Tumors of CNS are common in adolescents and young adults (AYAs). As the second leading cause of cancer-related death, CNS tumors in AYAs require improved clinical management. In this review, we discussed the current diagnostic approaches and recommended management strategies for malignant tumors in adult-type (IDH-mutant gliomas) and pediatric-type gliomas (pediatric high-grade gliomas), ependymoma and medulloblastoma, which commonly occur in AYAs. The impact of advanced molecular diagnostic approaches on the understanding of tumor biology of AYA CNS tumors is emphasized. To enhance participation in clinical trials, which poses a unique challenge in AYAs with CNS tumors, we propose encouraging referrals to neuro-oncology specialty care and improving collaboration between oncologists who care for both pediatric and adult patients. This will ensure better representation of AYA patients in research studies. Finally, we discussed the importance of considering neurocognitive and psychological function in AYAs with CNS tumor.

Background/Objectives: Pediatric oncology patients and families are at risk for increased distress at diagnosis. The New Oncology Program in Psychology (NOPP) aligns psychological care with the established standards of care at diagnosis. This project aimed to evaluate NOPP and understand the differences between caregivers’ perceptions of feeling informed and prepared to navigate psychosocial concerns for those who did and did not receive psychological services at diagnosis. Methods: A survey was administered via a virtual platform. Frequency analyses summarize caregiver experiences and concerns. Mann–Whitney U tests assess the differences in caregiver knowledge and preparedness between caregivers who did and did not receive psychological services. Results: Caregivers reported difficult emotions at diagnosis and expressed concern for the impact of diagnosis and treatment across broad domains of patient functioning. Caregivers of patients who received psychology consultation felt more informed about difficult emotions and how these may change over time. They felt more prepared and equipped with strategies to manage difficult emotions. Caregivers of patients who completed a cognitive assessment also felt more informed and prepared regarding the potential effects of the diagnosis and treatment on patient cognitive/academic functioning. Conclusions: Psychological services were associated with caregivers’ positive perceptions surrounding the management of difficult emotions and with their knowledge regarding the cognitive/academic impact. The results inform the ongoing modification of NOPP.

Objective: This study describes adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer survivors’ self-image, including the role of social media, in the context of social interaction. More specifically, this study describes how survivors view their physical appearance, personality, and capabilities throughout their cancer experience. Methods: Data were derived from semi-structured interviews of 21 AYA oncology survivors, ages 16–22 years, who were treated for cancer 1–4 years prior to participation. A five-phase approach for data analysis that incorporated both deductive and inductive qualitative strategies was used to identify themes of self-image. Results: The analysis revealed two themes for each of the self-image components (personality, appearance, and capabilities). Specifically, AYA reflect on how a cancer diagnosis affects their identity, self-esteem, physical features, and social normalcy. In terms of the role of social media, AYA cancer survivors identified that social media promotes an unrealistic expectation and is used for external validation. Conclusions: Survivors report ways in which their cancer experience and social perceptions contribute to their sense of self. The multifaceted aspects of self-image described are key concepts that psychosocial providers should assess throughout the AYA cancer trajectory. From AYAs’ perspective, social media contributes to their self-image by creating a pressure to conform to societal expectations on appearance; additional research and support to mitigate this impact are warranted. Increasing AYAs’ media literacy and enhancing psychosocial assessments and support to navigate online and offline social worlds may help shape AYA’s self-image.

Children with cancer can experience intense suffering. Currently, despite our best efforts, symptoms associated with both cancer and its treatment result in physical, psychological, and emotional discomfort that can be difficult to manage with traditional Western medicine alone. Developing integrative services within a pediatric hematology-oncology program may help improve cancer-related symptoms by combining different modalities targeting overall health with traditional oncology care. This study details the initial development of a Pediatric Integrative Oncology (PIO) program at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, which treats cancer and other catastrophic pediatric diseases. We highlight facilitators and barriers to integration of PIO. In addition, we advocate that PIO clinicians add to the growing literature base by sharing clinical and administrative experiences across institutions to support the long-term goal of developing specific guidelines that focus on using integrative modalities in children with cancer.

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world: indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”—Margaret Mead.1(p.79)Home offices set, coffees brewed, and minds ...

Given the understandable patient and caregiver distress that often fluctuates across treatment, especially at diagnosis and with major disease milestones, it is important to prioritize interventions that are known to best support families during these key times of transition. Individualized and time-sensitive psychoeducation and anticipatory guidance are effective interventions in reducing distress and fostering adaptive coping across the cancer trajectory and are a standard for the psychosocial care of children with cancer and their families. Patient education materials have proven to be a flexible, accessible, cost-effective, and easily adaptable tool for delivering these interventions to this population. Moreover, within the field, there has been a call to action for the inclusion of patients and families in the development of research study design and clinical programming, recognizing them as the experts of their own experiences. This commentary aims to explore how patients and families can be actively involved in the creation, assessment, and implementation of patient education materials, fostering a collaborative partnership between families and clinicians. We provide detailed examples of this collaboration in the creation of patient education materials focused on promoting coping at diagnosis, supporting siblings and assisting with social reintegration at the end of treatment, promoting responsive caregiving for young children, and supporting caregiver coping through the creation of a podcast. Ultimately, this commentary seeks to emphasize the importance of partnering with patients and families to ensure their voices remain central to intervention development and implementation.