Get Strong to Fight Childhood Cancer: An Exercise Intervention for Children and Adolescents Undergoing Anti-Cancer Treatment (FORTEe)

Abstract

Background: Cancer is the leading cause of death by non-communicable diseases in children in Europe. During cancer treatment, patients’ morbidity is increased due to e.g. physical inactivity and cancer-related fatigue. Personalized exercise training during the intensive phase of cancer treatment in children and adolescents is a promising therapy to mitigate above mentioned issues. However, evidence for using exercise to counteract fatigue and improve health-related quality of life is lacking in pediatric oncology. Methods: The FORTEe research project intends to evaluate a personalized and standardized exercise intervention in 450 children, adolescents and young adults undergoing cancer treatment in nine centers across Europe. This randomized, controlled multicenter trial aims to generate high evidence for an innovative, patient-centered exercise treatment as part of the standard of care.