Distance-Based Exercise to Preserve Function and Prevent Disability

Launched by ALLIANCE FOR CLINICAL TRIALS IN ONCOLOGY · Jul 1, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is looking at whether an exercise program can be safely and effectively delivered to people with cancer through virtual video calls, allowing them to exercise at home while they receive treatment. Cancer treatments often cause side effects like tiredness and weakness, which can make daily activities harder. Exercise might help reduce these side effects, but starting a workout routine during cancer treatment can be challenging. In this study, trained staff will guide participants through resistance exercises during live video sessions and also give advice on aerobic exercises to do on their own.

People who might be eligible for this study are adults aged 18 to 64 who have been diagnosed with certain types of cancer and are starting outpatient chemotherapy that aims to cure their cancer. Participants should not have cancer that has spread to other parts of the body, severe heart or lung problems, or other health issues that would make exercising unsafe. They also should not be pregnant or breastfeeding. Participants will be expected to join video exercise sessions from home and follow the program while continuing their cancer treatment. This study aims to find an easy and helpful way for people undergoing cancer treatment to stay active and maintain their strength.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • REGISTRATION ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA (STEP 1): Participants must have histologically confirmed cancer
• • REGISTRATION ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA (STEP 1): Participants must be initiating outpatient cytotoxic chemotherapy for curative intent (for any malignancy) of at least 10 weeks duration (with or without concurrent radiation, immunotherapy, or other targeted therapy). Patients must be enrolled and baseline measures collected on or before administration of their second cycle of cytotoxic therapy. Patients receiving outpatient cytotoxic chemotherapy for curative intent in the neoadjuvant or adjuvant setting for solid tumors are eligible. Patients receiving outpatient cytotoxic chemotherapy given for curative intent for hematologic malignancies, as well as patients receiving definitive chemoradiation for solid tumors, are also eligible. Regimens of immunotherapy or monoclonal antibodies ONLY are not eligible
• • REGISTRATION ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA (STEP 1): Age 18-64 years
• • REGISTRATION ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA (STEP 1): Patients cannot have metastatic cancer
• • REGISTRATION ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA (STEP 1): Patients cannot have documentation in the medical record of severe cardiovascular, respiratory or musculoskeletal disease or joint problems that preclude moderate physical activity. Examples would include unstable angina, recent myocardial infarction, oxygen-dependent pulmonary disease, and osteoarthritis requiring imminent joint replacement. Moderate arthritis that does not preclude physical activity is not a reason for ineligibility
• • REGISTRATION ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA (STEP 1): Patients cannot be pregnant, because this study involves remotely delivered exercise, and cannot be breast-feeding as patients must be receiving cytotoxic chemotherapy, during which breast-feeding is contraindicated
• • REGISTRATION ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA (STEP 1): Patients cannot have documentation in the medical record of current alcohol or substance abuse
• • REGISTRATION ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA (STEP 1): Engaged in full time gainful employment of at least 30 hours per week at the time of cancer diagnosis
• • REGISTRATION ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA (STEP 1): Currently no self-report of engagement in competitive sports (e.g. not training for running races, triathlons, etc) AND no self-report of twice weekly progressive resistance exercise training within the past year
• • REGISTRATION ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA (STEP 1): Self-reported ability to walk for 6 minutes (use of assistive devices will be allowed)
• • REGISTRATION ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA (STEP 1): Not participating in another weight loss, physical activity, or dietary intervention clinical trial
• • REGISTRATION ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA (STEP 1): Predicted 6MWT distance of 450 meters or less
• • REGISTRATION ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA (STEP 1): Concurrent enrollment in treatment or supportive care trials (other than those focused on weight loss or exercise) is allowed with the permission of the Alliance Executive Officer and both studies' study chairs
• • REGISTRATION ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA (STEP 1): Eligibility is restricted to individuals who can comprehend and read English given that participation in the study will require the ability to read intervention materials and work with a coach through telehealth sessions
• • REGISTRATION ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA (STEP 1): The trial is unable to accommodate the needs of deaf or blind participants as the study relies on language and visualization of exercise through telehealth sessions
• * CLINICAL STAKEHOLDER ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: Clinicians and research staff from enrolling sites who meet following criterion will be deemed eligible to participate as a clinical stakeholder:
• • \* Providing clinical care for participating patients on this study
• • CLINICAL STAKEHOLDER ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: Ability to speak and understand English
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • -