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Data surrounding the use of cannabinoids for symptom management in children with cancer are heterogeneous and extremely limited. Well‐designed clinical trials with specific indications, products, and outcome metrics are required before cannabinoids should be considered in frontline cancer care in children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the psychosocial collaboration fosters connection in times of isolation including the many negotiated treatment decisions while arranging for the care and safety of other family members with vastly reduced resources and uncompromising restrictions.

Simple Summary: Increased distress is a common initial response for youth and their families following the diagnosis of childhood cancer. The New Oncology Program in Psychology (NOPP) was established to provide education and information on what to expect at diagnosis, as well as ways to support coping with treatment. This project examined how NOPP participation relates to caregivers' perceptions surrounding the navigation of difficult emotions, and of the awareness of potential cognitive/academic challenges their child may experience. Caregivers completing NOPP visits felt more informed about difficult emotions and how these may change over time. They felt more prepared for and equipped with strategies and support to manage difficult emotions. Lastly, caregivers felt more aware of and prepared for the potential effects of the diagnosis and treatment on patient cognitive/academic functioning. The results highlight important domains for universal assessment and intervention with pediatric patients and families at the time of a new cancer diagnosis. 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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a debilitating disorder that causes significant pain and can decrease the quality of life of affected individuals. This is the first report of CRPS in an adolescent oncology patient, whose symptoms successfully resolved with 3 weeks of intensive, multimodal, and multidisciplinary therapies. She experienced a complete return to pre-CRPS functional status within 10 weeks. The successful outcome of this case highlights the importance of early recognition of CRPS in the adolescent population and the need for a multimodal intensive treatment regimen to prevent the development of chronic pain and loss of limb function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The role of transition‐focused psychology appointments in managing the transition off therapy is unclear. The objective of this research was to explore caregiver perceived familial distress and the role of psychology in preparing families for transition. Methods: Fifty‐seven caregivers of youth, who finished treatment, completed an online questionnaire through a quality improvement project on experiences of families at transition. Twenty‐two percent of caregivers had children who completed a transition‐focused psychology consult and 63% completed a cognitive assessment at transition. Retrospective analyses were conducted assessing the association of psychology visits on caregiver perceptions of being informed of and prepared to manage transition‐related challenges. Results: Most caregivers reported experiencing adjustment concerns for family members. Caregivers of children completing a transition‐focused psychology consult or cognitive assessment reported feeling more informed and greater preparedness to manage difficulties. Although decreased distress was not associated with the visit, those who felt more informed and prepared reported lower distress. Conclusions: Caregivers perceive transitioning off therapy as stressful for their family, though they experience decreased familial distress when informed of and prepared to manage transition‐related challenges. These findings highlight the importance of psychosocial support at transition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]