CompletedInterventional

Exercise training for men with prostate cancer on hormone therapy

Hormone therapy is a very common and effective treatment for prostate cancer, but it can cause challenging side effects like severe tiredness, hot flushes, muscle loss, and mood changes. Research shows that exercise can help men feel much better, but sticking to a routine can be tough without support. The STAMINA trial is exploring whether a dedicated 12-month exercise programme makes a meaningful difference to men's daily quality of life. Men taking part are placed by chance into one of two groups: one receives standard NHS care with usual exercise advice, while the other receives free, supervised exercise sessions led by fitness specialists at Nuffield Health. All participants fill in regular questionnaires over two years. The goal is to see if offering guided exercise alongside routine cancer care should become standard practice across the NHS.

At a glance

Status

Completed

Sponsor

Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Enrolment target

697

Start

01 Dec 2021

Estimated completion

12 Jun 2023

Prostate cancer

What is this study about?

Prostate cancer often relies on the male hormone testosterone to grow. Hormone therapy (also called androgen deprivation therapy, or ADT) works by lowering testosterone levels to slow down or stop the cancer. While this treatment works well against the disease, the drop in hormones often causes difficult side effects. Men frequently experience deep fatigue, hot flushes, weight gain, muscle weakness, and low mood. Over time, it can also raise the risk of heart problems and diabetes.

National guidelines recommend regular physical activity to help tackle these symptoms. Guided exercise has been shown to boost energy, protect muscle, and lift quality of life. However, many men find it hard to know where to begin or how to exercise safely while having cancer treatment. Most men say they would prefer structured, professional support built directly into their standard care.

The STAMINA study brings together NHS hospital teams and exercise specialists from Nuffield Health. The researchers want to test whether providing a year of expert-led, personalised exercise sessions helps men live better with their treatment compared to usual care. Half of the men in the trial join this supervised programme, while the other half follow standard NHS care that encourages staying active.

By comparing both groups over two years, the research team aims to see if supported exercise clearly improves wellbeing and day-to-day living. If the results are positive, this approach could help shape future NHS cancer services across the UK.

Key takeaways

The STAMINA trial tests whether guided exercise helps men cope with the side effects of hormone therapy for prostate cancer.
Participants are randomly assigned to either 12 months of supervised exercise sessions or standard NHS care with activity advice.
The exercise sessions are free and led by qualified trainers at Nuffield Health who tailor workouts to your ability.
All participants complete questionnaires over two years to track their energy and wellbeing.
Your routine cancer treatment continues as normal throughout the study.

Who may be eligible?

You may be able to join the STAMINA study if you are a man diagnosed with prostate cancer and are currently having hormone therapy, or are due to start it within the next 12 weeks. Your hospital must be taking part in the trial, and your medical team must agree that it is safe for you to participate.

You will not be able to take part if you have certain health conditions that make exercising unsafe. These include uncontrolled high blood pressure, uncontrolled diabetes, or a heart attack within the past six months. Men with cancer that has spread to the bones and is unstable, or those already enrolled in another lifestyle or fitness trial for prostate cancer, will also not be able to join.

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.

I am a man diagnosed with prostate cancer.
I am currently receiving hormone therapy (ADT) or will start it within the next 12 weeks.
My hospital is taking part in the STAMINA study.
I have not had a heart attack in the last 6 months.
My blood pressure and blood sugar (diabetes) are well controlled.
I am not currently taking part in another fitness or lifestyle study for prostate cancer.

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to join the study, you will be put into one of two groups purely by chance (like flipping a coin). Neither you nor your doctor can pick which group you are in. Your standard cancer medicines will stay the same regardless of your group.

If you are placed in the exercise group, you will attend supervised workout sessions over a 12-month period. These sessions are led by qualified fitness professionals at Nuffield Health and are tailored to your current fitness level and health needs. If you are placed in the usual care group, you will continue your normal NHS care, which includes standard guidance on keeping active.

All participants, no matter which group they are in, are asked to complete short questionnaire booklets at five different points over two years. These questions ask about your energy levels, symptoms, and overall wellbeing so researchers can compare how both groups are doing.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part may help improve your energy levels, physical strength, and general wellbeing, though these benefits cannot be guaranteed. Guided exercise is generally very safe, but there is always a small chance of minor muscle soreness or stiffness after workouts. The exercise specialists will carefully match activities to your ability to keep you safe. Joining the study will not interfere with your regular cancer treatment. Taking part is completely voluntary, and you can change your mind and leave the trial at any time without your NHS care being affected.

Locations (1)

Northern General Hospital
Approximate
Sheffield, England

Common questions

Do I have to pay to use the gym or see the trainer?

No. If you are placed in the exercise group, the supervised sessions with Nuffield Health fitness professionals are provided free of charge as part of the study.

Can I choose to be in the exercise group?

No. A computer puts you into a group by chance. This makes sure the study results are fair and reliable.

Do I need to be fit to join?

Not at all. The programme is designed for men of all fitness levels, including beginners. The trainers adjust every exercise to match what you can comfortably do.

Will taking part change my prostate cancer treatment?

No. You will continue to receive your prescribed hormone therapy and standard medical care exactly as planned by your cancer team.

What happens if I start the trial and decide I want to stop?

You are free to leave the study at any point. You do not need to give a reason, and it will not affect your relationship with your doctors or your future care.

How to find out more

Emma McNaught

STAMINA@leeds.ac.uk +44 (0)113 343 1978 Official trial record

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