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Understanding barriers and facilitators to implementing physical activity interventions for patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy: A qualitative study

People Involved

Profile image of Professor Michael Lind

Professor Michael Lind M.J.Lind@hull.ac.uk
Foundation Professor of Oncology/ Head of the Joint Centre for Cancer Studies

Profile image of Professor John Saxton

Professor John Saxton John.Saxton@hull.ac.uk
Professor in Clinical Exercise Physiology and Head of the School of Sport, Exercise & Rehabilitation Sciences

Project Description

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have huge potential for the treatment of metastatic melanoma, renal, head and neck, and lung cancers. While recent research shows that exercise improves chemoradiotherapy outcomes, its role as an adjunctive treatment for patients undergoing immunotherapy has received less attention. Preclinical and epidemiological data indicate that regular exercise may improve patient outcomes by enhancing antitumor immune cell trafficking and function. Exercise can modulate immune cell behaviour to attenuate tumour metastasis reduce cancer-related fatigue, improve quality of life, and reduce treatment toxicity. However, exercise is not currently implemented alongside ICI treatment in clinical practice; robust recommendations about whether and how to include exercise alongside ICI treatment therefore cannot be made. Using the socioecological model, we will explore multilevel factors influencing the implementation of exercise in this context. Findings will directly inform the development of a complex intervention and the design of future trials comparing the effectiveness and implementation of exercise (e.g., via hybrid trials) alongside ICIs versus standard care for improving health outcomes. Improving health outcomes and the treatment experience for a growing number of patients receiving these emerging treatments could positively impact cancer care.

Status Project Live
Value £1,015.00
Project Dates Nov 1, 2023 - Jul 31, 2025
Partner Organisations No Partners

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