Cancer-related fatigue(CRF) is a distressing symptom that disproportionately impacts young adult (YA; ages 18 to 39) brain tumor survivors. Unfortunately, there is limited research on how to manage CRF in this population, resulting in few treatment options. While exercise training has shown promise in reducing CRF in adult cancer survivors, its potential benefits have not been tested in YA brain tumor survivors. The unique needs of YA’s life stage, such as completing their education and seeking independence, influence how they respond to interventions designed for adult survivors. Additionally, CRF often hinders adherence to exercise recommendations. To address these challenges, we propose ...
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Cancer-related fatigue(CRF) is a distressing symptom that disproportionately impacts young adult (YA; ages 18 to 39) brain tumor survivors. Unfortunately, there is limited research on how to manage CRF in this population, resulting in few treatment options. While exercise training has shown promise in reducing CRF in adult cancer survivors, its potential benefits have not been tested in YA brain tumor survivors. The unique needs of YA’s life stage, such as completing their education and seeking independence, influence how they respond to interventions designed for adult survivors. Additionally, CRF often hinders adherence to exercise recommendations. To address these challenges, we propose to test a 12-week tailored exercise intervention with behavioral coaching—RISE (Research Intervention of virtually Supervised Exercise)—in YA brain tumor survivors aged 18 to 25, as YA spans several developmental phases. Our primary goal is to evaluate RISE’s ability to reduce CRF in AYA brain tumor survivors. We also aim to understand the underlying causes of CRF in this population. Chronic inflammation is a potential cause that has been found to be associated with CRF in various cancer survivor groups. Cancer and its treatment can also reduce energy production, and so may lead to CRF. Exercise has been shown to reduce inflammation and increase energy production. Thus, we will examine the association of inflammation and energy production with CRF in YA brain tumor survivors, and assess the impact of RISE on these factors. We will recruit 150 participants and assign them to either RISE or a control group. CRF, inflammation, and energy production will be measured at the initial visit and after 12 and 24 weeks. Successful completion of this project will tell us how well our exercise intervention, tailored to the specific needs of YA survivors, treats CRF. It will also provide insight into the underlying causes of CRF in this population and the effects of exercise on those causes.
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