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ISEO – Inaugural Conference July 22nd & 23rd 2026 - organized by DKFZ

22–23 Jul 2026
Heidelberg Congress Center
Europe/Berlin timezone

Organizing Team

Feasibility of Live Remote Exercise for Adults with Advanced Cancer and Cachexia: Results from the ACE Trial

23 Jul 2026, 14:00
45m
Heidelberg Congress Center ( Heidelberg Congress Center )

Heidelberg Congress Center

Heidelberg Congress Center

Czernyring 20 69115 Heidelberg Germany
1 - Scientific Poster Poster Session

Speakers

Dr Kelcey A. Bland (Department of Physical Therapy, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada) Eva M. Zopf (Mary MacKillop Institute for Health Research, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia & Department of Medical Oncology, Cabrini Health, Malvern, Victoria, Australia)

Description

Background: Cancer cachexia is a debilitating syndrome in advanced cancer, characterized by reduced physical function, high symptom burden, poor quality of life (QOL), and shortened survival. Despite the prevalence of cancer cachexia, supportive care options remain limited. Exercise is recommended in oncology, yet few trials have specifically targeted patients with advanced cancer and cachexia, and access to supervised programs is scarce. Methods: The Advanced Cancer and Cachexia Exercise (ACE) Trial was a two-arm, phase II randomized controlled trial evaluating an 8-week, live remote, tailored aerobic and resistance exercise intervention (3 sessions/week, 30-45 minutes) combined with post-exercise protein supplementation versus usual care. Adults with metastatic or locally advanced cancer meeting international criteria for cancer cachexia were enrolled. Primary outcomes were feasibility (recruitment >40%, adherence >66%, attrition <40%, safety: 0% serious adverse events) and acceptability. Secondary outcomes included physical function (e.g., 30-s sit-to-stand), body composition, physical activity, QOL, fatigue, cachexia-related symptoms, and psychological outcomes. Results: Thirty-three participants were randomized (male n=17, 52%, age (mean ± SD): 63 ± 12 years), and all feasibility benchmarks were achieved. Acceptability for the live remote format was high, with a strong willingness to continue exercising and to recommend the program to others. While no significant between-group differences were observed, participants randomized to the exercise intervention demonstrated greater clinically meaningful improvements in several patient-reported outcomes and superior gains in 30-s sit-to-stand performance over time (∆3.1, 95% CI: 0.4–5.8). Conclusions: Live remote, tailored exercise is feasible and acceptable for adults with advanced cancer and cachexia. Preliminary benefits in physical function and patient-reported outcomes support progression to a phase III trial and highlight the potential role of exercise in cancer cachexia care.

Keywords

Cachexia, Telehealth, Exercise, Metastatic Cancer

Abstract submitters declaration yes
Conflict of Interest & Ethical Approval yes

Author

Dr Kelcey A. Bland (Department of Physical Therapy, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada)

Co-authors

Mr Mark Trevaskis (Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, Australia) Dr Evelyn Parr (Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, Australia) Dr Ashley Bigaran (Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, Heidelberg, Australia) Prof. Meinir Krishnasamy (Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne; Department of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences University of Melbourne; Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre Alliance, Melbourne, Australia) Prof. Peter Martin (School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia) Dr Natasha Michael (Institute of Health Ethics, University of Notre Dame; Cabrini Health, Malvern, Australia) Dr Melissa Moore (Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne; St. Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia) Mr Isaac Rankin (Department of Statistics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada) Dr Jennifer Weil (St. Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia) Prof. Luc van Loon (Department of Human Biology, NUTRIM School for Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands) Dr Prue Cormie (Caring Futures Institute, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, South Australia; Centre for Health Services Research in Cancer, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Victoria; Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia) Eva M. Zopf (Mary MacKillop Institute for Health Research, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia & Department of Medical Oncology, Cabrini Health, Malvern, Victoria, Australia)

Presentation materials

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