The role of exercise in oncology with Nele Adriaenssens, Nirit Rotem, Grainne Sheill
Release Date: 01/15/2026
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info_outlineSummary
This podcast explores the critical role of exercise therapy in oncology, highlighting its importance in cancer treatment, rehabilitation, and survivorship. Experts discuss the evolution of exercise in oncology, current practices, and innovative trials that examine the interactions between exercise and chemotherapy. The conversation also addresses the unique challenges faced by patients with head and neck cancer and the significance of tailored exercise programs in improving patient outcomes. This conversation delves into the critical role of exercise in cancer care, highlighting patient barriers, the importance of personalized exercise programs, and the need for better integration of physiotherapy in oncology. The speakers discuss the life-saving benefits of exercise, the challenges faced in clinical practice, and the necessity of addressing patient fears and misconceptions about exercise. They emphasize the importance of collaboration among healthcare professionals to ensure consistent messaging and support for cancer patients. Looking ahead, they advocate for more research, education, and advocacy to improve exercise oncology practices globally.
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Guests
Prof. Dr. Nele Adriaenssens
Prof. Dr. Nele Adriaenssens from the Vrije Universiteit Brussel is an associate professor and leads the Rehabilitation Research group, focusing on cancer rehabilitation and exercise oncology, with a special interest in side effects of chemotherapy and immunotherapy and how exercise can help. She also coordinates cancer rehabilitation and survivorship at the University Hospital in Brussels and has been a key figure in building cancer rehab services and research infrastructure there.
Dr. Grainne Sheill
Dr. Grainne Sheill, clinical specialist physiotherapist in cancer rehabilitation at St James’s Hospital in Dublin. Grainne leads work on exercise for people treated for head and neck cancer, looking at the barriers they face and how group based programs can support recovery, fitness and daily function after treatment.
Nirit Rotem
She is the head of the physiotherapy department at Tel Aviv Souraski Medical Center. She is a physiotherapist, educator and long standing leader in national and international physiotherapy bodies, with a strong focus on cancer care, exercise prescription and raising standards of practice and policy.
Time Stamps
00:00:00 - Intro and guest lineup: Exercise therapy in oncology overview
00:01:36 - Why is exercise part of cancer treatment, not just an extra?
00:04:04 - What “exercise” means in cancer care: cardio, strength, or both?
00:05:32 - How the role of exercise in oncology has changed since 2008–2009
00:08:42 - Sponsor: PhysioTutors Premium Membership (ad)
00:09:35 - Policy and health system view: Where oncology rehab stands and gaps
00:12:40 - How drugs/side effects shape exercise plans (exercise–pharmacology examples)
00:16:56 - PAPTOX and FORX trials: What’s new vs classic cancer rehab studies
00:20:45 - Exercise goals in palliative care and oncogeriatrics
00:24:17 - Are palliative/fragile patients motivated to exercise?
00:25:30 - Sponsor: WriteUpp practice management (ad)
00:27:05 - Head & neck cancer: Why this group is different and challenging for activity
00:31:34 - National survey findings: Top barriers and surprises to exercise post–head & neck cancer
00:33:49 - Key exercise-oncology messages still missing in day-to-day practice
00:37:33 - Turning position statements into simple clinical routines
00:41:41 - Global online oncology course: Is it available yet?
00:42:15 - Sponsor: PhysioTutors online courses (ad)
00:43:10 - Screening and triage: Group vs 1:1 vs medical referral
00:46:16 - Addressing fear: How to talk about risk and safety to keep patients engaged
00:49:55 - One belief to change among doctors/nurses about exercise in cancer care
00:53:19 - Ten-year outlook: Priorities for research, education, and implementation
00:56:13 - Final messages: Getting physios on board and entry-level competencies
00:58:54 - Congress announcement and closing remarks
Bonus Material
Download the referenced transcript including PubMed Links and a high-resolution infographic on this episode as part of your Physiotutors membership on the Physiotutors App.
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