This clinical trial tests the feasibility and acceptability of the Strengthening Teen Brain Resilience Using Music (STRUM) intervention to improve radiation induced cognitive decline for adolescents undergoing radiation therapy for cancer treatment. Adolescents treated with radiation therapy for cancer often experience persistent cognitive deficits and reduced brain resilience or the ability to preserve cognitive and emotional functioning despite stressors. Musical instrument training has been shown to enhance memory, academic skills, and emotional well-being in youth. Although guitars are often the most preferred instrument, ukuleles offer greater accessibility due to their simplicity, affordability, and suitability for younger users. The STRUM intervention consists of virtual active music therapy ukulele lessons, which may be a feasible and acceptable way to improve radiation induced cognitive decline for adolescents undergoing radiation therapy for cancer treatment.
Aged 12-17 years at the time of enrollment
Receiving initial radiation therapy (RT) for cancer treatment with curative intent at the Mayo Clinic Arizona
Able to provide assent
Able to read and write in English
Less than three-month prognosis
Past history of RT
Self-reported visual, hearing, or cognitive impairment impeding the ability to complete the STRUM intervention
Prior receipt of ukulele or guitar lessons