Cancer. 2025 May 1;131(9):e35798. doi: 10.1002/cncr.35798.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: This pilot, mixed-methods, randomized controlled trial determined the feasibility and acceptability of the Comprehensive Oncology Rehabilitation and Exercise (CORE) clinical workflow algorithm. CORE was designed to connect patients with newly diagnosed breast cancer to exercise and rehabilitation services from the time of diagnosis throughout cancer care.
METHODS: In total, 72 patients with newly diagnosed, stage I-III breast cancer who required surgery as first-line treatment were randomized 2:1 to CORE or standard of care. CORE included a triaging tool of two questionnaires regarding self-reported exercise (the Godin Leisure Time physical activity questionnaire) and functional status (the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System physical function questionnaire), which were administered at the check-in desk for routine breast surgical oncology clinic visits at the initial surgical consultation, postoperatively, and 24 weeks after surgery. Responses to questionnaires in the triaging tool triaged participants to one of three pathways within the algorithm: exercise service, rehabilitation service, or exercise self-management (not a service). Service pathways required referral by clinic staff. Feasibility was determined based on completing the triaging tool (≥66%) and referral completion (≥50%) at the initial surgical consultation visit. Acceptability was determined by four study participant focus groups and one clinic team focus group (≥50% positive response).
RESULTS: Ninety-three percent of participants in CORE (n = 40) completed the triaging tool. Among those triaged to a service pathway (n = 29), 62% completed their referral. Focus group feedback was primarily positive.
CONCLUSIONS: The CORE clinical workflow algorithm is feasible and acceptable among women who have newly diagnosed stage I-III breast cancer with plans for surgery as first-line treatment. CORE was also acceptable among clinic staff.
CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION: NCT04594473.
PMID:40289623 | DOI:10.1002/cncr.35798
