Children who are treated for cancer are at risk for decreased functional status both during and after their treatment.  Decreased physical function due to treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), lymphoma, solid tumors, and CNS tumors may lead to decreased overall activity levels and an increased risk of obesity, decreased bone mineral density, and later in life cardiovascular disease. Now that the vast majority of children survive cancer treatment, we must understand the physical deficits that this treatment brings and intervene in order to maintain normal motor development and improve their quality of life during and after treatment.

Treatment for childhood cancer can be quite intense and often is prolonged over months and years.  In addition to the potential impact of surgery and radiation therapy, chemotherapeutic agents that are known to be toxic to the neuromuscular and musculoskeletal system are commonly used in childhood cancer. More specifically, chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) can affect children and adolescents during and after cancer treatment and is likely related to functional outcomes.  Physical therapists must understand cancer-related impairments and choose appropriate outcome measurements in order to design a successful plan of care. In our presentation we will: 1) Describe the disease process, epidemiology, and typical treatment regimen for childhood leukemias, lymphomas, and solid tumors including CNS tumors 2) discuss the current literature and our ongoing research on CIPN, physical impairments and motor performance deficits in children, adolescents, and survivors of these childhood cancers; 3) describe possible outcome measurements appropriate to these populations; 4) discuss the evidence base for and practical application of intervention techniques to address common physical impairments and function; 5) provide lab time to practice assessment and intervention techniques with volunteer patients and 6) present case studies that portray the clinical relevance of the course material.

• Participants will receive a certificate of participation for 1.4 CEUS (14 contact hours) at the conclusion of the course.
• Snacks will be provided and lunch is on your own. Please dress comfortably.

Location

Children’s Hospital & Medical Center
Indian Hills East
8404 Indian Hills Drive
Conference Room 1^st Floor
Omaha NE 68114

Course Schedule

8:00 am – 4:00 pm Both Days

• 7:30 am: Registration
• 8:00 am – 12:00 pm: Session
• 12:00 – 1:00 pm: Lunch (on your own)
• 1:00 – 4:00 pm: Session/Q&A

Course Objectives

At the conclusion of this course, a participant should be able to:

• Describe the typical treatment regimen for children with leukemia, lymphoma, and solid tumors including CNS tumors.
• Describe the current literature on CIPN in children and adolescents with non-CNS cancer.
• Describe the current literature on physical impairments, motor performance deficits in children with leukemia, lymphoma, and solid tumors.
• Discuss the pros and cons of different outcome measurements to use in these populations.
• Describe and demonstrate assessment and intervention techniques to address common physical impairments and motor performance deficits in children with leukemia, lymphoma, and solid tumors.

Speaker Information

Laura Gilchrist PT, PhD is an Associate Professor of Physical Therapy at St. Catherine University and a Clinical Research Scientist at Children’s Hospitals and Clinics of MN.  Her research focuses on cancer-related impairments of the neuromuscular systems.  She is currently the PI of a study on the prevalence and persistence of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy in children undergoing chemotherapy and a second study on motor performance deficits in children undergoing cancer therapy. She has presented at the APTA Combined Section Meetings, American Pediatric Hematology Oncology Nursing Association Conferences, and a Children’s Oncology Group meeting.

Lynn Tanner, PT is a Rehabilitation Clinical Specialist in Oncology at Children’s Minnesota. She received her BA in Child Psychology from the University of Minnesota in 1999 and her Master’s in Physical Therapy from the Mayo School of Health Related Sciences in 2001.  In her current role, she provides PT services to the oncology population in the oncology clinic, conducts research related to pediatric oncology, and serves as a resource for pediatric oncology rehabilitation.  She has presented at the APTA Combined Section Meetings, American Pediatric Hematology Oncology Nursing Association Conferences, Children’s Oncology Group meeting, and International Society of Pediatric Oncology meeting. She was awarded the Emerging Leader Award for 2010 from the APTA and served as the chair of the Pediatric Oncology Special Interest Group from 2010-2014.

Hotels

Staybridge Suites
7825 Davenport Street
Omaha, NE 68114
402-933-8901

Holiday Inn Express
8736 West Dodge Rd
Omaha, NE 68114
402-343-1000

Residence Inn by Marriott Omaha Aksarben Village
1717 South 67^th St
Omaha, NE 68106
402-551-1000

Part II of two, this evidence-based course on the management of edema, including lymphedema, is being offered in partnership with CES Faculty, EDUCATA, and the Academy of Oncologic Physical Therapy (formerly the Oncology Section of the American Physical Therapy Association). Successful participants will receive certification in the management of edema and will be designated as Certified Edema Specialists (CES).

NOTE: Prior to attending this course, you must complete registration and coursework through the APTA affiliate, EDUCATA. Eighteen hours of pre-requisite course work is required before attending the laboratory course.

TO REGISTER, GO TO HTTP://WWW.CES.EDUCATA.COM

LOCATION:

Verdugo Hills Hospital
1812 Verdugo Boulevard
Glendale, CA 91208
4th floor in Council Rooms C & D

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

UPON COMPLETING THIS COURSE, PARTICIPANTS WILL BE ABLE TO:

• Develop a personalized plan of care for management of individuals with peripheral edema across all practice settings
• Describe the anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology of the lymphatic system that results in peripheral edema
• Utilize principles of differential diagnosis and clinical decision making to determine the cause or contributing factors resulting in peripheral edema
• Identify clinical presentations where referral to other health care professionals is indicated
• Perform an examination and evaluation of the lymphatic system to define the patient problem and guide interventions
• Safely and effectively implement appropriate interventions for lymphatic system dysfunction of the head, neck, upper extremity, genital and lower extremity areas
• Demonstrate competency in manual lymphatic drainage skills
• Demonstrate competency in multiple layer bandage compression skills with and without foam
• Select safe and effective exercises for edema management
• Integrate joint and soft tissue mobilizations into comprehensive patient interventions
• Select appropriate compression garments for day and nighttime use
• Instruct the patient in risk reduction, prevention and long term management of edema
• Discuss best evidence for examination and intervention procedures
• Appropriately document treatment progress and outcome measures
• Discuss billing and marketing issues for management of a lymphedema clinic

COURSE SCHEDULE:

Oct 25^th: 8AM – 6PM
Oct 26^th: 8AM – 6 PM
Oct 27^th: 8AM – 6 PM

PRE-REQUISITES:

Part I of this workshop and eighteen hours of online didactics as shown at: https://ces.educata.com/event-prerequisites

INSTRUCTORS:

Marisa Perdomo, PT, DPT, MS, CCES, CES is an Assistant Professor in Clinical Physical Therapy at the University of Southern California and has over 30 years of clinical practice focusing on orthopedic, oncologic and lymphatic dysfunctions. She received her lymphedema training and certification from the Foldi Clinic in Hinterzarten Germany in 1997. Dr. Perdomo also has extensive training in all areas of orthopedic manual therapy via the North American Institute of Manual Therapy. She received her Master’s and Clinical Doctorate degrees at the University of Southern California where she developed a physical therapy practice for cancer survivors at the USC Faculty Practice. Dr. Perdomo integrates manual lymphatic mobilization techniques with her orthopedic manual therapy background and provides a unique intervention protocol for individuals with orthopedic related peripheral edema.

At USC Dr. Perdomo developed the curricular content regarding the management of oncological related impairments that includes evaluation, examination and treatment of peripheral edema. Additional teaching responsibilities include Differential Diagnosis, Cardiopulmonary and Medical Conditions, and Pharmacology. She also serves on the steering committee for the USC Institute of Integrated Health and has developed yoga based physical therapy interventions for individuals recovering from cancer. Her scholarly interests include oncology rehabilitation, and management of peripheral edema. Publications include systematic reviews of outcome measures for survivors of breast cancer.

Her scholarly work and peer-reviewed publications include topics such as Breast Cancer related physical therapy outcomes via the EDGE Task Force, Integrating Edema Management into Entry level DPT and the first clinical practice guidelines for lymphedema titled  “Diagnosis of Upper Quadrant Lymphedema Secondary to Cancer: Clinical Practice Guideline from the Oncology Section of the American Physical Therapy Association”. She also is the author of several book chapters regarding the Diagnosis of edema for physical therapists as well as an overview of lymphedema and several other peer-review papers.

In the past, cancer survivors were encouraged not to exercise for fear that such activities were detrimental. Today, however, exercise is increasingly viewed as an integral component of the treatment plan regardless of where these survivors are on the cancer spectrum. Cancer and its treatment often results in patients with complex medical problems, making it clinically more challenging to utilize exercise training as a therapeutic intervention. This course will address issues associated with using exercise interventions with this population including why exercise interventions are needed for this patient population, how to implement exercise programs for this patient population and do so safely, and how to assess changes in fitness in this patient population. The course includes a lab component which provides the attendees with hands on instruction in both the assessment of exercise capacity survivors and the application of exercise training methodologies to these individuals. Completion of this course will increase the ability of a practicing rehabilitation professional to more successfully treat cancer survivors.

Location

Cleveland Clinic
12300 McCracken Road
Garfield Heights, OH 44125

Parking: Onsite Free

Course Objectives

At the conclusion of this course, a participant should be able to:

• Explain the basic biology of exercise, cancer and acute and adaptive responses to exercise
• Describe cancer diagnoses, cancer treatments, and side effects particularly as they relate to impairments
• Understand how exercise training can improve functional capacity, quality of life, and improve prognosis following a cancer diagnosis.
• Recognize and respond to adverse responses to exercise training
• Appropriately modify exercise program in response to acute patient status
• Write exercise prescriptions for the oncology patient and survivor
• Identify and use of appropriate outcome measures in the oncology setting
• Discuss safety concerns associated with exercising this patient population
• Discuss the use of exercise training across the cancer spectrum
• Discuss exercise interventions in the context of  lymphedema and treatment associated peripheral edema
• Describe the role of exercise in treating the cancer survivor

Note: Participants will receive a certificate of participation for 0.8 CEUS at the conclusion of the course.

Snacks will be provided and lunch is on your own. Please dress comfortably.

Course Schedule

8:00 am – 6:00 pm

• 7:30 am: Registration
• 8:00 am – 12:00 pm: Session
• 12:00 – 1:00 pm: Lunch (on your own)
• 1:00 – 6:00 pm: Session/Q&A

Instructor

G Stephen Morris, PT, PhD, Fellow American College of Sports Medicine

Biography:

G. Stephen Morris, PT, PhD, FACSM received his PhD from the University of Texas and completed a NIH Postdoctoral Research Fellowship at UC Irvine.  Seeking credentials to do human research, he later earned a MS degree in Physical Therapy from Texas Woman’s University, Houston, Texas and a license in Physical Therapy.  After teaching stints in physical therapy programs at Texas Woman’s University and Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, he joined the Dept. of Rehabilitation Services at UT MD Anderson Cancer Center.  There he both treated patients and pursued research focused on identifying treatment outcome measures that are most appropriate for use in the oncology rehabilitation setting and the integration of the principles of exercise physiology into oncology rehabilitation.

He served briefly as the Director of Rehabilitation Services at St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital and conducted research in the area of cancer survivorship. He recently retired from the Physical Therapy Program at Wingate University, Wingate, NC and was named the University’s first Distinguish Professor.  He currently serves as the President of the Academy of Oncologic Physical Therapy of the American Physical Therapy Association. Dr. Morris has published over 60 manuscripts and 3 book chapters and has spoken nationally and internationally on the utility and implementation of exercise training principals in the context of oncology rehabilitation.

Hotels

• Embassy Suites by Hilton: Cleveland Rockside
• Hyatt Place: Cleveland Independence
• Double Tree by Hilton: Cleveland Independence
• Crowne Plaza: Cleveland South – Independence

This evidence-based course on the management of edema, including lymphedema, is being offered in partnership with CES Faculty, EDUCATA, and the Academy of Oncologic Physical Therapy (formerly the Oncology Section of the American Physical Therapy Association). Successful participants will receive certification in the management of edema and will be designated as Certified Edema Specialists (CES).

NOTE: Prior to attending this course, you must complete registration and coursework through the APTA affiliate, EDUCATA. Eighteen hours of pre-requisite course work is required before attending the laboratory course.

TO REGISTER, GO TO HTTP://WWW.CES.EDUCATA.COM

LOCATION:

Ascension MI Macomb PT
17900 23 Mile Rd.
Macomb Twp, MI 48044

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

Upon completing this course, participants will be able to:

• Develop a personalized plan of care for management of individuals with peripheral edema across all practice settings
• Describe the anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology of the lymphatic system that results in peripheral edema
• Utilize principles of differential diagnosis and clinical decision making to determine the cause or contributing factors resulting in peripheral edema
• Identify clinical presentations where referral to other health care professionals is indicated
• Perform an examination and evaluation of the lymphatic system to define the patient problem and guide interventions
• Safely and effectively implement appropriate interventions for lymphatic system dysfunction of the head, neck, upper extremity, genital and lower extremity areas
• Demonstrate competency in manual lymphatic drainage skills
• Demonstrate competency in multiple layer bandage compression skills with and without foam
• Select safe and effective exercises for edema management
• Integrate joint and soft tissue mobilizations into comprehensive patient interventions
• Select appropriate compression garments for day and nighttime use
• Instruct the patient in risk reduction, prevention and long term management of edema
• Discuss best evidence for examination and intervention procedures
• Appropriately document treatment progress and outcome measures
• Discuss billing and marketing issues for management of a lymphedema clinic

COURSE SCHEDULE:

Nov 7^th:^: 8AM – 6PM
Nov 8^th:^: 8AM – 6PM
Nov 9^th:^: 8AM – 6PM
Nov 10^th:^: 8AM – 6PM
Nov 11^th:^: 8AM – 6PM
Nov 12^th:^: 8AM – 6PM

PRE-REQUISITES:

Eighteen hours of online didactics as shown at: https://ascension-mi.regfox.com/comprehensive-management-of-peripheral-edema

INSTRUCTORS:

Lisa VanHoose, PT, PhD, MPH, CLT, CES  received her PhD in Rehabilitation Science and MPH from the University of Kansas Medical Center. She has over 20 years of experience in the evaluation and treatment of lymphatic, vascular, and idiopathic edemas. She completed the NHLBI PRIDE Summer Institute with an emphasis in Cardiovascular Genetic Epidemiology and investigates the cross-talk between the cardiovascular and lymphatic systems. Her BS in Health Science and MS in Physical Therapy were completed at the University of Central Arkansas. Dr. VanHoose’s teaching interests include pathology, physical agents, oncology rehabilitation, population health, and cultural competency. Dr. VanHoose’s research focuses on the incidence, prevalence, and severity of cancer related side effects with an emphasis on the disease burden of minority cancer survivors. She also investigates strategies to diversify the healthcare workforce to reduce health disparities. She has received both NIH and industry funding to support her research agenda. Dr. VanHoose is the Principal Investigator of the Cancer Rehabilitation and Wellness Laboratory. She is also the past President (2012-2016) of the Oncology Section of the American Physical Therapy Association.

Physical therapists commonly treat patients with cancer in all settings.  A review of cancer pathophysiology, the impact of cancer and its treatment on body systems and functions, balance, fall risk, and chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy in cancer survivors will be addressed. Participants will be able to use the data gathered from the history, review of systems, systems review, examination and evaluation to identify cancer survivors who are at risk of balance disorders, falls, or chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy.  The use of evidence-based screening tools and outcomes measures as well as the prospective surveillance model in the cancer populations will be emphasized. An evidence-based application of interventions with a lab component of case studies will be addressed. The lab components require active participation. Participants should dress appropriately to allow full body movement. Participants will work on assigned tasks prior to the start of the course.

Location

City of Hope
1500 E Duarte Road
Duarte, CA 91010

Course Objectives

At the conclusion of this course, a participant should be able to:  

• Identify the unique and diverse systemic and local effects of cancer and its treatment that impact balance and increase risks of falls.
• Apply evidence-based screening tools and outcome measures within the ICF framework for the management of balance problems, fall risk, and chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy in cancer survivors.
• Apply evidence-based treatment strategies while considering physical therapy diagnosis and prognosis to improve balance and reduce fall risks in cancer survivors.

Participants will receive a certificate of participation for 0.8 CEUS (8 contact hours) at the conclusion of the course.

Snacks will be provided and lunch is on your own. Please dress comfortably.

Course Schedule

8:00 am – 6:00 pm

• 7:30 am: Registration
• 8:00 am – 12:00 pm: Session
• 12:00 – 1:00 pm: Lunch (on your own)
• 1:00 – 6:00 pm: Session/Q&A

Instructors

Jena Colon, DPT, Earllaine Croarkin, PT, Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Neurology & Cindy Pfalzer, PT, PhD, FAPTA

Biographies:

Jena Colon, PT, DPT
Physical Therapist, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Covenant Healthcare
Saginaw, MI

Jena is a practicing physical therapist and adjunct professor at MidMichigan Community College in Mount Pleasant, MI. She received a Bachelor of Science in Biology/Chemistry as well as her Doctorate in Physical Therapy and MBA in Healthcare Management from the University of Michigan – Flint. She has received certifications as an LSVT BIG clinician, Otago certification for the geriatric population, and Level 1 Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (MDT). Jena was recently selected by the Specialization Academy of Content Experts (SACE) as an item writer for the Oncology Specialty Council. She is currently serving as a Federal Affairs Liaison for the Oncology Section of the APTA. She has also served on the APTA Oncology Sections’ Breast Cancer EDGE Task Force of Outcome Measures on Balance as well as many other EDGE Task Force initiatives for cancer through the Oncology Section of the APTA. She has presented her research along with her fellow authors at multiple national conferences to date and is a published author in peer-reviewed journals such as Rehabilitation Oncology.

Min H. Huang, PT, PhD
Board Certified Neurologic Clinical Specialist

Min H. Huang, PT, PhD, Board Certified Neurologic Clinical Specialist through the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties. She received a bachelor of science in physical therapy from National Taiwan University in 1992, a master of art and a master of education in Motor Learning and Motor Control from Department of Biobehavioral Sciences at Columbia University in 1999 and 2000, respectively, and a PhD in Kinesiology in 2009 from the University of Michigan. Dr. Huang joined University of Michigan (UM)-Flint as an Assistant Professor in 2010. She was promoted to Associate professor in 2016. Dr. Huang chaired the APTA Academy of Oncologic Physical Therapy EDGE Task Force on outcome measures for balance in breast cancer survivors in 2014-2015. She currently is leading another EDGE Task Force on outcome measures for balance in all adult cancer survivors in 2018-2019. Dr. Huang is a member and secretary of the Balance and Falls Special Interest Group (SIG) of the Academy of Oncologic Physical Therapy. Her research focuses on movement disorders and postural control in older cancer survivors as well as patients with neurologic conditions. She has collaborated with Dr. Pfalzer to examine falls, balance and walking difficult in older cancer survivors using the U.S. population-based datasets obtained from the National Cancer Institute.

Lucinda (Cindy) A. Pfalzer
PT, PhD, FACSM, FAPTA

Lucinda (Cindy) A. Pfalzer has more than 35 years’ experience as a physical therapist. She received a bachelor’s degree in physical therapy (PT) from Ithaca College in 1979, a master’s in Adult Fitness and Cardiac Rehabilitation in 1984 and a PhD in Exercise Physiology in 1989, both from The Ohio State University. Dr. Pfalzer joined University of Michigan (UM)-Flint as an Assistant Professor in June of 1986. She was promoted to Associate professor in 1992, Full Professor in 1998, and Professor Emerita in 2014 and the Pfalzer Horizon Award was created in her honor in March of 2014.

Dr. Pfalzer led the development of online and post-professional physical therapy education at UM-Flint with the addition of a transitional DPT program including international education, certificate / residency programs in advanced PT practice and approval of the PhD in PT.  Dr. Pfalzer became a Fellow in the American College of Sports Medicine in 1992. She was named a Catherine Worthingham Fellow of the APTA in 2007. Dr. Pfalzer currently serves as Editor of Rehabilitation Oncology, the APTA Academy of Oncologic Physical Therapy journal, and recently assisted with development of the “ONCO Reads” CEU project in partnership with the APTA Learning Center.

Dr. Pfalzer ia a member of the Academy Board of Directors and Research Committee. She serves the APTA American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS) as a member of the Oncology Specialty Council and Item Review Coordinator and is a member of the Accreditation Services Committee of Accreditation Services Council of the American Board of Physical Therapy Residency and Fellowship Education (ABPTRFE).  She assisted with establishment of the Academy’s newest Special Interest Group for Balance and Falls for Cancer Survivors, and co-teaches a regional course on Balance and Falls in Cancer Survivors for the Academy.

Hotels

• Doubletree Inn by Hilton, 924 Huntington Dr, Monrovia, CA 91016
• Courtyard Marriott Los Angeles/Pasadena, Monrovia; 700 Huntington Dr, Monrovia, CA 91016
• Embassy Suites by Hilton Arcadia Pasadena Area211 E Huntington Dr, Arcadia, CA 91006

Cancers of the head and neck account for approximately 4% of all cancers diagnosed in the United States. While survival rates have improved over the past few decades due to improvements in medical management, many individuals must deal with persistent negative effects associated with head and neck cancer and its treatment. Fortunately, many of the negative effects are amendable to rehabilitation. However, a multidisciplinary rehabilitation approach is often needed due to the high frequency, severity and complexity of needs experienced by persons diagnosed with head and neck cancer. Occupational therapists, physical therapists, and speech and language pathologists are rehabilitation professionals with the unique skill sets needed to assist persons diagnosed with head and neck cancer. This one day educational session will include lecture and lab activities focusing on 1) the medical management of head and neck cancer and the impact on body structure and function; 2) screening and evaluation of common side effects of head and neck cancer and its treatment; and 3) management of side effects that are amendable to rehabilitation (shoulder and neck dysfunction, TMJ dysfunction/trismus, radiation fibrosis, lymphedema, and cancer related fatigue). Best available evidence for the rehabilitation of patients diagnosed with head and neck cancer will be provided.

Location

Baptist Heart Hospital
2nd Floor Wolfson Wellness Center
800 Prudential Drive
Jacksonville FL 32207

Course Objectives

At the conclusion of this course, a participant should be able to:

• Describe the common medical management strategies for patients with a diagnosis of head and neck cancer.

• Describe head and neck cancer and treatment-related impairments amendable to rehabilitation.

• Discuss rehabilitation strategies aimed to prevent or minimize impact of impairments and functional limitations in persons diagnosed with head and neck cancer.

• Apply evaluative and treatment techniques for management of shoulder and neck impairments, TMJ dysfunction and lymphedema through small lab experiences.

• Recognize the need for a multiple disciplinary approach for addressing the unique rehabilitation needs of persons diagnosed with head and neck cancer.

Note: Participants will receive a certificate of participation for 0.8 CEUS at the conclusion of the course

COURSE SCHEDULE

8:00 am – 6:00 pm

• 7:30 am: Registration
• 8:00 am – 12:00 pm: Session
• 12:00 –1:00 pm: Lunch (on your own)
• 1:00 – 6:00 pm: Session/Q&A

Instructor

Bryan A. Spinelli PT, PhD, OCS, CLT-LANA

Biography:

Bryan A. Spinelli is an Assistant Professor at Thomas Jefferson University in the Department of Physical Therapy. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy (2000) and a Master of Science (2001) from Northeastern University. He received his Doctorate of Philosophy (2016) at Drexel University. Bryan is an American Physical Therapy Association Board-Certified Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist and Lymphology Association of North America Certified Lymphedema Therapist. He has experience assisting persons diagnosed with cancer manage neuro-musculoskeletal disorders, lymphedema, fatigue, weakness, deconditioning, and balance deficits. He has lectured, published and/or presented at conferences in the areas of cancer rehabilitation, lymphedema, shoulder biomechanics, and shoulder pain and dysfunction in cancer survivors.

Hotels

• Double Tree by Hilton
• Hyatt Regency Jacksonville
• Hilton Garden inn Jacksonville
• Hampton Inn Jacksonville
• Omni Jacksonville
• Additional Options

Registration will open in early fall 2019

Children who are treated for cancer are at risk for decreased functional status both during and after their treatment.  Decreased physical function due to treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), lymphoma, solid tumors, and CNS tumors may lead to decreased overall activity levels and an increased risk of obesity, decreased bone mineral density, and later in life cardiovascular disease. Now that the vast majority of children survive cancer treatment, we must understand the physical deficits that this treatment brings and intervene in order to maintain normal motor development and improve their quality of life during and after treatment.

Treatment for childhood cancer can be quite intense and often is prolonged over months and years.  In addition to the potential impact of surgery and radiation therapy, chemotherapeutic agents that are known to be toxic to the neuromuscular and musculoskeletal system are commonly used in childhood cancer. More specifically, chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) can affect children and adolescents during and after cancer treatment and is likely related to functional outcomes.  Physical therapists must understand cancer-related impairments and choose appropriate outcome measurements in order to design a successful plan of care. In our presentation we will: 1) Describe the disease process, epidemiology, and typical treatment regimen for childhood leukemias, lymphomas, and solid tumors including CNS tumors 2) discuss the current literature and our ongoing research on CIPN, physical impairments and motor performance deficits in children, adolescents, and survivors of these childhood cancers; 3) describe possible outcome measurements appropriate to these populations; 4) discuss the evidence base for and practical application of intervention techniques to address common physical impairments and function; 5) provide lab time to practice assessment and intervention techniques with volunteer patients and 6) present case studies that portray the clinical relevance of the course material.

• Participants will receive a certificate of participation for 1.4 CEUS (14 contact hours) at the conclusion of the course
• Snacks will be provided and lunch is on your own. Please dress comfortably.

Course Schedule

8:00 am – 4:00 pm Both Days

• 7:30 am: Registration
• 8:00 am – 12:00 pm: Session
• 12:00 – 1:00 pm: Lunch (on your own)
• 1:00 – 4:00 pm: Session/Q&A

Course Objectives

At the conclusion of this course, a participant should be able to:

• Describe the typical treatment regimen for children with leukemia, lymphoma, and solid tumors including CNS tumors.
• Describe the current literature on CIPN in children and adolescents with non-CNS cancer.
• Describe the current literature on physical impairments, motor performance deficits in children with leukemia, lymphoma, and solid tumors.
• Discuss the pros and cons of different outcome measurements to use in these populations.
• Describe and demonstrate assessment and intervention techniques to address common physical impairments and motor performance deficits in children with leukemia, lymphoma, and solid tumors.

Speaker Information

Laura Gilchrist PT, PhD is an Associate Professor of Physical Therapy at St. Catherine University and a Clinical Research Scientist at Children’s Hospitals and Clinics of MN.  Her research focuses on cancer-related impairments of the neuromuscular systems.  She is currently the PI of a study on the prevalence and persistence of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy in children undergoing chemotherapy and a second study on motor performance deficits in children undergoing cancer therapy. She has presented at the APTA Combined Section Meetings, American Pediatric Hematology Oncology Nursing Association Conferences, and a Children’s Oncology Group meeting.

Lynn Tanner, PT is a Rehabilitation Clinical Specialist in Oncology at Children’s Minnesota. She received her BA in Child Psychology from the University of Minnesota in 1999 and her Master’s in Physical Therapy from the Mayo School of Health Related Sciences in 2001.  In her current role, she provides PT services to the oncology population in the oncology clinic, conducts research related to pediatric oncology, and serves as a resource for pediatric oncology rehabilitation.  She has presented at the APTA Combined Section Meetings, American Pediatric Hematology Oncology Nursing Association Conferences, Children’s Oncology Group meeting, and International Society of Pediatric Oncology meeting. She was awarded the Emerging Leader Award for 2010 from the APTA and served as the chair of the Pediatric Oncology Special Interest Group from 2010-2014.

This one-day course will allow for the outpatient clinician to evaluate and treat a patient with a history of cancer diagnosis or is currently undergoing cancer treatments.  The clinician will understand the various types of cancer treatments and how the side effects may present in their clinic.

Register Online
Mail-in Registration for Regional Courses
Hosting a regional course with the Academy

Course Objectives

At the conclusion of this course, a participant should be able to:

• Review pathophysiology of cancer, prevalence and important statistics.
• Explain techniques used to diagnose, surgically and medically treat cancer.
• Review appropriate exercise prescriptions when treating patients who have a past or current diagnosis of cancer.
• Learn precautions, contraindications and red flags to look for when working with cancer survivors.
• Review of oncologic emergencies, lab values and screening used to determine safety when treating a patient with a history of cancer.

Specific cancers to be covered in this class: prostate, breast, colorectal, pelvic, melanoma, leukemia, lymphoma and head and neck cancer.

Speaker Information

Frannie Westlake, PT, DPT, Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Neurologic and Oncologic Physical Therapy

Frannie Westlake, PT, DPT, NCS received her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from the University of North Florida in Jacksonville, FL in 2012. She went on to complete her Neurological residency at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center in Pittsburgh, PA and received her NCS in 2014. Since 2015, Frannie has worked at Oncology Rehab in Denver, CO and is the clinical coordinator for neurological and exercise rehab program.  She treats a variety of oncology, vestibular and neurological diagnosis.  Her passion is working with patients who are currently undergoing chemotherapy and has complaints of chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy.  She is also actively working on a pre-op protocol for patients who have been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and 13 month old son and black lab.  They enjoy going on hikes and spending time in the mountains of Colorado.

Frannie actively lectures at CSM with APTA and has published 2 journal articles in Rehabilitation Oncology.  She is the current education chair for the Oncology Section.