1485P - Mitigating symptom clusters of patients with metastatic cancer through a remote physical exercise program (EXIO)

Background

Patients (pts) diagnosed with metastatic cancer often experience a high symptom burden and diminished health-related quality of life (HRQOL), which can significantly impact their overall well-being. Physical activity (PA) has emerged as a promising intervention to alleviate symptoms and improve HRQOL in this population. This study examines the effects of a 12-week supervised remote PA program on symptom burden and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in pts diagnosed with metastatic cancer.

Methods

This prospective study included eligible pts undergoing treatment for metastatic cancer. Initial assessments and weekly exercise guidance were provided to pts via WhatsApp. Proper home exercise techniques were demonstrated using the Vedius platform. The prescribed exercise regimen entailed 3 to 5 hours per week (4 to 6 days a week) of combined resistance and aerobic exercises. Outcome measures, including symptom burden (Edmonton Symptom Assessment System, ESAS, scale 0-90) and overall quality of life (Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General, FACT-G, scale 0-108) were evaluated at baseline and after 12 weeks. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics and the linear mixed models.

Results

A total of 62 pts, with a median age of 68 years (range: 32-88), were enrolled in the study. Among the participants, 54.8% were female, 66.1% were white, and 61.3% were married, with 57.7% holding a college degree. The most prevalent cancer types included breast (24.2%), genitourinary (19.4%), lung (14.5%), and gynecological (14.5%). Over the study period, a significant improvement was observed in symptom burden (baseline mean=21.7, follow-up mean=7.8, P=0.001) and HRQOL (baseline mean=83.4, follow-up mean=95.4, P=0.001).

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrates that a 12-week supervised remote PA program has a significant positive impact on symptom burden and HRQOL in pts with metastatic cancer undergoing treatment. These findings underscore the potential benefits of incorporating PA interventions into the management of metastatic cancer, offering a promising avenue for improving patient outcomes and well-being.

Clinical trial identification

Editorial acknowledgement

Legal entity responsible for the study

The authors.

Funding

Has not received any funding.

Disclosure

All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.