Exercise for Colorectal Cancer Side Effects
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial explores how different levels of treadmill walking can help manage side effects for people undergoing chemotherapy for colorectal cancer. Researchers aim to determine if aerobic exercise, such as walking, is practical, safe, and effective in improving the body's response to cancer treatment. Participants will be divided into groups walking for 90, 150, or 300 minutes per week. This trial is ideal for those diagnosed with colorectal cancer who currently exercise less than 90 minutes weekly and are willing to commit to a structured walking routine during treatment. As a Phase 2 trial, the research focuses on measuring the treatment's effectiveness in an initial, smaller group, offering participants a chance to contribute to valuable insights.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It is best to discuss this with the study team or your doctor.
Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?
Research shows that walking on a treadmill, a type of aerobic exercise, is generally safe for people undergoing chemotherapy for colorectal cancer. Studies have found that this exercise does not increase the risk of side effects during treatment. In fact, extensive research supports the idea that exercise benefits people with colorectal cancer, even helping to lower the risk of the cancer returning or worsening.
This study tests different weekly walking durations—90, 150, and 300 minutes—to determine which amount is both safe and effective. Past research suggests that exercise not only is safe but also helps manage cancer treatment side effects. Participants in this study will have their exercise carefully monitored to ensure safety.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about this trial because it explores how structured treadmill walking can help manage side effects of colorectal cancer treatment. Unlike standard treatments, which often focus on medication and surgery, this approach uses individualized aerobic exercise tailored to each patient’s needs. Exercise therapy during chemotherapy could offer a non-invasive way to improve patient well-being, potentially reducing fatigue and enhancing recovery. By testing different exercise durations, the trial aims to identify the optimal "dose" of activity for maximum benefit, monitored through innovative technology like TeleEx.
What evidence suggests that this trial's exercise treatments could be effective for reducing colorectal cancer side effects?
Research shows that exercise, such as walking on a treadmill, can help manage side effects for people with colorectal cancer. This trial will evaluate different durations of structured treadmill walking, with participants assigned to one of three groups: 90 minutes per week, 150 minutes per week, or 300 minutes per week. One study found that participants in an exercise program had a 28% lower chance of cancer recurrence and a 37% lower risk of dying. Exercise is safe and can be done during and after cancer treatment. Those who exercise often feel better physically and cope with their treatments more effectively. Overall, exercise appears to be a promising way to improve quality of life and health outcomes for those with colorectal cancer.12567
Who Is on the Research Team?
Jessica Scott, PhD
Principal Investigator
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for adults over 18 with locally advanced rectal cancer who do less than 90 minutes of moderate to strenuous exercise weekly. They must be scheduled for TNT (total neoadjuvant therapy) and cleared for exercise. People can't join if they're in another study, have distant metastatic cancer, are treated for another invasive cancer, or have mental impairments.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive aerobic training (AT) during neoadjuvant chemotherapy, with individualized walking sessions up to 7 times per week.
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment, including assessment of side effects and treatment adherence.
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Structured Treadmill Walking
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Lead Sponsor