EXercise Enhancement After RadioTherapy for Bone Metastases
This study is called 'EXercise Enhancement After RadioTherapy for Bone Metastases'. It's for people who have cancer that has spread to their bones, specifically outside of the spine, causing pain. These bone changes are called bone metastases. The main goal is to find out if a special exercise program, done alongside standard cancer treatment, is safe, easy to do, and enjoyable for patients. We also want to see if it can improve how well people can move around, their quality of life, and their general feeling of health after receiving radiotherapy for their bone pain. Participants will do a supervised, 8-week virtual exercise program and have follow-up checks for several months to see if it makes a difference.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This study is looking into a topic called bone metastases. This is when cancer cells spread from where they started to the bones. It's a common issue for people with cancer and can often cause pain. We want to explore if regular, guided exercise could be a helpful part of managing this condition, especially for those who have painful bone metastases outside of the spine and are receiving (or have received) radiotherapy to help with the pain.
The main idea is to see if a specially designed exercise program, combined with the usual care people receive, can improve how they feel and function. We're interested in whether exercise can make everyday activities easier, improve a person's general well-being, and boost their quality of life overall. This study will follow people to make sure the exercise program is safe and practical for them to do. By understanding the role of exercise, we hope to give patients more ways to manage their symptoms and feel better during their cancer journey.
Participants will take part in an 8-week exercise program that is supervised by experts, but done from home using a special online system. The exercises will be made to fit each person's needs and abilities, focusing on getting stronger, more flexible, and able to move around better. There will also be sessions to help people learn how to manage their condition and cope with challenges. We will keep track of how people are doing for up to 6 months after the exercise program to see the long-term effects.
Key takeaways
- The study aims to see if exercise helps people with cancer that has spread to their bones (bone metastases) and is causing pain.
- It involves an 8-week, supervised exercise program done virtually from home after receiving radiotherapy.
- The exercises will be tailored to your individual needs and abilities.
- The goal is to improve physical function, reduce pain, and boost overall quality of life.
- Your health and safety will be carefully monitored throughout the study.
- Participation includes follow-up checks for several months after the exercise program.
Who may be eligible?
To be considered for this study, you need to be an adult (18 years or older) with cancer that has spread to your bones outside of the spine, causing pain. You must have received radiotherapy for this bone pain. It's important that you are generally able to move around on your own, even if you use walking aids like a stick or a frame, and that doctors expect you to live for at least another six months.
There are also some important reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if your doctors think that exercising might be unsafe due to certain types of cancer spread, especially to the brain or spinal cord, or if your bones are at a very high risk of breaking. Your medical team will carefully check all these details to make sure the study is safe for you.
If you have painful bone metastases in your spine, you might still be able to join, but only if they don't fall under the specific reasons for not being included. Your doctors will be able to explain this in more detail.
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.
- Are you 18 years old or older?
- Do you have cancer that has spread to your bones (bone metastases) outside of your spine?
- Are these bone metastases causing you pain, and have you had radiotherapy for them?
- Are you able to walk and move independently, even if you use a walking aid?
- Do your doctors expect you to live for at least another six months?
- Are there no severe untreatable cancer growths in your brain or spinal cord?
What does participation involve?
If you take part in this study, you will join an 8-week exercise program. This program is supervised by professionals but delivered virtually, meaning you can do it from your home using a special online system. The exercises will be tailored just for you and will focus on improving your strength, flexibility, and how well you can move.
You will also have educational sessions to help you understand more about managing your bone metastases and coping with your condition. Your well-being will be checked at different times, including at the start, at the end of the 8-week program, and then again after 1, 3, and 6 months post-program. There is no medication involved in this study, only the exercise program and assessments. The total duration of active participation (exercise program and assessments) would be up to 8 months.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Princess Margaret Cancer CentreVerified postcodeToronto, Canada
Common questions
What are 'bone metastases'?
Bone metastases are when cancer cells spread from where they started in your body to your bones. This can sometimes cause pain in the bones.
What kind of exercise will I be doing?
The exercises will be chosen just for you and your abilities, focusing on getting stronger, more flexible, and improving your movement. They will be supervised by experts virtually.
Will I have to travel for this study?
No, the exercise program is delivered virtually, which means you can take part from your home using a special online system.
How long will the exercise program last?
The supervised exercise program will last for 8 weeks. We'll then check in with you for several months afterwards.
Is this study safe for me?
The study team will carefully check your medical history to make sure it's safe for you to take part in the exercise program. Your safety and well-being are the top priority.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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