RecruitingEARLY_PHASE1INTERVENTIONAL

Exercise for Improving Long-course Chemoradiotherapy Efficacy in People With Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer

This study, taking place at Castle Hill Hospital, is exploring if a supervised exercise programme can make chemotherapy and radiotherapy more effective for people with locally advanced bowel cancer. About 30 patients will take part. Participants will follow an 11-week programme of vigorous aerobic and strength exercises at certain times before, during, and after their standard cancer treatment. Researchers will then follow their progress for six months to see how well the treatment worked. The aim is to understand if exercise can improve treatment outcomes for this type of cancer in a real-world setting.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

EARLY_PHASE1

Sponsor

University of Hull

Enrolment target

Start

10 Dec 2024

Estimated completion

28 Feb 2026

Locally Advanced Rectal Carcinoma

What is this study about?

This study is looking at advanced bowel cancer that hasn't spread to other parts of the body, specifically called 'locally advanced rectal cancer'. Patients with this condition usually receive a combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy before surgery, known as 'neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy'. The researchers want to find out if adding a structured exercise programme to this standard treatment can make it work even better.

Around 30 patients who are having their treatment at Queen's Centre for Oncology and Haematology at Castle Hill Hospital will be invited to take part. If they agree, they'll join an 11-week programme involving supervised, vigorous exercises. This exercise will happen before, during, and after their chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The researchers will then carefully monitor their progress for six months after treatment ends to see the effects.

This is a 'feasibility study', meaning it's an early step to see if this approach is practical and safe, and to gather initial information on whether exercise could indeed improve treatment success for people with this type of bowel cancer. The ultimate goal is to find new ways to help patients respond better to their cancer treatment.

Key takeaways

Looks at exercise for bowel cancer (locally advanced rectal cancer) treatment.
Participation involves 11 weeks of supervised vigorous exercise.
Takes place at Castle Hill Hospital.
Follow-up for 6 months after cancer treatment finishes.
Aims to see if exercise improves treatment efficacy.
An early-stage study to check if this approach is practical and safe.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for people who are aged 18 or older and have been diagnosed with locally advanced rectal cancer, confirmed by MRI scans and other tests. You would need to be scheduled to receive long-course chemoradiotherapy at the Queen's Centre, Castle Hill Hospital, as this is where the study is taking place. It's important that you are willing and able to follow all the study instructions and understand basic written and spoken English, as all materials will be in English.

There are certain reasons why you might not be able to join the study. For example, if you have any existing health issues that would make intense exercise unsafe, such as serious heart or lung conditions, or significant movement problems. If you have any difficulties understanding information or giving your consent, or if you have severe mental health conditions, you might also not be able to participate. The study is also not for people whose cancer has already spread to other parts of their body.

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?
Have you been diagnosed with locally advanced rectal cancer?
Are you receiving chemotherapy and radiotherapy at Castle Hill Hospital?
Are you able to speak and understand basic English?
Do you feel physically able to safely take part in vigorous exercise?
Do you have any serious heart, lung, or movement problems that might prevent you from exercising?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you'll first have a discussion with a research team member to make sure you fully understand the study and to answer any questions. You'll have up to a week to think about it before signing a consent form if you wish to proceed.

Your usual medical records, including details about your cancer stage, age, and any other health conditions, will be reviewed. You'll then have a baseline assessment at Castle Hill Hospital in a special rehabilitation gym. This will involve measuring your height, weight, and some other personal details. You'll also fill out questionnaires about your health and how you're feeling.

The core of your involvement will be the 11-week supervised exercise programme, which includes vigorous aerobic and strength training, timed around your chemotherapy and radiotherapy. After your main cancer treatment, you'll be followed up for a total of six months, with assessments at specific points to check your progress. All appointments will take place at Castle Hill Hospital.

Potential risks and benefits

Potential benefits of taking part could include feeling better and stronger during your cancer treatment due to the exercise programme. Exercise can also help manage some side effects of treatment, and there's a chance it could help your cancer treatment work more effectively, though this is what the study is trying to find out. As with any exercise, there's a small risk of muscle soreness or minor injury, but the exercise will be supervised by trained professionals to keep you safe. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual care.

Locations (1)

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

Castle Hill Hospital
Verified postcode
Cottingham, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What kind of exercise will I be doing?

You'll be doing supervised, vigorous aerobic (like fast walking or cycling) and strength (muscle-building) exercises, tailored to you.

Where does the exercise take place?

All exercise sessions and study assessments will take place at Castle Hill Hospital in a designated gym.

How long will the study last for me?

The exercise programme lasts 11 weeks, and then your progress will be followed for a total of 6 months after your main cancer treatment ends.

Will taking part involve extra hospital visits?

Yes, you will have additional visits for your exercise sessions and study assessments at Castle Hill Hospital, in addition to your standard cancer treatment appointments.

Is this study suitable if I have other health problems?

It depends on the health problem; some conditions, especially those affecting your heart, lungs, or ability to exercise safely, might mean you can't participate. This will be assessed by the study team and your doctors.

How to find out more

Chizitara Amadi

chizitara.amadi-2021@hull.ac.uk 07887391904 Official trial record

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