RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

EXTRA-Meso (EXercise TheRApy in Mesothelioma) Feasibility

This study, called EXTRA-Meso, is a trial to see if it's practical to offer an exercise programme to people with mesothelioma. Researchers want to find out how easy or difficult it is to get people to join and stay involved in such a study. Participants will be randomly put into two groups: one receiving their usual care, and another receiving a special 12-week exercise, diet, and wellbeing plan. Everyone will complete questionnaires and fitness checks at the start and end. The results will help explain what works well and what barriers might exist, to help design bigger, more effective studies in the future to improve quality of life for people with mesothelioma.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde

Enrolment target

Start

25 Jan 2024

Estimated completion

31 Jul 2025

Mesothelioma

What is this study about?

This study, called EXTRA-Meso, is looking into how practical it would be to offer an exercise programme to people living with mesothelioma, a type of cancer. It's a 'feasibility' study, which means the main goal isn't to prove that exercise cures cancer, but rather to understand if it's even possible to run a study like this properly.

The researchers want to answer some key questions: Can they find enough people with mesothelioma who are willing to take part in an exercise study? What are the common reasons why people might not want to join, or why they might drop out? By understanding these challenges, they can then design much bigger and better studies in the future.

The findings from this study in Glasgow and Manchester will be really important. They will help create a plan for a larger study later on. This future study would then aim to see if exercise truly makes a difference to things like how people feel day-to-day, how well they can do daily activities, how often they need to go to hospital, and even life expectancy.

Key takeaways

This study helps understand if exercise studies for mesothelioma can work.
It aims to find out what encourages or prevents people from joining.
Participants either get usual care or a 12-week exercise and wellbeing plan.
You'll complete questionnaires and basic fitness checks.
Your feedback will help design better future studies.
You can stop participating at any time.

Who may be eligible?

To be able to take part in this study, you would need to have a confirmed diagnosis of mesothelioma. This diagnosis must have been agreed upon by a team of doctors specialising in mesothelioma.

You would also need to be generally well enough to manage some physical activity. This is assessed by doctors using a 'performance status' and a 'frailty score'. Essentially, if you are very unwell or very frail, this study might not be suitable for you.

Finally, you would need to be willing to give your written consent, meaning you understand what the study involves and agree to take part. The research team or a physiotherapist would also need to feel that you are likely to be able to participate in a gentle exercise programme.

Quick self-check

I have a confirmed diagnosis of mesothelioma.
My diagnosis has been reviewed by a specialist team.
I am generally well enough to manage some gentle activity.
I am able to give informed written permission to join.
My doctors think I can safely take part in a gentle exercise plan.

This is a guide only — the research team will confirm whether you can take part.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, your first step will be to give your written permission. You'll then be randomly placed into one of two groups, like flipping a coin. One group will continue with their regular medical care as they normally would. The other group will receive a special 12-week programme tailored just for them, focusing on exercise, healthy eating, and overall wellbeing.

Everyone in the study, regardless of their group, will be asked to fill out some questionnaires about their quality of life. You'll also have a simple fitness check at the very beginning and again at the end of the 12-week period. At any point, you can choose to talk about your experiences in a short, recorded interview with the research team, but this is completely optional. The total duration of active participation for everyone involved will be around 12 weeks.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study might offer some potential benefits. For example, if you are in the exercise group, you'll receive a personalised programme that could potentially improve your fitness and wellbeing. For everyone involved, your feedback will be crucial in helping researchers design better studies in the future to improve care for people with mesothelioma. There are very few risks with careful supervision, but as with any exercise, there's a small chance of minor muscle aches or tiredness. Importantly, you are always in control and can withdraw from the study at any time without having to give a reason, and your medical care will not be affected.

Locations (2)

Queen Elizabeth University Hospital
Glasgow, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Wythenshawe Hospital
Manchester, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart.

What does 'randomly allocated' mean?

It means you'll be put into one of the study groups by chance, like drawing numbers out of a hat. Neither you nor the researchers choose which group you join.

Will I have to do vigorous exercise?

No, the exercise programme will be individualised and gentle, designed specifically for you by a specialist. It won't involve vigorous activity.

What if I can't complete the full 12 weeks?

That's perfectly fine. You can choose to leave the study at any point. Your decision won't affect your regular medical care.

Will my information be kept private?

Yes, all your information, including any interviews, will be kept confidential and anonymous to protect your privacy.

How to find out more

Selina Tsim, PhD

Selina.Tsim@glasgow.ac.uk 0141 451 6163 Official trial record

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