Dennis was letting his dogs outside one spring morning when his arm and face suddenly went numb. At first, he dismissed the idea of seeing a doctor, but with persistence from his daughter and his life partner, he decided to consult with his family doctor. Imaging tests revealed four tumors, including a golf ball-sized mass above his ear. He was sent to The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC – James), where pathology ultimately revealed stage 4 small cell lung cancer that had spread to his brain and spine. Dennis says staying active during treatment was a challenge, especially in the early days. When his medical oncologist, Carolyn Presley, MD, MHS, suggested he participate in a clinical trial to help with physical strength and resiliency during treatment, he didn’t hesitate. The trial involves a combination of exercise interventions and progressive muscle-relaxation exercises. The 12-week Resiliency in Older Adults Receiving Lung Cancer Treatment Trial (ROARLCT) is an interventional study designed to address both the physical and mental health of patients undergoing active treatment for advanced lung cancer — something Presley says is critically important for overall well-being but often overlooked. “Cancer treatment can be very trying, and staying strong is important for overall healing and mental health,” says Presley, a thoracic and geriatric medical oncologist at the OSUCCC – James who serves as principal investigator of the ROAR-LCT trial. “We want to keep people moving as much as possible during therapy to build and maintain the mental and physical resiliency needed to stay strong and complete treatment.” For this study, resiliency is defined by functional status. Cancer treatments can leave patients fatigued, making it difficult to conduct basic life tasks and impacting overall quality of life. Maintaining resiliency starts with ensuring that patients remain strong enough during treatment to take care of their basic needs: managing medications, mobility and self-care activities, such as bathing, dressing and eating. Patients are given one-on-one strength training sessions guided by a physical therapist that include light exercises — for example, using a peddler and wearing weight bands (provided by the study) for stretching and toning. This is combined with progressive muscle relaxation exercises in which patients are directed to tense and release various muscle groups for deep relaxation. It also uses virtual health by providing participants with a tablet and data plan if patients do not have internet at home. “Studies have shown that mental and physical health are linked to the immune system function. While our first goal is to eradicate the cancer, it is equally important to address the very real stresses of cancer treatment on a patient’s mental health and well-being,” adds Presley. “By reducing stress and building strength, data suggests we can also improve our patients’ overall quality of life. This study also uses virtual health, which is specifically designed to decrease their COVID-19 risk by participating from the safety of their own home.” Dennis says he has tried to maintain a positive outlook when dealing with his diagnosis. His partner and caregiver says she saw the exercise making a difference. “He began walking more sure-footedly and regained the strength to move about in daily life with more confidence to avoid falls. It has helped him get back to life,” she says. More than a year after his original diagnosis, Dennis’ most recent imaging tests showed no evidence of disease. “As long as I can get moving and can get out to the garage to mess with my old cars, I am good,” he says. Learn more about lung cancer screening at The James.