A Tailored Exercise Oncology Program for Neuro-Oncology Patients

Background: Exercise, or physical activity, is beneficial for all cancer survivors. Despite this knowledge, there is generally a gap between the evidence and practice. And this gap is widened with (a) underserved tumour groups in exercise oncology, such as neuro-oncology patients, or (b) underutilized timelines across the cancer treatment phases to deliver exercise oncology education or programming. Thus, our current work is building a hybrid implementation effectiveness study into the clinical care pathway across Alberta in neuro-oncology - ACE-Neuro. Objectives: The purpose of this study is to assess the impact of an online, tailored exercise oncology program for neuro-oncology patients using a participant-oriented research (POR) approach as well as both quantitative and qualitative research methods. Specifically, the primary outcome of this study is to determine the feasibility of recruitment, referral, triage, adherence, and adverse events. The secondary outcome is to examine the preliminary effectiveness of the neuro-oncology exercise program on patient-reported outcomes and physical function. Methods: Neuro-oncology patients \>18 years and able to consent in English will be referred to a study-based Rehabilitation Triage Clinic, where a Physician-Researcher will assess patients on their overall health and functional status, and next triage them to either ACE-Neuro, rehabilitation oncology, or cancer physiatry. Once referred to ACE-Neuro, participants will partake in a 12-week online exercise program, delivered by a Clinical Exercise Physiologist. Participants will complete online assessments of physical function, patient-reported outcomes, and objective physical activity at baseline (pre-program), 12-weeks (post-program completion), 6-months, and 12-months. The exercise program includes weekly one-on-one online exercise delivery, health coaching to support behaviour change, and access to an online group exercise session. Participants will also be invited to a post-program qualitative interview to get perspectives on their experiences participating in ACE-Neuro. Relevance: By working directly with patients, healthcare providers, and community partners, this implementation project will develop a framework that streamlines patient triage, and provides a tailored online exercise program for neuro-oncology patients, thereby advancing exercise oncology research and clinical practice.

Sex

All

Minimum age

18 Years

Maximum age

100 Years

Inclusion Criteria:

* are a neuro-oncology patient with primary brain tumour (malignant or benign)
* are pre-, on, or completed treatment
* are over the age of 18 years
* are able to read/write in English
* are able to participate in mild levels of exercise
* are able to access remote programming (i.e., has internet access and a computer or tablet)

Exclusion Criteria:

* diagnosis is not primary brain
* unable to read/write in English
* are unable to participate in light exercise
* for online programs, do not have internet or computer access

• DERIVEDDaun JT, Roldan Urgoiti G, Bansal M, McDonough MH, Capozzi LC, Easaw JC, McNeely ML, Francis GJ, Culos-Reed SN. One step forward, two steps back: a qualitative study of clinical perspectives on implementing exercise in neuro-oncology care. J Cancer Surviv. 2026 Sep 2. doi: 10.1007/s11764-026-02113-2. Online ahead of print. PMID 42684658
• DERIVEDDaun JT, Capozzi LC, Dhruva T, Roldan Urgoiti G, McDonough MH, McLaughlin E, Bansal M, Brett A, Easaw JC, McNeely ML, Francis GJ, Williamson T, Danyluk J, Ospina PA, Lesiuk C, de Robles P, Leckie C, Culos-Reed SN. The feasibility of a multi-site, clinic-supported, and tailored neuro-oncology exercise program. Neurooncol Pract. 2024 Oct 10;12(1):131-142. doi: 10.1093/nop/npae093. eCollection 2025 Feb. PMID 39917754