Get strong to fight childhood cancer – An exercise intervention for children and adolescents undergoing anti-cancer treatment

After 66 months of dedicated work, collaboration, and scientific progress, the FORTEe project has officially come to a successful end. A highlight and final milestone of this journey was the 3rd Pediatric Exercise Oncology Congress, held in collaboration with FORTEe in Mainz on 16 and 17 April 2026.

The congress brought together an international community dedicated to advancing the field of pediatric exercise oncology. It provided a dynamic platform for exchange, marked by stimulating discussions and an open sharing of knowledge, experiences, and perspectives.

One of the most notable aspects of the congress was the strong sense of community. Participants from across the globe contributed to an atmosphere defined by collaboration and a shared commitment to improving treatment and survivorship outcomes for children and adolescents affected by cancer. This spirit of collaboration has also been at the heart of FORTEe throughout its 66-month journey.

Over the course of the project, FORTEe has brought together researchers, clinicians, and other stakeholders to strengthen the evidence base for exercise interventions in pediatric oncology and support their implementation in clinical practice. The congress offered an opportunity to reflect on the progress made, share insights and achievements, and highlight how far the field has come. At the same time, it reinforced the importance of continued international collaboration to translate scientific advances into meaningful improvements in patient care.

A particular highlight of the event was the recognition of outstanding early-career researchers. Lauren Ha received the award for Best Oral Presentation, while FORTEe researcher Lena Wypyrsczyk was honoured with the Best Poster Presentation.

While the FORTEe project has now officially come to an end, its impact and the collaborations established throughout these 66 months will continue. Looking ahead, a key priority remains to expand the reach of exercise interventions beyond specialised centres and into the daily lives of young patients – within their families, communities, and broader support systems.

We would like to thank everyone who has contributed to the success of FORTEe over the past 66 months. First, we would like to thank all participants and their families, whose participation and support have made this study possible. We would also like to thank all project partners, researchers, clinicians, collaborators, and supporters. Your commitment, expertise, and enthusiasm have been instrumental in making this journey a success.

66 months of collaboration, shared knowledge, and progress – and a strong foundation for the future of pediatric exercise oncology!

On Saturday, 18 April 2026, FORTEe hosted a truly special event: the sports day “Kickin’ Cancer – Every Move Counts”. Children, adolescents, and young adults who have or have had cancer, along with their families, came together from across Germany and Europe to share a day centered on movement, connection, and inspiration.

Organised in collaboration with Kinderkrebshilfe Mainz e.V., the event created a welcoming and inclusive space where participants could explore a wide range of sports and activities. From dancing and football to acrobatics, basketball, rowing, and martial arts, attendees had the opportunity to try new forms of exercise at their own pace and in their own way. We were in particular happy to welcome FORTEe athletes from our European-wide FORTEe study in Mainz!

Beyond physical activity, the day offered meaningful opportunities to connect. Participants met inspiring athletes, shared personal experiences, and discovered new ways to stay active during and after cancer treatment. The focus was not only on exercise, but on fostering a sense of community, integration, and mutual support.

A sincere thank you goes to all partners and supporters who contributed to making this day possible. Their commitment continues to make a real difference in the lives of children and young people affected by cancer.

Last week at SIOP Europe 2026 (4–7 May) in Glasgow, UK, an important milestone was reached for the paediatric exercise oncology community. During the annual meeting of SIOP Europe, the European Society for Paediatric Oncology (SIOPE), the newly approved Exercise Oncology Working Group held its first in-person meeting – marking the start of a strengthened Europe-wide collaboration in this rapidly growing field.

Chaired by Sabine Verena Kesting, the session on Thursday, May 7th, brought together professionals committed to integrating exercise and physical activity into paediatric oncology care. The group presented its vision, strategic aims and next steps, underlining both the scientific momentum and clinical relevance of structured exercise programmes in treatment and survivorship.

Later that day, the Exercise Oncology and Nursing Working Groups co-hosted the interactive session “Every Step Counts,” focusing on hospital mobility and interdisciplinary collaboration. We were proud to see FORTEe members William Zardo and Carmen Fiuza Luces contributing as speakers and panellists.

The strong engagement in Glasgow highlighted that exercise oncology is increasingly recognised as an essential component of comprehensive paediatric cancer care – and FORTEe is excited to help drive this momentum forward.