Many people who survived lymphoma (a type of blood cancer) still feel extremely tired years after their treatment ended. This affects up to 4 out of 10 survivors and makes daily life very difficult. Researchers are testing a new 12-week program that combines exercise, counseling, education, and nutrition advice to help these survivors feel less tired. The REFUEL study will follow 150 lymphoma survivors for 2 years to see if this team approach works better than regular care. This research could help thousands of cancer survivors who struggle with ongoing fatigue get their energy back.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether a 12-week program combining exercise, counseling, education, and nutrition advice can reduce severe tiredness in lymphoma survivors
  • Who participated: 150 lymphoma survivors who finished cancer treatment 2-12 years ago but still experience chronic fatigue that interferes with daily life
  • Key finding: This is a study protocol - results are not yet available, but the study has completed data collection and will show whether the combined approach works better than usual care
  • What it means for you: If you’re a cancer survivor dealing with ongoing fatigue, this research may lead to new treatment options that address tiredness from multiple angles

The Research Details

This is a randomized controlled trial, which is considered the gold standard for testing medical treatments. Researchers randomly divided 150 lymphoma survivors into two groups. Half received a special 12-week program while the other half continued with their usual medical care. The special program included four parts: classes about managing fatigue, supervised exercise sessions, group therapy sessions using cognitive behavioral therapy techniques, and one-on-one meetings with a nutritionist. The researchers measured fatigue levels and quality of life before the program started, right after it ended (3 months), and then followed participants for 2 full years to see if benefits lasted.

Previous studies have mostly tested single approaches to cancer-related fatigue, like just exercise or just counseling. This study is important because it tests whether combining multiple approaches works better than trying just one thing at a time. The random assignment helps ensure that any differences between groups are due to the treatment, not other factors.

This study has several strengths: it uses random assignment, includes a good number of participants, follows people for a long time, and measures fatigue using well-tested questionnaires. The researchers also plan to track whether the program is cost-effective and how it affects participants’ partners, which gives a fuller picture of the impact.

What the Results Show

This paper describes the study plan rather than results, as the research was still ongoing when published. The study enrolled 150 lymphoma survivors between December 2021 and March 2023. All participants had completed cancer treatment 2-12 years earlier but were still experiencing chronic fatigue that significantly impacted their daily lives. The researchers successfully completed the 3-month assessments by June 2023 and finished the 2-year follow-up assessments by June 2025.

Beyond measuring fatigue levels, the researchers are also tracking quality of life, depression, anxiety, physical fitness, and work-life balance. They’re measuring how well participants’ hearts and lungs work during exercise tests and testing muscle strength through push-ups and leg press exercises. The study also looks at how the program affects participants’ partners and whether people continue using the strategies they learned after the program ends.

Most previous research on cancer-related fatigue has tested single interventions, like exercise alone or counseling alone. This study is unique because it combines multiple approaches that address different aspects of fatigue. It’s also one of the larger studies specifically focused on lymphoma survivors with chronic fatigue, as much previous research has included various cancer types together.

Since this is a protocol paper, we don’t yet know the actual results or limitations of the findings. However, potential limitations might include that participants know whether they’re getting the special program or usual care, which could affect their responses. The study also focuses specifically on lymphoma survivors, so results might not apply to people with other types of cancer.

The Bottom Line

Results from this study are not yet available, so specific recommendations cannot be made. However, the study design suggests that if effective, the program might work best for lymphoma survivors who are 2-12 years past their cancer treatment and still experiencing significant fatigue that interferes with daily activities.

This research is most relevant for lymphoma survivors dealing with ongoing fatigue, their families, and healthcare providers who treat cancer survivors. The findings may also interest survivors of other blood cancers, though the program was designed specifically for lymphoma survivors.

The study tested a 12-week program and followed participants for 2 years to see if benefits lasted. If the program proves effective, participants might expect to see improvements during or shortly after the 12-week intervention period.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track daily energy levels on a 1-10 scale and note how fatigue affects your ability to complete daily activities like work, household tasks, and social activities
  • Consider incorporating elements that mirror the study approach: regular physical activity appropriate for your fitness level, stress management techniques, and attention to nutrition habits
  • Monitor fatigue patterns over time, noting any improvements in energy levels, sleep quality, physical fitness, and overall quality of life over several months

This research describes a study protocol and does not provide treatment results. Cancer survivors experiencing chronic fatigue should consult with their healthcare team before starting any new exercise or treatment program. Individual results may vary, and what works for lymphoma survivors may not apply to other cancer types.