A Pilot Study to Evaluate the Feasibility and Acceptability of a Tailored Multicomponent Rehabilitation Program for Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Cancer Survivors

Background: Adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer survivors have unique needs, yet few tailored rehabilitation programs exist. CaRE-AYA is an 8-week multidimensional rehabilitation program for AYAs that targets impairments, activity limitations and participation restrictions and comprises an individualized exercise prescription and weekly group-based exercise and self-management education. Methods: We conducted a single-arm multi-method pragmatic feasibility study evaluating CaRE-AYA’s feasibility, acceptability, and safety (primary outcomes) and assessed disability, physical functioning, mental health, and social functioning at baseline (T0), immediately post-intervention (T1), and 3 months post-intervention (T2). Results: Twenty-five participants (median age: 32.8, 76% female) were enrolled. Participation (60%), retention (84% at T1, 72% at T2), and program adherence (76% for education classes, 74% for exercise classes) supported feasibility. Qualitative interviews (n = 9) supported strong perceptions of feasibility and acceptability. No serious adverse events (≥grade 3) attributed to CaRE-AYA occurred. Conclusions: The results suggest CaRE-AYA is feasible, acceptable, and safe. A randomized controlled trial is needed to determine the effectiveness.