Not yet recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Chemo Brain Prehab Project

This study is for older adults (aged 60-85) in the North West of England who have colorectal cancer and are about to start chemotherapy. Chemotherapy can sometimes cause 'chemo-brain', which means experiencing memory problems, forgetfulness, and difficulty thinking clearly. These symptoms can last for a while after treatment. The research wants to see if an exercise programme, done before and during chemotherapy, can help reduce these 'chemo-brain' symptoms and generally make people feel better. The exercise includes supervised video sessions and independent exercises, helping to improve fitness and overall well-being. It's hoped this could improve quality of life for those undergoing treatment.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Dr. Chris Gaffney

Enrolment target

Start

30 Jan 2026

Estimated completion

16 Sep 2027

Colorectal Cancer Older Adults (60 - 85 Years Old)Physically Inactive Chemotherapy

What is this study about?

This research is looking into an important issue for people undergoing chemotherapy for colorectal cancer, especially in the North West where rates of this cancer are higher than average. While chemotherapy is a vital treatment, it can have side effects. One common side effect that can be particularly distressing is known as 'chemo-brain'. This isn't a medical term for a disease, but rather a way to describe problems with memory, attention, and how quickly you can think, which can occur during and after chemotherapy.

We know that preparing the body with exercise before surgery (this is called 'prehabilitation') can really help people recover better. This study wants to see if a similar approach, focusing on exercise before and during chemotherapy, can also help reduce the effects of 'chemo-brain'. The idea is that improving your fitness could also help your brain stay healthier and work better during treatment.

The study will involve a special exercise programme that participants will follow at home. The aim is to understand if this exercise can really make a difference to 'chemo-brain' symptoms and improve their overall quality of life during what can be a very challenging time. By doing this research, we hope to find new ways to support people through their cancer treatment.

Key takeaways

This study investigates exercise for 'chemo-brain' in older colorectal cancer patients.
It aims to reduce memory and thinking problems during chemotherapy.
Participation involves a guided home-based exercise programme and multivitamins.
Study is for individuals aged 60-85 receiving specific chemotherapy.
It could improve quality of life during cancer treatment.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for men and women between 60 and 85 years old who have stage II or III colorectal cancer. You must be planning to have specific types of chemotherapy (fluorouracil, capecitabine, or oxaliplatin). You also need to be able to speak English and should not have been doing structured exercise, like regular gym classes or team sports, in the six months before joining the study.

There are also some reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you have other health conditions like certain types of diabetes or serious kidney or liver problems that might be affected by exercise or the multivitamins used in the study. You also can't have existing memory problems, like dementia, or other serious health issues such as a certain heart rhythm problem called atrial fibrillation.

Additionally, you need to have internet access at home, as the exercise programme is delivered online. If you have severe hearing loss, are receiving end-of-life care, or have another cancer at the same time, this study might not be suitable for you.

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 between 60 and 85 years old?
Do you have stage II or III colorectal cancer and about to start chemotherapy (fluorouracil, capecitabine, or oxaliplatin)?
Do you have home internet access for online exercise sessions?
Have you not been doing regular, structured exercise (like gym classes) in the last six months?
Do you not have any other serious health conditions that would stop you from exercising or taking multivitamins, or existing memory problems like dementia?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join this study, you will take part in a supervised exercise programme before and during your chemotherapy. This programme will involve four exercise sessions each week, each lasting about 40 minutes. Two of these sessions will be led remotely by a researcher through video calls, and the other two you will do on your own using an exercise booklet and videos to guide you.

Each session includes a warm-up, about 20 minutes of light to moderate exercise (like brisk walking), exercises to strengthen your arms and legs using resistance bands, and a cool-down. The exercises will be tailored to your fitness level. You will also be asked to take a multivitamin supplement called Forceval. The total length of your participation will depend on the duration of your chemotherapy treatment, plus some follow-up assessments.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could potentially help reduce the 'chemo-brain' symptoms you might experience and improve your overall well-being and quality of life during your chemotherapy treatment. The exercise programme is designed to be safe and suitable for your condition, and it will be adjusted to your ability. However, as with any exercise, there is a small risk of muscle soreness or mild injury. There could also be rare side effects from the multivitamin. You are free to stop taking part in the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (3)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

East Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
Verified postcode
Blackburn, United Kingdom
University Hospitals Morecambe Bay Trust, Royal Lancaster Infirmary
Verified postcode
Lancaster, United Kingdom
Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
Verified postcode
Preston, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is 'chemo-brain'?

'Chemo-brain' is a common term for memory problems, difficulty focusing, and feeling a bit foggy in your thinking that can happen during and after chemotherapy.

Do I have to do all the exercises alone?

No, you'll have two online video sessions each week with a researcher guiding you, and two sessions you'll do by yourself with help from a booklet and videos.

What kind of exercises will I be doing?

The exercises will include a warm-up, some gentle activities like brisk walking, and strength exercises for your arms and legs using resistance bands, followed by a cool-down.

Will I have to travel for this study?

Most of the programme is delivered online, so you won't need to travel for the main exercise sessions. There might be initial assessments at a clinic.

What if I feel unwell during the study?

Your safety is important. You will be monitored, and the exercises can be adjusted. You should always tell the study team and your medical team if you feel unwell.

How to find out more

Christopher Gaffney, BSc (Hons.) MSc PhD FHEA

c.gaffney@lancaster.ac.uk +44 (0) 1524 593 602 Official trial record

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