CompletedInterventional

Integrated short-term palliative rehabilitation in incurable cancer

Living with advanced cancer often makes everyday tasks like washing, dressing, or shopping difficult. The INSPIRE study is exploring whether a short, personalised rehabilitation programme can help people manage day-to-day routines and feel better. Adults with advanced solid tumours, such as lung, breast, or bowel cancer, can take part. Half of the participants continue with their usual NHS cancer care. The other half receive their usual care plus up to three appointments with a rehabilitation specialist. In these sessions, participants create a personalised action plan to help maintain their independence and manage symptoms. Everyone completes brief surveys at weeks 4, 8, and 16 to see how they are getting on. The study lasts 16 weeks, with a final check of medical notes at week 28. Researchers hope this support will improve quality of life for people living with incurable cancer.

At a glance

Status

Completed

Sponsor

King's College London

Enrolment target

340

Start

03 Oct 2023

Estimated completion

28 Feb 2026

Advanced incurable solid cancer: lung, colorectal, breast, prostate, etc.

What is this study about?

When cancer cannot be cured, medical treatment focuses on keeping the illness under control and helping people live well for as long as possible. However, both the illness and its treatments can lead to weakness, tiredness, and loss of independence. Many people find it harder to manage daily routines, look after themselves, or enjoy social activities, which can deeply impact their quality of life.

Rehabilitation programmes help people build strength, adapt to physical changes, and find easier ways to complete everyday tasks. While this kind of support is common for people recovering from strokes or heart problems, it is not always routinely offered to people living with advanced cancer. The INSPIRE study was designed to test whether a short, targeted rehabilitation programme can fill this gap.

In this study, researchers across the UK and Europe are comparing standard NHS care against standard care combined with up to three rehabilitation sessions. By studying 340 participants, the trial team hopes to understand how this extra support affects daily wellbeing and whether it can be smoothly introduced into everyday cancer care.

Key takeaways

Tests whether short-term rehabilitation helps people with advanced cancer maintain daily independence.
Open to adults with advanced solid cancers who find daily activities increasingly difficult.
Half of the participants receive up to three personalised rehabilitation sessions alongside standard care.
All participants continue to receive their usual cancer treatments and NHS care.
Involves answering questionnaires over a 16-week period, with a notes review at 28 weeks.

Who may be eligible?

This trial is open to adults aged 18 and over who have been diagnosed with an advanced solid cancer that cannot be cured. Examples include lung, breast, bowel, or prostate cancer. It is designed for people whose cancer affects their daily life—such as needing to rest during the day or needing some assistance with everyday tasks—while still being able to get around and manage their personal care.

People with blood cancers, such as leukaemia, lymphoma, or myeloma, are not eligible for this study. You also cannot take part if you are currently receiving specialist rehabilitation (or have received it within the past two weeks), or if your doctor estimates that your life expectancy is less than three months.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

I am aged 18 or over.
I have been diagnosed with an advanced solid cancer (such as lung, breast, bowel, or prostate cancer).
My illness impacts my daily routine, and I need to rest for parts of the day.
I do not have a blood cancer (such as leukaemia, lymphoma, or myeloma).
I am not currently receiving specialist rehabilitation services.

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

Taking part lasts for 16 weeks. If you join, a computer will randomly allocate you to one of two groups. Both groups will continue to receive all of their usual cancer treatments and medical appointments without any disruption.

If you are placed in the usual care group, you will continue your normal healthcare and complete questionnaires about your wellbeing at weeks 4, 8, and 16. These take about 30 to 45 minutes and can be completed alone, with help from family, or with a researcher.

If you are placed in the rehabilitation group, you will complete the same questionnaires and also receive up to three rehabilitation sessions. The first session takes place in person within two weeks of joining to set up a personal action plan. The next two sessions happen around weeks 4 and 6, and can be done in person, by phone, or over video call. You may also be invited to an optional 30-to-60-minute interview about your experience. At week 28, researchers will review your hospital notes to see how you are doing, without you needing to attend an extra visit.

Potential risks and benefits

This is a very low-risk trial as it does not involve any new medications, injections, or invasive procedures. The main drawback is the time and energy needed to attend sessions and fill in surveys, which some people may find tiring. While taking part may not directly cure or change your illness, the rehabilitation sessions could help you find practical ways to manage daily tasks and feel more in control. Your involvement will also provide valuable knowledge to help doctors and nurses care for people with advanced cancer in the future. Taking part is entirely voluntary, and you can withdraw at any time without giving a reason and without affecting your medical care.

Locations (9)

King's College Hospital
Approximate
London, England
Guy's and St Thomas' Hospitals
City only
London, England
York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
City only
York, England
Hospices Civils de Lyon
Approximate
Lyon, France
Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori
City only
Milan, Italy
Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale – IRCCS di Reggio Emilia
Unverified
Reggio Emilia, Italy
Fonden for Almen Praksis
Unverified
København, Denmark
University of Bergen
Unverified
Bergen, Norway
Charles University
Unverified
Prague, Czech Republic

Common questions

Will taking part affect my current cancer treatments?

No. You will continue to receive all your planned cancer medicines, oncology appointments, and supportive care exactly as normal.

What happens in a rehabilitation session?

You will talk with a specialist about the practical difficulties you face each day. Together, you will create an action plan with manageable goals to help you stay as active and comfortable as possible.

Can someone help me fill in the questionnaires?

Yes. A family member, friend, or a member of the research team can help you go through the questions either in person or over the phone.

Can I choose which group I am placed in?

No. A computer programme places participants into groups at random. This ensures the results of the trial are fair and reliable.

What if I feel too tired or unwell to continue?

You are free to step back or leave the study at any point. Your decision will not change the standard of medical care you receive from your doctors.

How to find out more

Matthew Maddocks

matthew.maddocks@kcl.ac.uk - Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.