Exercise Therapy for Cancer

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)

+6 other locations

Overseen by Lee Jones, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Phase 1

Waitlist Available

Sponsor: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

Must not be taking: Antitumor therapy

Disqualifiers: Distant metastases, Invasive cancer, others

No Placebo Group

Approved in 2 Jurisdictions

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

The purpose of this study is to find out whether exercise therapy is an effective and safe treatment that causes few or mild side effects when done before standard surgery for solid tumor cancer. The researchers will also study whether the program is feasible (practical) by tracking how well participants follow the program.

Do I have to stop taking my current medications for the trial?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. However, you cannot be receiving any form of antitumor therapy to participate.

What data supports the idea that Exercise Therapy for Cancer is an effective treatment?

The available research shows that Exercise Therapy for Cancer is effective in improving the quality of life for cancer patients. It helps reduce side effects like fatigue and depression, which are common during and after cancer treatment. Studies indicate that exercise can be beneficial at any stage of cancer treatment, whether before, during, or after, and it aids in recovery and overall well-being. Compared to other treatments, exercise is unique because it not only helps manage symptoms but also supports long-term health and survival. This makes it a valuable addition to cancer care. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

What safety data exists for exercise therapy in cancer treatment?

Exercise therapy for cancer patients, including pediatric and adult populations, is generally safe. A nationwide survey in Germany found a very low incidence of adverse events (AEs) during supervised exercise interventions for pediatric cancer patients, with no life-threatening consequences reported. A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials in adult cancer patients also reported exercise therapy as safe, with 44 AEs across 48 trials. Exercise therapy is recommended for cancer patients to improve cardiorespiratory fitness and manage side effects, with safety procedures like regular breaks and medical consultations in place to minimize risks. ^{1 6 7 8 9}

Is Exercise Therapy a promising treatment for cancer?

Yes, Exercise Therapy is a promising treatment for cancer. It helps improve the quality of life, reduces fatigue, and increases strength and fitness in cancer patients. It is safe and can be tailored to individual needs, making it a valuable part of cancer recovery and management. ^{4 10 11 12 13}

Research Team

Lee Jones, PhD

Principal Investigator

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

Eligibility Criteria

This clinical trial is for individuals with solid tumor cancers who are scheduled to undergo standard surgery. The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of exercise therapy prior to surgery.

Inclusion Criteria

Non-exercisers, defined as ≤60 minutes of moderate or vigorous exercise/week based on self-report using a validated survey

I have a confirmed, operable cancer that has not been treated yet.

My surgery is scheduled at least 3 weeks from now and won't be delayed for exercise therapy.

Exclusion Criteria

My cancer has spread to distant parts of my body.

I am currently undergoing treatment for cancer.

Any other condition (e.g., pregnancy) or intercurrent illness that, in the opinion of the investigator, makes the subject a poor candidate for study participation

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Exercise Therapy (Behavioural Intervention)

Trial Overview The intervention being studied is exercise therapy. Researchers want to see if it's an effective pre-surgery treatment for those with solid tumors, and they'll also check how practical it is by monitoring participants' adherence.

Participant Groups

Group I: Exercise therapy Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Exercise therapy will comprise individualized treadmill walking delivered up to 5 times weekly (over a 7-day period) to achieve a weekly cumulative dose of 225 minutes per week. The minimum treatment period will be 3 weeks. Exercise therapy will be administered via a patient-centric, decentralized platform: Digital Platform for Exercise (DPEx). DPEx will permit all study procedures to be conducted remotely in patients' homes.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,998

Recruited

602,000+

Lisa M. DeAngelis

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

Chief Medical Officer since 2021

MD from Columbia University

Selwyn M. Vickers

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

Chief Executive Officer since 2022

MD from Johns Hopkins University

Findings from Research

A study of 350 cancer patients receiving physical therapist-led exercise counseling showed significant reductions in global distress and fatigue, indicating that exercise counseling can effectively improve symptoms related to cancer treatment.

Patients reported notable improvements in overall health and well-being after counseling, suggesting that exercise may play a crucial role in enhancing quality of life for cancer patients.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Physical Therapist-Led Exercise Assessment and Counseling in Integrative Cancer Care: Effects on Patient Self-reported Symptoms and Quality of Life. Lopez, G., Eddy, C., Liu, W., et al.[2023]

Exercise is an effective therapeutic intervention for cancer patients, helping to reduce side effects from treatments and significantly improving their quality of life during and after treatment.

Engaging in exercise before, during, and after cancer treatments leads to numerous beneficial outcomes, making it a crucial part of care for both patients undergoing treatment and survivors.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Exercise Recommendations for Cancer-Related Fatigue, Cognitive Impairment, Sleep problems, Depression, Pain, Anxiety, and Physical Dysfunction: A Review. Mustian, KM., Sprod, LK., Janelsins, M., et al.[2021]

An interventional exercise program for cancer patients was designed to enhance self-confidence and improve quality of life, focusing on cardiovascular function, metabolism, muscular strength, endurance, and flexibility.

The program included both body and mind fitness components, which are crucial for balance and overall recovery after cancer therapy, highlighting the importance of physical activity in post-cancer rehabilitation.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[Intervention Exercise Program for Cancer Patients with Breast Cancer]. Pokorná, A., Střeštíková, R.[2019]

Regular physical exercise is associated with a reduced risk of developing colorectal and breast cancer, and may also lower the risk for prostate, endometrial, and lung cancers, based on a review of recent literature.

Exercise is beneficial for cancer survivors, aiding in recovery from treatment and potentially extending survival, although specific guidelines on the optimal amount, type, and intensity of exercise are still being developed.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Exercise in cancer. Rajarajeswaran, P., Vishnupriya, R.[2021]

Exercise therapy significantly improves cardiorespiratory fitness in cancer patients and helps reduce the cardiotoxic effects of cancer treatments, making it a crucial part of cardiac rehabilitation programs.

Starting exercise early after a cancer diagnosis and continuing throughout survivorship is generally safe and beneficial for heart health in cancer survivors.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Exercise Training for Cancer Survivors. Tong, CKW., Lau, B., Davis, MK.[2021]

References

1. Germany pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[Physical activity and exercise therapy in oncology]. [2023]

2. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Physical Therapist-Led Exercise Assessment and Counseling in Integrative Cancer Care: Effects on Patient Self-reported Symptoms and Quality of Life. [2023]

3. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Exercise Recommendations for Cancer-Related Fatigue, Cognitive Impairment, Sleep problems, Depression, Pain, Anxiety, and Physical Dysfunction: A Review. [2021]

4. Czech Republic pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[Intervention Exercise Program for Cancer Patients with Breast Cancer]. [2019]

5. Germany pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Exercise in cancer. [2021]

6. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Adverse Events During Supervised Exercise Interventions in Pediatric Oncology-A Nationwide Survey. [2021]

7. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Exercise Therapy and Radiation Therapy for Cancer: A Systematic Review. [2021]

8. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Efficacy of Exercise Therapy on Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Patients With Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. [2022]

9. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Exercise Training for Cancer Survivors. [2021]

10. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A model program: exercise intervention for cancer rehabilitation. [2017]

11. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Exercise therapy across the lung cancer continuum. [2021]

12. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Maximal exercise testing of men with prostate cancer being treated with androgen deprivation therapy. [2014]

13. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Supervised physical exercise to improve the quality of life of cancer patients: the EFICANCER randomised controlled trial. [2018]