The LIFE-L study enrolled 72 people receiving standard, six-cycle combination chemotherapy for lymphoma. The research team, led by Tracy Crane and Craig Moskowitz, offered 44 participants immediate access to a virtual program with weekly online coaching from a registered dietitian and an exercise physiologist; 28 people were placed on a waitlist as a control group.
Before looking at treatment outcomes, the team measured feasibility. They found that 81% of eligible patients enrolled and attendance was high: 86% for diet sessions and 81% for exercise sessions. Intervention participants reported lower rates of anxiety, depression, pain, fatigue and constipation compared with the waitlist group, and they showed greater grip strength and better physical performance test results.
The researchers will continue to assess whether lowering treatment burden improves adherence to therapy. They note that receiving less than 85% of prescribed chemotherapy can affect survival and aim to help patients remain above that threshold.
Difficult words
- enroll — to officially join a study or programenrolled
- feasibility — how possible and practical something is
- attendance — the act of being present at sessions
- intervention — a program or action to help patients
- waitlist — a list of people waiting for a service
- adherence — continuing a treatment as doctors prescribed
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Would you choose a virtual program with weekly coaching during chemotherapy? Why or why not?
- What problems might make it hard for patients to keep high attendance at weekly sessions?
- How could lower treatment burden help a patient finish their chemotherapy course?
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