guide patients through the process.

The JAX team can help you:

Learn about available clinical trials and research studies

Understand eligibility requirements and 
what is involved

Navigate referrals, screening, and enrolment processes

Connect with research teams and additional support resources

JAX Clinical Research Coordinator

JAX Clinical Research Coordinator

Niloofar Dehdari Ebrahimi, MD

The JAX Clinical Research Coordinator helps adolescents and young adults access and navigate clinical trial opportunities and AYA-focused research studies. Working with patients, families, and healthcare teams, they provide information about available options, answer questions, and support eligibility screening.
They help connect patients with research opportunities that may be appropriate for their care.
How the Clinical Research Coordinator Can Support You

Clinical Trial Navigation

  • Explain available clinical trial opportunities
  • Help determine eligibility for clinical trials
  • Guide you through the enrolment process

Education & Support

  • Share information about research studies designed specifically for adolescents and young adults
  • Connect you with opportunities to contribute to improving AYA cancer care

Guidance &

Navigation

  • Answer questions about research participation
  • Help you understand potential benefits, risks, and commitments
  • Work with your healthcare team to support informed decision-making

Why It Matters

Adolescents and young adults have historically been underrepresented in cancer research. Improving access to clinical trials and AYA-focused studies helps advance knowledge, improve outcomes, and ensure future cancer care better reflects the needs of young people.
AYA Research
Studies

In addition to clinical trials, JAX supports research studies focused on improving the experience, 
well-being, and long-term outcomes of young adults affected by cancer.

These studies may explore:

  • Mental health and emotional well-being
  • Fertility and sexual health
  • Quality of life
  • Survivorship and life after cancer
  • Access to care and support services
  • The unique needs of adolescents and young adults

Participation in research studies is always voluntary, and your care will not be affected by your decision to participate or not participate.

Active Studies

Current AYA Research Studies at the Cedars Cancer Centre

LIFT-AYA Study

Building strength, wellbeing, and community through exercise

Lifestyle Intervention with Fitness Training in Supportive Care for Adolescents and Young Adults with Cancer

The JAX LIFT-AYA Study is exploring how a structured, gym-based exercise program can support young people during and after cancer treatment.

Participants take part in a personalized 3-month fitness program, supervised by trained professionals and tailored to their individual needs. Upon completion, participants also receive a complimentary massage.

The goal is to improve health-related quality of life by reducing fatigue, building strength, and supporting psychological wellbeing. The study is also examining how exercise programs can be successfully integrated into cancer care for adolescents and young adults.

Through movement, community, and support, the JAX LIFT-AYA Study is helping empower young adults throughout their cancer experience.

Interested in learning more?

For information about the JAX LIFT-AYA Study and other AYA-focused research opportunities, please contact the JAX Team.

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Legal disclaimer about patient information being shared with the Cedars Cancer Foundation in order to provide additional updates.