Childhood Hematopoietic and Lymphatic System Neoplasm

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.

This study examines the role of access to care, patient/family interactions with the healthcare system, and stress in explaining variations in quality of end of life care. The data collected from this study may help researchers develop a model for identifying patients at risk of low quality end of life care as well as recommendations for potential future interventions.