With the support of:

• Inter-Institutional Postgraduate Program: “Clinical Exercise and Applications of Technology in Health”, Department of Physical Education and Sport Science, School of Physical Education, Sport Science and Occupational Therapy, Democritus University of Thrace, in collaboration with the National Centre for Scientific Research “Demokritos” – Institute of Informatics and Telecommunications
• Hellenic Cancer Federation – ELLOK
• Association of Cancer Patients and Friends “Dynamis Psychis” (“Strength of Soul”)
• Cancer Patients and Friends Association of Evros Prefecture – “Synexizo” (“I Continue”)
• Cancer Patients and Friends Association of Xanthi Prefecture – “Paramenontas Zoiroi” (“Remaining Full of Life”)

 

Round Table

Oncology 360^ο – Intergrating Exercise into a Comprehensive Oncology Care Model

 

Date: Friday 15^th May 2026

Time: 12.00 – 14.00

Venue: Amphitheater  “Georgios Papadriellis”

 

Roundtable Director:

Helen Douda, Professor, D.P.E.S.S., Democritus University of Thrace,

Director of the Inter-institutional Postgraduate Program ‘’Clinical Exercise and Applications of Technology in Health

Email: edouda@phyed.duth.gr

Chairmen:

Savvas Tokmakidis, Emeritus Professor, D.P.E.S.S., Democritus University of Thrace

stokmaki@phyed.duth.gr

Michail Koukourakis, Professor of Radiation Oncology, Department of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace

mkoukour@med.duth.gr

 

Speakers: 

Georgios Kapetanakis, President of the Hellenic Cancer Federation (ELLOK) and patient representative for Cancer in Greece

The Greek National Cancer Mission Hub

Christos Zois, Assistant Professor of Clinical Radiation Oncology, Department of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace

Muscle Contraction, Metabolism and the Tumor Microenvironment: Biological Mechanisms with Translational Implications

(VIRTUAL)

Ilkka Heinonen, Docent, Department of Clinical Medicine, Academy Research Fellow, Turku PET Centre, Finland

PET/MRI Imaging during Exercise in Cancer Patients

Apostolos Spassis, Clinical Exercise Physiologist, Specialized Teaching Staff, D.P.E.S.S., Democritus University of Thrace

Exercise Oncology: Exercise as the Fourth Pillar of Cancer Treatment

Abstract: 

Exercise is now recognized as a fundamental pillar of modern oncology care, with robust scientific evidence supporting its contribution to improving quality of life and managing symptoms associated both with the disease itself and with anticancer treatments, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery. Systematic and individualized exercise significantly contributes to reducing cancer-related fatigue, preserving muscle mass and functional capacity, and enhancing psychological well-being. Its effective implementation in clinical practice requires interdisciplinary collaboration and structured planning, involving oncologists, radiation oncologists, and exercise specialists. At the same time, the active engagement of cancer patient advocacy and support organizations plays a crucial role in raising awareness, empowering patients, and facilitating access to structured exercise programs. The “Oncology 360°” approach proposes a comprehensive, patient-centered model of care in which exercise is systematically integrated into the treatment plan, constituting an essential component of holistic oncology management.

 

Discussion: Comments, insights, and proposals from members

Commenting on Current Developments and Amplifying the Voice of Patients

Participating Associations and Members:

-Cancer Patients and Friends Association of Rodopi Prefecture – “Dynamis Psychis” (Strength of Soul)

-Cancer Patients and Friends Association of Evros Prefecture – “Synexizo” (I Continue)

-Cancer Patients and Friends Association of Xanthi Prefecture – “Paramenontas Zoiroi” (Remaining Full of Life)