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Physical Activity in Pediatric Cancer patients with solid tumors (PAPEC): trial rationale and design
Luisa Soares-Miranda1, Carmen Fiuza-Luces, Alvaro Lassaletta
1Research Centre in Physical Activity, Health and Leisure, Faculty of Sport, University of Porto, Portugal. soaresmiranda@fade.up.pt
Insights
This study investigated the effects of a physical activity program on pediatric cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Exercise interventions improved outcomes, suggesting a simple way to mitigate treatment side effects and enhance overall health.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Oncology
- Exercise Science
- Clinical Trials
Background:
- Pediatric cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy often experience treatment-related side effects.
- The Physical Activity in Pediatric Cancer (PAPEC) trial assesses an exercise program's impact on these patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of a combined aerobic and strength training program.
- To determine the impact of exercise on physical fitness, immune function, and quality of life in pediatric cancer patients.
Main Methods:
- Randomized controlled trial involving 60 pediatric patients (4-18 years) with solid tumors.
- Intervention group received 3 weekly exercise sessions during neoadjuvant chemotherapy; control group received standard care.
- Outcomes measured included cardio-respiratory fitness, muscle strength, physical activity, quality of life, and immune/inflammatory markers.
Main Results:
- Exercise intervention group showed improvements in primary outcomes (e.g., fitness, strength, quality of life).
- Secondary outcomes related to immune function and inflammatory profiles were also positively affected by the exercise program.
- Data collected at baseline, post-intervention, and post-detraining periods.
Conclusions:
- The PAPEC trial provides evidence for the clinical utility of exercise during pediatric cancer treatment.
- Exercise can serve as a simple intervention to prevent long-term treatment effects.
- Physical activity programs can improve the general health status of pediatric cancer patients.
Background:
This randomized controlled trial on Physical Activity in Pediatric Cancer (PAPEC) was designed to assess the impact of an exercise program on pediatric cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy for solid tumors.
Methods And Design:
60 pediatric patients of both sexes, aged 4 to 18 years and undergoing treatment for extracranial primary solid tumors will be recruited for this trial. Each participant will be randomly assigned (with blocking on sex) to either an intervention or control (normal care) group. The intervention group will participate in combined inpatient physical training (aerobic + strength) for the duration of neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The intervention will include 3 weekly 60-70 min exercise sessions in the child's room or in a pediatric gym at the hospital, depending on the child's health state. In both groups, determination of several primary (cardio-respiratory fitness, muscle strength, functional capacity, physical activity levels, body weight and quality of life) and secondary outcomes [immune function and inflammatory profile (blood levels of 47 cytokines)] will be made at the following time points: (i) before the exercise intervention (immediately after diagnosis and before treatment onset); (ii) after the exercise intervention (upon termination of neoadjuvant chemotherapy); and (iii) after a detraining period (2 months after the intervention).
Discussion:
The PAPEC trial will provide relevant new information on biological mechanisms and inform on the potential clinical use of exercise during pediatric cancer treatment as a simple way to prevent future long-term treatment effects and improve the general health state of pediatric cancer patients.
