RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Effects of Neoadjuvant Prehabilitation on Post-Interventional Physical and Psychological Outcomes in Oncology Patients With Solid Tumors

This study, called NEOPRO-SIT, is exploring whether a special program before cancer treatment can help people with solid tumours, including breast cancer. This program, known as 'prehabilitation', combines targeted exercise with support for emotional well-being. Researchers want to find out if this approach makes people feel better physically and mentally, and improves their general quality of life, compared to just receiving standard care without this extra preparation. The study will involve 125 patients and aims to understand if preparing patients in this way can lead to better outcomes after their cancer treatment. It's about finding a way to help people be as strong as possible before they start treatment.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Priv.-Doz. Dr. med. Philipp Lenz

Enrolment target

125

Start

01 Mar 2026

Estimated completion

01 Oct 2029

Breast Cancer Solid Tumor

What is this study about?

When you're facing cancer treatment, it can be a really challenging time for both your body and your mind. This study, called NEOPRO-SIT, is looking into a new approach called 'prehabilitation' that might help. Think of prehabilitation as getting ready for a big event – just like an athlete trains before a race, this program helps prepare you for your cancer treatment.

The NEOPRO-SIT team wants to see if a special program before your cancer treatment can make a difference. This program isn't just about physical health; it also includes support for your emotional well-being. They'll compare this special program to the usual care you would receive, to see if adding these extra steps helps people feel stronger, both physically and mentally, and improves their overall quality of life during and after treatment. They are particularly focusing on people with solid tumours, including breast cancer.

The main question the researchers are trying to answer is whether this combination of targeted exercise and emotional support can boost your physical fitness and mental strength, leading to a better quality of life. This research is important because it could help doctors understand how to better support patients before their cancer treatments, making the whole journey a little bit easier.

Key takeaways

This study explores pre-treatment support for cancer patients.
It combines exercise and emotional support (prehabilitation).
Aims to improve physical and mental well-being and quality of life.
Compares prehabilitation to standard care for people with solid tumours (e.g. breast cancer).
May help find better ways to support patients before and after treatment.
Study involves 125 adult participants aged 18-65.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you would need to be an adult (18 years old or over, up to 65 years old) who is currently working and has been diagnosed with a solid tumour, particularly breast cancer. Your doctors must have planned for you to have treatment that aims to cure your cancer, such as surgery or radiotherapy. You also need to be well enough to exercise safely and understand the instructions and questionnaires used in the study.

There are some reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you have serious heart or lung problems that would make exercise unsafe, or if your doctor advises against physical activity for other medical reasons. You also couldn't join if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have an active infection or fever, or are already taking part in another clinical study. It's also important that you are able to give your clear agreement to take part.

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 to 65 years old and currently working?
Do you have a solid tumour (like breast cancer) that your doctors plan to cure?
Are you generally well enough to do some exercise?
Can you understand and speak English well enough for questionnaires and instructions?
Are you NOT pregnant or breastfeeding?
Are you NOT participating in another medical study right now?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you will be assigned to one of two groups. One group will receive the standard care, which is the usual treatment and support you would get. The other group will take part in the special 'prehabilitation' program.

The prehabilitation program involves structured exercise tailored to your needs and expert support to help with your emotional well-being. This program will be carefully supervised. Throughout the study, researchers will compare how both groups are doing, looking at things like your physical fitness, how you feel emotionally, and your overall quality of life. The exact number of visits and the total duration of your participation would be explained in full by the study team, but the aim is to see how this prehabilitation helps you prepare for and recover from your cancer treatment.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could potentially offer some benefits, especially if you are in the prehabilitation group, as it might improve your physical and mental well-being before your cancer treatment. For everyone, participating helps further our understanding of how best to support cancer patients. As with any exercise program, there's a small risk of muscle soreness or minor injury, but the exercises will be supervised and tailored to you. You might also find the assessments, like filling out questionnaires, take up some of your time. You are always free to change your mind and withdraw from the study at any point, without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

University hospital Münster
Verified postcode
Münster, Germany· Recruiting

Common questions

What is 'prehabilitation'?

Prehabilitation is like preparing your body and mind before a big event. In this case, it means getting ready for your cancer treatment through tailored exercise and emotional support.

What kind of cancer patients are being studied?

This study is focusing on adults with solid tumours, especially breast cancer, who are planning to have treatment to cure their cancer.

Will I have to exercise if I join?

If you are in the prehabilitation group, you will take part in a structured exercise program. If you are in the standard care group, you will receive usual care.

Will this study change my cancer treatment?

No, this study is about preparing you for your planned cancer treatment, not about changing the treatment itself.

How long does the study last for each person?

The exact duration for each person will be explained by the study team, but it covers the period before and after your main cancer treatment.

How to find out more

Mira Meyer-Ács

mira.meyer-acs@ukmuenster.de +49 251 8349134 Official trial record

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