Qualitative Study of Breast Cancer and Lymphoma Patients Participating in a Physical Activity Intervention: The Case for Tailored Physical Activity

Background: Exercise mitigates chemotherapy-related cardiotoxicity, but implementing exercise interventions during chemotherapy treatment can be challenging. Understanding the patient perspective can help refine exercise programs and facilitate successful implementation of future interventions. Purpose: To utilize qualitative data to optimize adherence and retention for a future randomized clinical trial involving a tailored physical activity (PA) intervention among breast cancer and lymphoma patients receiving potentially cardiotoxic chemotherapy. Methods: Eighteen breast cancer and lymphoma patients receiving potentially cardiotoxic chemotherapy who enrolled in a PA intervention completed semi-structured interviews. Interviews focused on reasons for enrollment or dropout, perceptions of study personnel, experiences within the study interventions, and barriers to intervention adherence. Interviews were audio recorded. Key points and potential themes were identified using an integrative synthesis of the data. Results: Participants were on average 53 years (SD = 15) old, were 50% female (n = 9), predominantly identified as White (n = 15, 83%), and were mostly non-Hodgkin Lymphoma patients (n = 11, 61%). The main reasons for enrollment were altruism and provider recommendation. Participants stated they completed the study because of intrinsic motivation, ease of participation, and positive study experiences. Participants reported favorable perceptions of the study interventions and study staff. Barriers to adherence included symptom burden and lack of motivation. Conclusions: Messages to enhance altruism and collaboration with providers may be important recruitment tools. Developing positive study-staff relationships and delivering tailored, flexible interventions may enhance study adherence and retention. Ultimately, these strategies contribute to the successful implementation of cancer exercise trials. Trials Registration: NCT01719562.