Investigating the relationship between physical activity and side effects associated with systemic anti-cancer therapies
The ACTIVATE study explores whether exercise can help people with breast, lung, bowel, or prostate cancer cope better with the side effects of their anti-cancer treatments. Many treatments can cause physical and emotional challenges, affecting daily life and wellbeing. While research suggests physical activity could be beneficial, it's not yet clear how easy it is to measure activity levels or provide exercise programmes to patients during treatment. This small initial study aims to find out if it's practical to recruit participants, collect necessary health information, and offer exercise plans. The results will help researchers design a larger study in the future to improve care for people undergoing cancer treatment.
At a glance
What is this study about?
When you're going through cancer treatment like chemotherapy, it can bring a lot of physical and emotional side effects. These can make daily activities harder and affect how you feel overall. We know that being physically active can often help people feel better, but for cancer patients getting treatment, we're not yet sure how easy it is to track activity levels or create exercise plans that work well.
That's where the ACTIVATE study comes in. Think of it as a first step to understand if it's even possible to run a bigger study on this topic. It's looking into whether we can successfully find participants, gather the right information about their health, and for some, offer an exercise programme while they're starting their cancer treatment. The study is particularly interested in adults with breast, bowel, lung, or prostate cancer.
The main goal is to collect crucial information that will help us plan a future, larger study. This bigger study would then explore in more detail how physical activity might improve the care and quality of life for people receiving anti-cancer treatments.
Key takeaways
- It's about whether exercise can help people cope with cancer treatment side effects.
- It's a small, initial study to see if a bigger study is possible.
- You must be starting your first course of anti-cancer treatment for breast, lung, bowel, or prostate cancer.
- Participation involves monitoring activity/wellbeing, and for some, an exercise programme.
- Study visits happen during regular hospital appointments, no separate trips needed.
- The information gathered will help design better patient care in the future.
Who may be eligible?
You might be able to take part if you are aged 16 years or older and have been diagnosed with breast, lung, bowel, or prostate cancer. You would also need to be just starting your very first course of anti-cancer treatment.
It's important that you are generally well enough to take part in physical activity. You wouldn't be able to join if your doctor thinks exercise isn't safe for you, or if you have other serious health problems that would make it difficult. Also, if you're already in another structured exercise programme for your cancer, you won't be able to participate.
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 16 years old or older?
- Have you been diagnosed with breast, lung, bowel, or prostate cancer?
- Are you just about to start your very first cancer treatment?
- Are you generally able to do some physical activity?
- Are you not in another structured exercise programme for your cancer?
What does participation involve?
This is a small study involving 16 people, split into two groups of eight. If you join, your participation could last for up to six months. For everyone, we'll be checking your activity levels and how you're feeling before and during your cancer treatment. These study checks will usually happen at the same time as your regular hospital appointments, so you won't need to make extra trips. You can expect to attend roughly 4 to 10 study visits, depending on your treatment schedule.
If you're in the second group, you'll also receive a personalised exercise plan. This plan would start a few weeks before your anti-cancer treatment begins and continue throughout. You'd have a physiotherapy session, which could be in person or online, to get your exercise programme. Regardless of which group you're in, you'll be helping us gather vital information for future research.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustCity onlyNewcastle upon Tyne, England
Common questions
What kind of cancers is this study for?
This study is for people with breast, lung, bowel (colorectal), or prostate cancer.
How long will I be in the study if I participate?
You will participate in the study for up to six months.
Do I need to make extra hospital visits for this study?
No, all study visits will happen alongside your usual hospital appointments for your cancer care.
What happens in Part Two of the study?
In Part Two, you'll receive a personalised exercise plan that starts before your cancer treatment and continues during it, in addition to having your activity and wellbeing monitored.
Who is running and paying for this study?
This study is being run from the Sir Bobby Robson Cancer Trials Research Centre in Newcastle upon Tyne and funded by Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
How to find out more
Ben Hood
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
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