The PREFERABLE-II team recently published a new study protocol describing the design of the LION randomized controlled trial in the journal Trials. With the trial, we investigate whether supervised, live-remote exercise can reduce cancer-related side effects and improve quality of life after treatment.

What we already know
Previous research has shown that exercise can help reduce side effects of cancer treatment and improve quality of life, particularly in people with a high symptom burden. Exercise programmes supervised by qualified exercise professionals appear to be most effective. However, participation in supervised programs often requires traveling to a clinic or gym, which can be time-consuming and form a barrier for many patients.

What this study investigates
The LION trial examines whether a live-remote, side effect-targeted exercise programme can improve quality of life and reduce the most burdensome side effect experienced by cancer survivors.

How the study is conducted
A total of 352 participants who have completed primary curative cancer treatment, including chemotherapy, are enrolled. All participants experience at least one of the following side effects: fatigue, emotional distress, reduced physical functioning, or chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN).

Participants are randomly allocated to either an intervention group or a waitlist control group. The intervention group starts the exercise programme immediately, while the waitlist group begins after 12 weeks. The intervention consists of a 12-week, supervised exercise programme, delivered live and remotely, with sessions specifically tailored to the participant’s most burdensome side effect.

The study is conducted across multiple countries, including Spain, Portugal, Sweden, Germany, the Netherlands and Australia.

What makes this trial unique
The exercise programme provides real-time, personalised support and feedback from exercise professionals, independent of participants’ geographic location. By tailoring the programme to individual symptoms, the intervention aims to be both flexible and patient-centred.

Why this research matters
If live-remote exercise proves to be effective and cost-effective, it could become part of standard post-cancer care as an accessible alternative to in-person supervised exercise programmes. This has the potential to lower participation barriers and improve long-term outcomes for people living with and beyond cancer.

Read the full publication: https://rdcu.be/eRv0q