What is the mechanism of action of this treatment?

Glioblastoma treatments typically include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Surgery aims to remove as much of the tumor as possible, which can alleviate symptoms and improve survival rates. Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to target and kill cancer cells, slowing tumor growth. Chemotherapy, often with the drug temozolomide, works by damaging the DNA of cancer cells, preventing them from dividing and growing. These treatments are crucial for Glioblastoma patients because they target the aggressive nature of the tumor, aiming to prolong survival and improve quality of life. The tailored circuit-based resistance training program being studied focuses on enhancing physical strength and endurance, which can help patients better tolerate these aggressive treatments and maintain functional fitness, ultimately improving their overall quality of life.

What side effects are associated with this type of intervention?

Common treatments for glioblastoma include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Surgery can lead to complications such as infection, bleeding, and neurological deficits. Chemotherapy often causes side effects like nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and increased susceptibility to infections. Radiation therapy can result in skin irritation, fatigue, and cognitive decline. A tailored circuit-based resistance training program, which aims to enhance physical strength and endurance, may help mitigate some of these side effects by improving functional fitness and overall quality of life.

What prior FDA approvals exist?

The FDA has approved several treatments for Glioblastoma, including temozolomide (Temodar), which is often used in conjunction with radiation therapy. Temozolomide has been shown to improve survival rates and is a standard treatment for newly diagnosed Glioblastoma. Bevacizumab (Avastin) is another FDA-approved drug used for recurrent Glioblastoma, which works by inhibiting angiogenesis. These treatments aim to manage the disease and improve patients' quality of life, although they do not directly enhance physical strength and endurance. The tailored circuit-based resistance training program being studied aims to address these specific aspects by improving functional fitness and overall health outcomes for Glioblastoma patients.

What other types of research exist?

Promising alternatives to tailored circuit-based resistance training for glioblastoma patients include: 1) Aerobic exercise programs, which have been shown to improve cardiovascular health and overall endurance. 2) Combined aerobic and resistance training, which can offer comprehensive benefits by enhancing both cardiovascular and muscular fitness. 3) Home-based exercise programs, which provide flexibility and can be tailored to individual capabilities and preferences. 4) Virtual or telehealth-guided exercise interventions, which can offer personalized guidance and support remotely. These alternatives can help improve functional fitness and quality of life for glioblastoma patients.

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Resistance Exercise

Resistance Exercise for Glioblastoma (RESIST Trial)

N/A

Waitlist Available

Led By Scott Grandy, PhD

Research Sponsored by Nova Scotia Health Authority

Eligibility Criteria Checklist

Specific guidelines that determine who can or cannot participate in a clinical trial

Must have

Received any dose of DEX

Histologically confirmed diagnosis of either primary or secondary GBM

Must not have

Unstable or symptomatic cardiac or pulmonary disease, injury or co-morbid disease that precludes ability to safely exercise

Uncontrolled seizures associated with impaired awareness

Timeline

Screening 3 weeks

Treatment Varies

Follow Up captured over the 12-week study period

Awards & highlights

No Placebo-Only Group

Summary

This trial tests a personalized exercise routine for brain cancer patients to help them build muscle and improve their ability to do daily activities. The goal is to counteract muscle weakness caused by long-term steroid use during cancer treatment.

Who is the study for?

This trial is for English-speaking glioblastoma patients who can travel to Halifax, have a doctor's approval, and are physically able to do daily tasks (KPS >70). They must have started steroid treatment. It's not for those with unstable heart/lung disease, exercise-limiting injuries or diseases, uncontrolled seizures affecting awareness, or major cognitive issues.

What is being tested?

The study tests how well a tailored circuit-based resistance exercise program helps glioblastoma survivors with their functional fitness and overall quality of life while they're receiving active treatment for their condition.

What are the potential side effects?

While the trial focuses on exercise which typically has benefits like improved strength and endurance, potential side effects may include muscle soreness, fatigue, and an increased risk of injury if exercises are performed improperly.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

You may be eligible if you check “Yes” for the criteria below

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I have taken DEX medication.

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My diagnosis is glioblastoma (GBM).

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I am able to care for myself and perform normal activities with minimal assistance.

Exclusion Criteria

You may be eligible for the trial if you check “No” for criteria below:

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I do not have heart or lung conditions that prevent me from safely exercising.

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I experience seizures that I cannot control and make me lose awareness.

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I have significant difficulties with thinking or memory.

Timeline

Screening ~ 3 weeks3 visits

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~ captured over the 12-week study period

Screening ~ 3 weeks

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~captured over the 12-week study period

This trial's timeline: 3 weeks for screening, Varies for treatment, and captured over the 12-week study period for reporting.

Treatment Details

Study Objectives

Study objectives can provide a clearer picture of what you can expect from a treatment.

Primary study objectives

Functional Performance

Grip strength

Secondary study objectives

Aerobic fitness

Body Mass Index (BMI)

Body composition and Muscle Mass

+8 more

Other study objectives

Study Feasibility - Participant Accrual

Study Feasibility - Participant Adherence

Study Feasibility - Participant Attrition

+1 more

Awards & Highlights

No Placebo-Only Group

All patients enrolled in this study will receive some form of active treatment.

Trial Design

2Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Active Control

Group I: Exercise InterventionExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

12-week circuit-based resistance exercise

Group II: Wait-list ControlActive Control1 Intervention

Standard of care wait-list control group

0 / 6Eligibility criteria met

Research Highlights

Information in this section is not a recommendation. We encourage patients to speak with their healthcare team when evaluating any treatment decision.

Mechanism Of Action

Side Effect Profile

Prior Approvals

Other Research

Glioblastoma treatments typically include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Surgery aims to remove as much of the tumor as possible, which can alleviate symptoms and improve survival rates. Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to target and kill cancer cells, slowing tumor growth. Chemotherapy, often with the drug temozolomide, works by damaging the DNA of cancer cells, preventing them from dividing and growing. These treatments are crucial for Glioblastoma patients because they target the aggressive nature of the tumor, aiming to prolong survival and improve quality of life. The tailored circuit-based resistance training program being studied focuses on enhancing physical strength and endurance, which can help patients better tolerate these aggressive treatments and maintain functional fitness, ultimately improving their overall quality of life.

Effects of Aerobic and Flexibility Training on Physiological and Psychosocial Function in a Patient with Anaplastic Oligodendroglioma: A Case Report.