Albrecht Submits American Cancer Society Application

Kudos to Tara Albrecht, assistant professor, and her entire team for the submission of her American Cancer Society application entitled "Effects of Exercise on Physical Function and Symptoms in Acute Leukemia." This proposal requests funding for a four-year period with a start date of October 1.

Acute leukemias (AL) are an aggressive cancer of the blood and bone marrow, requiring equally aggressive and intense treatment. The initial treatment includes 4-6 weeks of hospitalization not only for the chemotherapy treatment but also to manage life-threatening complications and common symptoms that result from the treatment. Given the intensity of the treatment adults with AL are commonly encouraged to rest during this extended hospitalization. Unfortunately, these numerous weeks of hospitalization and rest results in patients who are significantly deconditioned both during and after treatment. These adults are often so deconditioned they are unable to regain their pre-cancer function and this can delay or prevent future intensive treatments. Currently there are no interventions designed to assist adults recovering from these intense chemotherapy treatments. Yet, physical activity (PA) programs have been shown to improve both the physical and psychological effects that result from treatment in other cancers and disease groups. Our home-based PA program is designed to improve strength, mobility, balance and prevent falls while also offering a clinically feasible and efficacious interventions to aid adults recovering from initial treatment for AL.  To meet the objectives of the study, we will apply a two-group randomized controlled trial with an implementation-related process evaluation of our home-based tailored PA intervention. Participants will be randomized to either the nurse-led PA intervention (n = 74) or the attention-control group (n = 74). Participants will be eligible to enroll in the study if they have a diagnosis of AL and are initiating either maintenance or consolidation chemotherapy. Those participants randomized to the intervention group will receive a tailored PA program with coaching that progresses over time. Those randomized to the attention-control group will receive a contacts to discuss general health and a monthly newsletter that details different ways to be active during cancer treatment. The physical function of both groups will be assessed at baseline, 3- and 6-months.  Additionally, participants will complete a battery of measures that assesses cognition, anxiety, depression, disturbed sleep and quality of life at baseline, 3- and 6-months. We will also conduct qualitative interviews to assess implementation details specific to the PA intervention. The findings from this study have the potential to provide adults with AL critical skills necessary to engage in regular PA and ultimately improve their quality of life, while also providing critical knowledge related to the implementation of this intervention in routine clinical practice.