Abstract
BackgroundHigh-quality evidence supports the integration of exercise to mitigate treatment-related side effects in a wide range of paediatric and adult cancer cohorts. However, the implementation of exercise in adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer patients is yet to be explored in depth. FiGHTINGF!T is a randomised controlled cross over trial designed to determine if a supervised, structured, and progressive exercise programme can reduce the decline in physical fitness (V02peak) associated with cancer treatment in AYAs from diagnosis.Methods/designA total of 40 AYAs recently diagnosed and due to commence systemic treatment (± 2 weeks) for a primary haematological malignancy or solid tumour will be recruited and randomised to either an immediate exercise intervention or usual care (delayed exercise) for 10 weeks. This randomised controlled crossover trial will see both groups engage in a supervised exercise intervention from either diagnosis (baseline assessment) for 10 weeks (0–10 weeks) or following an interim assessment to 20 weeks (10–20 weeks). The bi-weekly tailored exercise programme will combine aerobic and resistance exercises and be supervised by an Accredited Exercise Physiologist. Participants will complete a range of assessments at 0, 10, and 20 weeks including cardiopulmonary exercise tests, 1 repetition maximum strength measures, physical functioning, and self-reported quality of life measurements. Patient-reported treatment-related toxicities will be recorded on a weekly basis.DiscussionThe FiGHTINGF!T trial will provide insight into the potential benefits of a supervised exercise programme in AYAs undergoing cancer treatment. This trial will contribute to the evidence supporting the necessary integration of exercise during cancer treatment, specifically in the under-reported AYA cohort.Trial registrationThis trial was registered retrospectively with the Australia New Zealand Clinical Trial registry (ACTRN12620000663954). Registered on 10 June 2020
Highlights
High-quality evidence supports the integration of exercise to mitigate treatment-related side effects in a wide range of paediatric and adult cancer cohorts
In order to address the distinct lack of understanding of integrated exercise on functional capacity and treatment toxicity management in AYAs during cancer treatment, we developed this randomised controlled trial
The crossover design will permit an ability to evaluate any changes in exercise-related beliefs or practices in the immediate exercise group, following their initial 10-week exercise programme
Summary
High-quality evidence supports the integration of exercise to mitigate treatment-related side effects in a wide range of paediatric and adult cancer cohorts. On average in Australia, two to three adolescents and young adults (AYAs) aged 15 to 25 years face the news of a cancer diagnosis each day [1]. While dispute persists internationally regarding the definition of AYAs by age in the cancer context, with ages ranging from 13 to 39 years [4,5,6,7], it is widely accepted that this cohort is biologically, physically, and psychosocially unique [5]. Despite the obvious benefit borne by these improved survival rates, it means that a larger proportion of AYA cancer survivors are living for decades with potentially devastating secondary physical and psychosocial consequences of their treatment [8, 9]
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