In this episode of "On the Edge of Breakthrough: Voices of Cancer Research," host Dr. Monty Pal welcomes Dr. Lee Jones, Head of the Exercise Oncology Program in the Department of Medicine at City of Hope, to discuss how exercise science is helping reshape cancer treatment and care. Dr. Jones shares his journey from the UK to City of Hope, highlighting the challenges and breakthroughs in establishing exercise as a vital part of oncology research.  

He explains how the field of exercise oncology has taken lessons from NASA and their work to prepare astronauts going to and coming back from space to improve outcomes for cancer patients throughout their treatment journey. 

The episode explores how breast cancer studies lay the groundwork for integrating exercise into survivorship and treatment and they dive into landmark trials, such as the CHALLENGE study, which showed exercise can improve survival for colorectal cancer patients. Dr. Jones emphasizes the need for rigorous, drug-like trial designs to truly measure the impact of exercise interventions. He argues innovative approaches such as decentralized trials, using remote monitoring and home-based exercise equipment are critical to expand access and collect real-time data. 

Dr. Jones shares a sneak peak of new studies launching in prostate cancer, high-risk populations, and collaborations with national research networks. His vision is to move beyond a cancer-cell focus, embracing holistic intervention s that consider the patient’s physiology and environment. 

Tune in to hear how City of Hope is pushing the boundaries of cancer research and care.