Spring Education Exchange (SEE): The Power of Pixels: Imaging Modalities for Children with Brain Tumors

Spring Education Exchange (SEE): Day 2, Session 6

Presented By:  Breanne Roche, DNP, APRN, CPNP-PC, CPHON

Session Details: Day 2: May 15, Session 6 12:05 PM EST (11:05 AM CST/10:05 AM MST/9:05 AM PST)

Overview of Session: In the United States, CNS and brain tumors are the most common type of cancer in children who are between the ages of 0-19, and they are the largest cause of cancer-related death in children ages 0-14. Classification of brain tumors is not straightforward, it is based on tumor location, extent of disease, and histological findings supported by other tests including immunohistochemical stains and molecular biomarkers. Imaging for brain tumors is essential. Unlike other common solid tumors, there are brain tumors which can be diagnosed without definitive tissue for pathological diagnosis, and diagnosis is based on neuroimaging. Imaging plays a vital role in the management of patients with brain tumors throughout the treatment trajectory. There are some patients who may not require standard treatment for a brain tumor, therefore routine tumor surveillance imaging with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is imperative. Advanced imaging may help clinicians differentiate between treatment related effects versus tumor progression or relapse, which facilitates treatment decision making. Pediatric oncology nurses are essential to the multidisciplinary team caring for children with brain tumors. They provide education, anticipatory guidance and support to patients and families prior to disease surveillance imaging, therefore it is important for these nurses to have a strong foundation and understanding of the various imaging modalities. This session will review the common imaging modalities for children with brain tumors, help nurses gain a better understanding of the different MRI techniques, and discuss the benefits of advanced imaging including MRI with perfusion and spectroscopy.

Learning Outcomes:

• Identify the most common imaging modalities for pediatric neuro-oncology patients
• Understand the differences between the various types of MRI modalities Identify the role of the nurse as it pertains to imaging

This contains 2 sections

1. Webinar Recording Link

2. Post-Session Evaluation

Continuing Education Credit 

APHON will provide 0.5 nursing continuing professional development (NCPD) contact hour(s) for the successful completion of this session. Successful completion requires attendance for the entire session and completion of the post-session evaluation. 

Individual Learning Needs Assessment (ILNA) Coding 

This program content has been reviewed by the Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation (ONCC) and is acceptable for recertification points. You may claim 0.5 ILNA in one of the following categories:  

• Care of the Pediatric Hem/Onc Patient 

• Pediatric Hem/Onc Nursing Practice 

• OR Professional Performance. 

Please reach out to the Education Team at education@aphon.org with your name, the email associated with your APHON account, and the above ILNA category you would like to have reflected on your certificate. APHON can update your completion certificate to reflect your choice. 

Spring Education Exchange (SEE) Access 

The SEE session recordings and post-session evaluations will be available for all registered participants until June 19th (11:59 pm EST). 

The Association for Pediatric Hematology Oncology Nurses is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation. This provider is also approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider Number 14513. 

None of the planners for this activity have relevant financial relationship(s) to disclose with ineligible companies. 

Questions or concerns? Contact education@aphon.org.

The APHON Spring Education Exchange is sponsored by ONCC.