Lifestyle Intervention for Blood Cancer

Overseen By Julie Faieta

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System

Disqualifiers: Significant disabilities, No smart device, Pregnant

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

30 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests a telehealth lifestyle program for veterans with blood cancer to determine its impact on quality of life, mental health, and pain management. The program includes exercises and dietary advice, all conducted remotely with guidance from a health coach. Veterans with blood cancer who can exercise at least twice a week for 30-90 minutes may be suitable candidates. The study particularly aims to assist veterans living in rural areas or those without easy access to in-person healthcare. As an unphased trial, it offers veterans a unique opportunity to access personalized support and potentially improve their well-being from home.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It focuses on exercise and dietary consultations, so it's best to discuss your medications with the trial team.

What prior data suggests that this telehealth-mediated lifestyle intervention is safe for veterans with blood cancer?

Research has shown that lifestyle changes, such as improving diet and exercise, can enhance well-being in older cancer survivors. These changes are generally manageable. Studies have found that individuals can adopt healthier habits without experiencing serious side effects. This suggests that the telehealth lifestyle program for veterans with blood cancer is likely safe.

Other research supports the safety of similar programs, which improve health for cancer patients without reports of major side effects. This indicates that participants can expect a safe experience. In this study, participants will receive expert advice on diet and exercise, ensuring a supportive and safe environment. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the lifestyle intervention for blood cancer because it offers a holistic approach that isn't typical with standard treatments like chemotherapy or targeted therapies. This intervention is unique as it combines telehealth-mediated exercise with personalized dietary consultations, providing a comprehensive support system for patients. Unlike traditional treatments that focus solely on the disease itself, this approach aims to enhance overall well-being and might improve treatment outcomes by strengthening the patient's body and mind.

What evidence suggests that this lifestyle intervention could be effective for veterans with blood cancer?

Studies have shown that lifestyle changes, such as exercising and eating healthier, can improve the health of cancer patients. Research indicates these changes help reduce tiredness, anxiety, and depression while enhancing physical abilities. Early results suggest that home-based programs work well, especially for older cancer survivors. In this trial, veterans with blood cancer in the intervention group will engage in a 12-week telehealth-mediated exercise program, along with a centralized dietary consultation. This approach shows promise for improving quality of life and mental health, particularly for those in rural or underserved areas. ^{1 2 3 5 6}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for veterans with blood cancer who are undergoing treatment or post-treatment. It's designed to help improve their quality of life, mental health, and pain management through a telehealth exercise program. Participants must be able to use the Veteran's Video Connect app, but those needing tech support will receive help.

Inclusion Criteria

Physically willing and able to perform 30-90 minutes of exercise a minimum of 2 times per week

I have blood cancer.

Exclusion Criteria

Veterans without a smart personal device (smart phone, tablet, or computer) and internet connection (for example, cellular or WIFI connection)

Veterans who are pregnant

I am a veteran and cannot do 30-90 minutes of exercise twice a week.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Telehealth Intervention

Participants engage in a 12-week telehealth-mediated exercise intervention, including progressive resistance and aerobic exercises, with dietary consultations provided by the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

12 weeks

Initial live supervised session, followed by regular remote sessions

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in symptoms, fatigue, function, mental health, and pain after the intervention.

12 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Lifestyle Intervention

Trial Overview The study tests a telehealth lifestyle intervention using progressive resistance and aerobic exercises led by a health coach. Veterans participate in supervised sessions via an app and get dietary consultations. The goal is to see if this improves symptoms, fatigue, function, mental health, and pain.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Intervention Group Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

All veterans in the intervention group (e.g., total N) will engage in 12 week telehealth mediated exercise intervention. Veterans will also have the opportunity to undergo a centralized dietary consultation and recommendations (by a Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS) member).

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System

Lead Sponsor

Trials

36

Recruited

15,900+

The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society

Collaborator

Trials

87

Recruited

26,200+

Citations

1. academic.oup.com academic.oup.com/jnci/article/117/1/9/7730230

Exercise and Nutrition to Improve Cancer Treatment-Related ... Exercise interventions during cancer treatment improve self-reported physical functioning, fatigue, anxiety, and depression.

2. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07058571

Lifestyle Intervention for Veterans With Blood Cancer: Tele ... This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a telehealth-mediated lifestyle intervention program tailored for veterans with blood cancer, ...

3. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1532928/

Lifestyle Intervention Development Study to Improve ... Conclusion. These findings suggest that home-based diet and exercise interventions hold promise in improving lifestyle behaviors among older cancer survivors, ...

4. aacrjournals.org aacrjournals.org/cancerres/article/83/7_Supplement/3218/721879/Abstract-3218-Lifestyle-intervention-of-food-and

Abstract 3218: Lifestyle intervention of food and exercise for ... Lessons learned from this study seek to fill the gap in supportive oncology care programs among lymphoma patients to improve treatment outcomes, ...

5. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12025719/

Personalized Lifestyle Interventions for Prevention and ... Emerging practical trends have demonstrated lifestyle medicine programs' effectiveness in enhancing cancer patients' health outcomes. For ...

6. umiamihealth.org umiamihealth.org/en/sylvester-comprehensive-cancer-center/impact-reports/2022/driving-research-for-patients/the-lifestyle-intervention-of-food-and-exercise-for-lymphoma-%E2%80%93-the-life-l-study

The Lifestyle Intervention Of Food And Exercise For ... We are trying to determine the feasibility and acceptability of the Mediterranean diet and exercise intervention on lymphoma therapy in untreated patients ...