2021 Psychopharmacology in Cancer Care: An Update for Clinicians of All Disciplines

Saturday, April 10, 2021, 8:15 AM - 4:30 PM

Clinicians have numerous tools at their disposal to help adult cancer patients dealing with symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other cancer sequelae. Psychiatric medications are most frequently prescribed to cancer patients by oncologists and general practitioners, however psychiatric syndromes are often underdiagnosed and undertreated. Few oncology practices have dedicated psychiatric consultants familiar with the nuances of Psycho-Oncology. Even when patients receive psychotropic medications appropriately, they may have problems that arise before their next oncology visit or before they see the person who prescribed their psychiatric medications. Psychologists, nurses and social workers play an essential role in identifying psychological and physical symptoms as well as both beneficial and problematic medication effects as they provide frontline psychosocial interventions and support for cancer patients.

This course is designed for the non-prescribing psycho-oncology clinician as well as the psychiatrist who is new to the world of Psycho-pharmaco-oncology. Oncologists, palliative care clinicians, advanced practice nurses and oncology nurses will find this course useful as well. The course will focus on key target disorders and symptoms amenable to psychopharmacological intervention, including anxiety, depression, delirium, sleep disturbance, pain, fatigue, and weight and appetite loss. This year, the course will also include updates on COVID-19 related delirium and the use of novel interventions including ketamine, medical marijuana and psilocybin for depression, anxiety and pain. Participants will learn to identify psychological reactions to medical conditions or treatments; psychiatric presentations of medical conditions or treatments; medical presentations of psychiatric conditions and common medical complications of psychiatric conditions or treatments.

Basic information will be presented about medications used to alleviate Quality of Life symptoms that arise in the cancer setting from diagnosis to survivorship or end of life care, and the interface of psychotherapy and medication management. We will review why certain medications are used and why some are avoided, looking at potential benefits, unwanted side effects, and drug-drug interactions, since you may be the first person to identify a serious adverse event. The course will also enhance your ability to provide psychoeducation to patients regarding psychiatric medications.

This course is co-sponsored by the MSK Psycho-Oncology Education & Training Institute (POETI).

Who Should Attend

This course is intended for Psychiatrists, Psycho-oncologists, Oncologists, Palliative Care Physicians, Physician Assistants, Nurse Practitioners, Nurses, Psychologists, Social Workers and Counselors.

Live Virtual Format

This live virtual program will be delivered using Zoom. We encourage all attendees to download the Zoom app prior to the start of the course (zoom.us/download). CME, Social Work, and Nursing credit will be offered for this live virtual program. Detailed access and credit instructions will be emailed to attendees prior to the start of the course.

1. Participants will learn basic psycho-pharmaco-oncology and how to hone essential clinical and observation skills to improve the quality of life, mental health and safety of their patients by understanding the basics of the psychophysiology of cancer.

Virtual Registration Fees

• Physicians (MD, DO, MBBS, or equivalent): $100
• Residents, Fellows, Advanced Practice Providers, Nurses, Psychologists, Social Workers, Counselors, and Other Healthcare Providers: $50
• Industry Professionals*: $175

*Industry professionals may attend MSK CME activities for their own education. Marketing, sales, and promotion of products and services is strictly prohibited at MSK CME activities. For more information, please visit our Help page.

Registration Discounts/Promotions

• MSK CME offers a discounted rate for MSK Alumni, MSK Cancer Alliance and Cancer Care Partners. If you are a member of one of these groups, please contact cme@mskcc.org for more information.
• MSK employee registration is complimentary. However, you must complete course registration in order to attend this course. If you are registered for this course and are unable to attend, please email cme@mskcc.org.

Please note that after your payment has been processed, no further promotional discount adjustments will be made to your registration.

Cancellation Policy

If you cancel your participation in this course, your registration fee, less a $25 administrative fee, will be refunded when email notification is received by the MSK Office of Continuing Medical Education (MSK CME) at least 7 days prior to the first day of the course (cme@mskcc.org).

Cancellations or no-shows after this date are not eligible for a refund. MSK CME reserves the right to cancel or postpone any course due to unforeseen circumstances. In the unlikely event we must cancel or postpone this course, we will refund the registration fee in full, but are not responsible for any related costs, charges, or expenses to participants, including fees incurred by airline/travel/lodging agencies. At any time, you may substitute another registrant in your place after contacting MSK CME with the relevant information.

If it has been more than 120 days since you paid for a course, or submitted a check for payment, a W9 form will need to be completed for us to refund your registration. You will not be taxed on your refund.

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

AMA Credit Designation Statement

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center designates this live activity for a maximum activity of 6.75 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

 

Additional credit types pending. 

Memorial Sloan Kettering Course Faculty 

Yesne Alici, MD
Clinical Director, Associate Attending Psychiatrist, Psychiatry Service 
Medical Director, Biobehavioral Brain Health Clinic
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences

William Breitbart, MD
Attending Psychiatrist, Chair
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
Attending Psychiatrist, Supportive Care Service
Department of Medicine

Alan Carver, MD
Attending Neurologist
Department of Neurology
Department of Medicine

Andrew Roth, MD
Attending Psychiatrist, Psychiatry Service
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences

Christian Bjerre Real, MD, MMCI
Research Fellow
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences

 

Faculty Disclosures