Barriers and facilitators to implementing exercise in ICI therapy
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Understanding barriers and facilitators to implementing exercise interventions for patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitor treatment: A qualitative study
IRAS ID
335792
Contact name
Jordan Curry
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Hull
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
Cancer immunotherapies are rapidly emerging new treatments that help a patient's own immune system fight cancer. Research shows that regular exercise can also boost the immune system and improve outcomes for cancer patients with or receiving common chemotherapy treatments. However, the role of exercise alongside immunotherapy drugs is less clear. Exercise is not yet routinely recommended or provided as part of immunotherapy treatment protocols.
This study aims to understand the barriers and facilitators that influence whether patients can exercise whilst receiving or following immunotherapy. We aim to learn this by interviewing three key groups:
1. Patients currently receiving immunotherapy or have done so recently. The interviews will explore the individual, family, community, and environmental factors affecting their ability to exercise during treatment.
2. Healthcare professionals involved in the management of patients receiving treatment of immunotherapy treatment, such as oncologists and cancer nurses. These interviews will focus on organisational and health system factors and how to address the barriers patients raise.
3. Financial Manager involved in funding and resource distribution in cancer care. This interview will explore how financial decisions influence the availability and sustainability of exercise programmes in cancer care.
Ultimately, this study aims to optimise care protocols and get the opportunity to take part in studies that are aligned with their needs and are implementable in practice. This could enhance their quality of life during treatment and potentially improve their outcomes, such as functional outcomes (e.g., greater independence in daily activities), physical outcomes (e.g., improvements in physical fitness, strength, and endurance), psychological outcomes (e.g., improve mental health and reduce stress,), treatment-related outcomes (e.g., better tolerance to immunotherapy treatments, reduced side effects, or enhanced efficacy of the treatment), and clinical outcomes (e.g., improved survival rates, reduction in cancer recurrence, or delayed progression of the disease). Accordingly, integrating exercise alongside immunotherapies could then become a vital part of emerging cancer care pathways.
REC name
East Midlands - Derby Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
24/EM/0186
Date of REC Opinion
3 Sep 2024
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion