The field of pediatric exercise oncology explores the relationships between physical activity (PA), including exercise, and a range of outcomes among children and adolescents affected by cancer. Although PA is safe and beneficial for this population, several important gaps in knowledge and practice remain. In this article, we describe research and innovation needs that were developed with a team of international experts and relevant literature, a series of online surveys, and an in-person meeting. Addressing these needs will contribute valuable knowledge and practice outputs to advance this field, ultimately enabling a greater number of children and adolescents affected by cancer to realize the benefits of moving more.

The purpose of this study was to gather patient and caregiver perspectives of adult neuro-oncology patients participating in a 12-week exercise program (i.e., the Alberta Cancer Exercise-Neuro-Oncology; ACE-Neuro study). Patients and their caregivers were invited to participate in semi-structured interviews across study delivery. A qualitative photo elicitation methodology within a patient-oriented research approach was used. Interpretive description and a constructivist philosophy guided the investigation, analysis, and dissemination of findings. A patient partner was included as a member of the research team. N = 51 patients completed the ACE-Neuro study, of which 28 patients and nine caregivers participated in interviews (n = 37). Working with the patient partner, five themes were created and are presented as a story of neuro-oncology patients on their journey to accessing and participating in ACE-Neuro: (1) The Exposition: I Have Cancer…Now What?; (2) The Rising Action: Trials and Triumphs of Participation; (3) The Pivotal Moment: It’s More Than Exercise; (4) The Resolution: Tailored Not Templated…The Ideal Program for Me; and (5) The Epilogue: Key Factors for Sustained Delivery. The findings from this work address the lack of qualitative exploration for understanding the neuro-oncology exercise experience and will inform the sustainable implementation of programming to meet patients’ needs.