The aim of this randomized controlled trial was to investigate the effect of a 4-to 6-week multimodal program of exercise, relaxation and psychoeducation on physical capacity, functional performance and quality of life (QOL) in allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) adult recipients. In all, 42 patients were randomized to a supervised multimodal intervention or to a control group receiving usual care. The primary end point was on aerobic capacity measured in VO 2 max. Secondary end points were muscle strength, functional performance, physical activity level, QOL, fatigue, psychological well-being and clinical outcomes. The multimodal intervention had a significant effect on physical capacity: VO 2 max (Po0.0001) and muscle strength: chest press (Po0.0001), leg extension (P ¼ 0.0003), right elbow flexor (P ¼ 0.0009), right knee extensor (Po0.0001) and functional performance (stair test) (0.0008). Moreover, the intervention group showed significantly better results for the severity of diarrhea (P ¼ 0.014) and fewer days of total parenteral nutrition (P ¼ 0.019). Longitudinal changes in QOL, fatigue and psychological well-being favored the intervention group, but did not reach statistical significance. Assignment of a multimodal intervention during allo-HSCT did not cause untoward events, sustained aerobic capacity and muscle strength and reduced loss of functional performance during hospitalization.

BackgroundPatient and public involvement (PPI) in health research is on the rise worldwide. Within cancer research, PPI ensures that the rapid development of medical and technological opportunities for diagnostics, treatment and care corresponds with the needs and priorities of people affected by cancer. An overview of the experiences, outcomes and quality of recent PPI in cancer research would provide valuable information for future research.ObjectiveTo describe the current state of PPI in cancer research focusing on the research stages, applied methods, stated purposes and outcomes, and challenges and recommendations.MethodsA search was conducted on PubMed, CINAHL and PsycINFO for literature published from December 2006 to April 2017. Original research studies describing the involvement of cancer patients, stakeholders and carers as active partners at any stage of the research process were included.ResultsTwenty‐seven studies were included, the majority reporting PPI at the early stages of research, that is, during the definition and prioritization of research topics and the development of recruitment strategies. Few studies reported PPI at later stages and across the research process. Challenges and recommendations were only briefly described, and critical reflection on the PPI process was lacking.Conclusion PPI needs to be integrated more broadly in the cancer research process. The quality of reporting PPI should be strengthened through greater critical reflections including both positive and negative experiences of the PPI process. This will contribute to the further development of PPI and its potential in cancer research.