Telehealth Exercise Interventions Feasible, Safe for Those With Advanced Melanoma
Source: Dermatology Times, May 2023
In patients with advanced melanoma, a telehealth exercise intervention was feasible, safe, and improved physical function while also improving quality of life.
A recent study sought to determine the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a supervised telehealth exercise program for patients receiving checkpoint inhibitor therapy amid advanced melanoma. They cited adverse events (AEs) during use of systemic therapies, such as fatigue, weakness, and significantly affected quality of life (QoL) and well-being. Additionally, they referred to current guidelines for several cancers, noting that exercise has long been recommended for patients during and/or after cancer treatment.
The 8-week long study was a non-randomized feasibility pilot trial and involved assessments before and after intervention. Participants (n=11) included consenting patients with melanoma who were recruited from support groups, community events, and hospital oncology departments in Australia. All participants were required to be at least 18 years of age, have a diagnosis of melanoma (stage III through IV), and be a current or future recipient of checkpoint inhibitor therapy.