Older survivors of blood cancer are at a high risk of accelerated biological aging, which increases their risk of developing multiple aging-related conditions. Whereas physical exercise can improve overall health, older cancer survivors do not meet the recommended physical activity, highlighting the need to develop behavioral interventions to increase adherence. Several other knowledge gaps exist to implement exercise interventions in older survivors of blood cancer; the dose and duration of exercise necessary to slow biological aging in older blood cancer survivors remain unknown. To bridge these gaps in knowledge, we have designed a Phase 2 randomized control trial to test the effects of behavioral and exercise interventions on various outcomes.
Age ≥50 years
A history of hematological malignancy
Participants must be able to and willingly give informed consent
Patients receiving intensive induction or consolidation chemotherapy. Maintenance chemotherapy, or lower-intensity chemotherapy for an indolent hematological malignancy is allowed.
Neurodegenerative disease (e.g. Alzheimer's dementia), stroke, or uncontrolled psychotic disorders (e.g. schizophrenia or bipolar disorder) in the past 3 months if those disorders are considered significant enough to impair participation in the study.
Illnesses such as clinical evidence of decompensated heart failure, unstable angina, or orthopedic or neuromuscular disorders that could limit safe participation in aerobic exercise.
Cardiopulmonary exercise test results that preclude safe exercise (e.g., life-threatening arrhythmia, balance difficulties, peak VO2 <10 ml/kg/min).
Parallel
Behavioral Coaching Intervention
BehavioralIntervention arm incorporating virtually supervised moderate-intensity aerobic exercise and behavioral intervention/coaching to improve adherence
Virtual Exercise Platform
BehavioralAccess to a virtual exercise platform that provides exercise classes and educational sessions for older survivors of blood cancer
Percentage of participants who adhered to the exercise regimen at 6-months post enrollment.
Participants achieving at least 120 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise, measured using Polar heart rate monitor data and exercise diaries.
Percentage of participants who adhered to the exercise regimen at 12-months post enrollment.
Participants achieving at least 120 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise, measured using Polar heart rate monitor data and exercise diaries to assess sustainability of adherence.
Physical Function (6- Minute Walk Test Distance)
Distance covered during the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) to assess physical function.
Physical Function Maximal Oxygen Consumption (VO₂ max)
Maximal oxygen consumption measured during cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET)
Neuro-QOL Cognition Function Short Form Score
Subjective cognitive function assessed using the Neuro-QOL v2.0 Cognition Function Short Form
Trail Making Test Performance
Cognitive function assessed using Trail Making Test Parts A and B (TMT-A and TMT-B).
Controlled Oral Word Association Test Performance
Cognitive function assessed using the Controlled Oral Word Association Test (COWAT).
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