Project 458520

Individuals with brain cancer lack access to an exercise oncology program that can address their unique physical and psychological needs. The Alberta Cancer Exercise - Neuro-Oncology (ACE-Neuro) study will assess a tailored neuro-oncology exercise program for individuals with brain cancer (i.e., neuro-oncology patients). The primary purpose is to assess the feasibility of ACE-Neuro. We will track safety, participant attendance, and participant enjoyment. The secondary purpose is to examine the impact of ACE-Neuro on patients' physical and psychological well-being. In a series of studies, we will (1) build the exercise oncology program; (2) implement the program and assess its feasibility and effectiveness; and (3) gather feedback from patients and healthcare providers in the study to better understand needs within exercise oncology programs. Eligible individuals with brain cancer will be directly referred by their clinical team to a triage clinic in order to determine their appropriateness for ACE-Neuro, or to be referred to other rehabilitation services. Once in ACE-Neuro, participants complete a tailored 12-week exercise program that includes individual and group-based exercise sessions, health coaching support, and pre-post assessments of physical and psychological well-being. After the program, both patients and healthcare providers will be invited for a qualitative interview. ACE-Neuro began in Spring 2021 and is ongoing until Spring 2023. This province-wide project is advancing both research and clinical practice by (1) embedding the study into the cancer care system, via direct referral and a triage clinic; (2) using a patient-oriented research approach to offer a tailored exercise program; and (3) using the patient voice to understand the impact of exercise on wellness.