RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Fit to Fight Childhood Cancer

This study, called "Fit to Fight Childhood Cancer," is exploring how exercise can help children and teenagers who are battling cancer. Researchers are looking at the impact of physical activity on how well young patients move and function, as well as their feelings and overall well-being during and after treatment. The aim is to understand the benefits of exercise so that better support and exercise plans can be created for these young patients. It also includes developing a new questionnaire to understand how children with cancer cope and bounce back from challenges. The study is particularly interested in those who might not be getting chemotherapy or radiotherapy, or who are in the aftercare stage.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz

Enrolment target

100

Start

20 Jun 2023

Estimated completion

31 Jul 2029

Pediatric Oncology

What is this study about?

This study, called "Fit to Fight Childhood Cancer" or sometimes referred to as the Kolibri study, is all about understanding how exercise can help children and teenagers who have cancer. When young people go through cancer treatment, it can be really tough on their bodies and minds. This research wants to see if being active can improve how they feel and function, both physically and emotionally, during and after their treatment.

Researchers will follow these young patients over time to carefully watch how different exercise activities affect them. They'll be looking at things like tiredness, how good their quality of life feels, and their overall physical abilities. The plan is to learn what types of exercise are most helpful and how much is needed to get the best results. This information will be used to create better exercise plans and support for children and teenagers with cancer in the future.

An important part of this study is also to create a new way to measure how well children with cancer cope with challenges and bounce back from difficulties. They're developing a special questionnaire because there isn't a good one available right now. This will help doctors and support teams better understand and support young patients' emotional strength.

Key takeaways

The study explores how exercise helps children and teenagers with cancer.
It looks at both physical abilities and emotional well-being.
The aim is to improve future exercise plans for young cancer patients.
A new questionnaire is being developed to measure how young patients cope.
Participation involves regular check-ins and assessments during and after treatment.
You have the right to leave the study at any time without affecting your care.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for children and teenagers between the ages of 3 and 21 who have been diagnosed with cancer. You might be suitable if you are currently receiving cancer treatment, such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or surgery, at the University Medical Centre Mainz or are receiving aftercare through the Paediatric Oncology Centre Mainz.

Your medical team, including your child's cancer doctor and exercise specialists, would need to agree that it's safe and appropriate for you to take part. This depends on your physical and emotional health. If you are aged 16 or over, you'll need to agree to take part yourself. If you are under 16, your parents or guardians will need to agree for you to join.

However, this study isn't suitable if your medical team thinks it's not right for you because of health or emotional reasons. It's also not for patients who are in the very last stages of their illness. You and your family would also need to be able to understand information and communicate in German or English.

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 3 and 21 years old?
Have you been diagnosed with cancer?
Are you receiving cancer treatment or aftercare at the specific clinic in Mainz?
Does your medical team think it's safe and appropriate for you to join?
Are you able to speak and understand German or English?
Are you not in the very last stages of your illness?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, the research team will regularly check in with you during your cancer treatment and afterwards. They will look at how your physical abilities change and how you are feeling emotionally. This will involve filling out questionnaires and doing some physical assessments to see the effects of exercise over time. The study will continue for the duration of your treatment and aftercare, allowing researchers to follow your progress. You won't be given any new medications specifically for this study, as it focuses on exercise. The exact number of visits or assessments will be discussed with you by the research team.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could potentially help us understand how exercise benefits young cancer patients, which might lead to better support for them in the future. For you personally, it could mean more regular exercise guidance and attention to your well-being. However, there might be some small risks, like feeling a bit tired after exercise assessments, or the time commitment for appointments and questionnaires. Importantly, you are always free to change your mind and leave the study at any point, without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

Johannes-Gutenberg-University Medical Center
Verified postcode
Mainz, Germany· Recruiting

Common questions

What kind of exercise will I be doing?

The study aims to understand the effects of exercise in general, but specific exercise plans would be discussed with you by the study team, taking into account your health and abilities.

Will this study change my cancer treatment?

No, this study focuses on exercise and its effects. It will not change the cancer treatment recommended by your doctors.

How long will I be in the study?

You will be followed during your cancer treatment and into your aftercare period to see the long-term effects of exercise. The exact duration will depend on your individual treatment plan.

Do I have to speak German to join?

You or your legal guardians (if you're under 16) need to be able to understand and communicate in either German or English to take part in the study.

What if I feel unwell during the study?

Your medical team will assess if it's safe for you to take part, and your health will be monitored. If you feel unwell, you can always discuss it with the study team or your regular doctors. You can withdraw at any time.

How to find out more

Elias Dreismickenbecker

fortee@unimedizin-mainz.de 00496131178331 Official trial record

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