Aerobic Exercise for Cancer

Not currently recruiting at 11 trial locations

Overseen By Jessica Scott, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

Must not be taking: Antitumor therapy

Disqualifiers: Unstable angina, Uncontrolled heart failure, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Approved in 1 Jurisdiction This treatment is already approved in other countries

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

Duration: 24 weeks

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial examines how aerobic exercise, such as heart-pumping walking, might alter certain blood markers of disease. It focuses on individuals with various cancer conditions, including those who have completed treatment for breast or colorectal cancer, men monitoring prostate cancer, and individuals with Lynch Syndrome, a genetic condition that increases cancer risk. Participants will engage in a structured exercise program of up to 300 minutes per week, either at a clinical site or at home with telemedicine support. This study suits those currently exercising less than 150 minutes a week and willing to follow the exercise program. As an unphased trial, it offers a unique opportunity to contribute to understanding how exercise affects cancer-related health, potentially benefiting future patients.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications. However, you cannot be on any form of antitumor therapy, except for certain allowed therapies like endocrine therapy and anti-HER2 antibodies.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications. However, you cannot be on any antitumor therapy, except for certain allowed treatments like endocrine therapy and anti-HER2 antibodies.

What prior data suggests that aerobic exercise is safe for cancer patients?

Research has shown that exercise is generally safe and beneficial for people with cancer. Studies indicate that regular physical activity can reduce treatment side effects, decrease fatigue, and improve overall quality of life. Exercise has also been linked to better survival rates for various cancers, including breast, colorectal, and prostate cancers.

One study found that people who engaged in structured exercise after chemotherapy for colon cancer had a higher chance of staying cancer-free compared to those who did not exercise. This suggests that exercise not only helps manage cancer but might also improve long-term outcomes. Another study noted that participants in exercise programs had a higher overall survival rate than those who only received educational materials.

Overall, exercise is usually well-tolerated and does not typically cause negative effects when done properly. Given its positive impact on health and cancer outcomes, exercise is often encouraged as part of cancer care. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about using aerobic exercise as a treatment for cancer because it offers a unique, non-invasive approach that can be integrated into daily life. Unlike traditional cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation, exercise leverages the body's natural capabilities to improve health through individualized walking programs tailored to each patient’s needs. This method not only enhances physical health but also empowers patients by allowing them to participate actively in their own care, often from the comfort of their homes with telemedicine support. By exploring these benefits, researchers hope to uncover how structured exercise impacts cancer outcomes and overall quality of life.

What evidence suggests that aerobic exercise could be effective for cancer?

Research shows that aerobic exercise benefits cancer patients in many ways. This trial will explore the effects of structured exercise therapy across various groups, including individuals enrolled in Early Drug Development trials, patients with clonal hematopoiesis, post-treatment patients with breast or colorectal cancer, men with localized prostate cancer undergoing active surveillance, and individuals with Lynch Syndrome. Studies have found that exercise can enhance the body's response to cancer treatments like chemotherapy and immunotherapy, particularly for breast cancer patients. It also helps reduce treatment side effects and fatigue. Additionally, regular exercise can lower the risk of cancer recurrence and may improve survival rates. Evidence suggests that exercise might be more effective than some medications in preventing cancer from returning. Overall, exercise is a powerful tool for managing and improving outcomes for cancer patients. ^{1 5 6 7 8}

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 who have had or are having androgen deprivation therapy, breast cancer with stable disease or no evidence of disease, high risk of cardiovascular disease, stage III colorectal or breast cancer post-therapy, localized prostate cancer under active surveillance, Lynch syndrome without intense exercise habits. Exclusions include severe heart/lung conditions, mental impairment affecting cooperation, other conflicting trials.

Inclusion Criteria

My breast cancer has not worsened for 6 months and I'm not on chemotherapy.

Performing less than 150 minutes of structured moderate-intensity or strenuous-intensity exercise per week, as evaluated by self-report

I am at high risk for heart disease.

Exclusion Criteria

You have a current health condition that could affect your ability to exercise.

I have a heart rhythm problem that affects my daily activities or blood pressure.

I have fluid in my lungs.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants receive structured exercise therapy for 24 weeks, consisting of individualized walking delivered up to 5 times weekly, monitored via telemedicine.

24 weeks

Home-based exercise monitored via telemedicine

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in biomarkers and residual tumor burden after treatment

2 years

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Exercise

Trial Overview The study investigates if aerobic exercise like walking can alter blood biomarkers in patients with various cancers. Participants will engage in structured exercises and provide blood samples to track changes.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: post treatment patients with breast or colorectal cancer Experimental Treatment 3 Interventions

Exercise treatment will consist of individualized walking delivered up to 5 times weekly. Patients in all cohorts will receive one dose of exercise (i.e., \~300 mins/wk following a non-linear dosing schedule) in both cohorts. Patients will have the option to receive exercise treatment at MSK or at their residence. Home-based exercise will be implemented and monitored using a telemedicine approach (i.e.,TeleEx) established in the Exercise-Oncology (ExOnc) Service

Group II: patients with clonal hematopoiesis Experimental Treatment 2 Interventions

Exercise treatment will consist of individualized walking delivered up to 5 times weekly. Patients in all cohorts will receive one dose of exercise (i.e., \~300 mins/wk following a non-linear dosing schedule) in both cohorts. Patients will have the option to receive exercise treatment at MSK or at their residence. Home-based exercise will be implemented and monitored using a telemedicine approach (i.e.,TeleEx) established in the Exercise-Oncology (ExOnc) Service

Group III: men with localized prostate cancer undergoing active surveillance Experimental Treatment 3 Interventions

Exercise treatment will consist of individualized walking delivered up to 5 times weekly. Patients in all cohorts will receive one dose of exercise (i.e., \~300 mins/wk following a non-linear dosing schedule) in both cohorts. Patients will have the option to receive exercise treatment at MSK or at their residence. Home-based exercise will be implemented and monitored using a telemedicine approach (i.e.,TeleEx) established in the Exercise-Oncology (ExOnc) Service

Group IV: Individuals with Lynch Syndrome Experimental Treatment 3 Interventions

Exercise treatment will consist of individualized walking delivered up to 5 times weekly. Patients in all cohorts will receive one dose of exercise (i.e., \~300 mins/wk following a non-linear dosing schedule) in both cohorts. Patients will have the option to receive exercise treatment at MSK or at their residence. Home-based exercise will be implemented and monitored using a telemedicine approach (i.e.,TeleEx) established in the Exercise-Oncology (ExOnc) Service

Group V: Individuals enrolled on Early Drug Development (EDD) trials Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants will receive structured exercise therapy for 24 weeks. Participants will be followed by standard of care clinical follow-up

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,998

Recruited

602,000+

Weill Medical College of Cornell University

Collaborator

Trials

1,103

Recruited

1,157,000+

University of California, Los Angeles

Collaborator

Trials

1,594

Recruited

10,430,000+

Published Research Related to This Trial

Aerobic training was found to be safe for women with metastatic breast cancer, with only 3% of participants lost to follow-up, but the overall attendance rate was lower than the predefined feasibility target, indicating challenges in implementation.

Despite feasibility issues, 42% of patients who completed the aerobic training showed improvements in their peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak) and functional capacity, suggesting potential benefits for select individuals that warrant further investigation.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Feasibility, safety, and efficacy of aerobic training in pretreated patients with metastatic breast cancer: A randomized controlled trial. Scott, JM., Iyengar, NM., Nilsen, TS., et al.[2023]

A 6-week aerobic exercise program significantly improved physical performance in five cancer patients, increasing their maximum walking speed and distance, while also reducing fatigue levels.

The exercise regimen, which involved daily treadmill walking at a specific intensity, allowed all participants to resume normal daily activities without substantial limitations, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic intervention for cancer-related fatigue.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Aerobic exercise as therapy for cancer fatigue. Dimeo, F., Rumberger, BG., Keul, J.[2022]

The ADVANCE study aims to evaluate how adverse events (AEs) are reported in exercise oncology trials, which is crucial for assessing the safety of exercise interventions for cancer patients.

By reviewing published trials and using a standardized checklist for reporting AEs, the study seeks to identify gaps in current practices and inform future research on improving the consistency and transparency of AE reporting in this field.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Adverse Events Reporting of Clinical Trials in Exercise Oncology Research (ADVANCE): Protocol for a Scoping Review. Luo, H., Schumacher, O., Galvão, DA., et al.[2022]

Aerobic exercise is an effective additive treatment for cancer patients, helping to alleviate physical limitations and improve quality of life during and after oncological treatment.

Research indicates that aerobic exercise is feasible even for patients with advanced cancer, enabling them to recover physical function and return to a more active lifestyle.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[Aerobic endurance training for cancer patients]. Crevenna, R., Zielinski, C., Keilani, MY., et al.[2019]

A review by Cochrane researchers indicates that aerobic exercise is effective in reducing fatigue commonly experienced by cancer patients and those undergoing treatment.

This finding suggests that incorporating aerobic exercise into cancer care may improve the quality of life for patients dealing with fatigue.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Exercise can help to alleviate the fatigue associated with cancer. [2019]

A systematic review of 33 trials involving 3257 patients found that aerobic exercise during chemotherapy is safe and can improve or maintain fitness levels, with moderate intensity exercise (50-80% maximum heart rate) being particularly effective.

Exercise was associated with improved quality of life and physical functioning, as well as a quicker return to work, although it did not significantly affect chemotherapy completion rates or survival outcomes.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A systematic review of the safety and efficacy of aerobic exercise during cytotoxic chemotherapy treatment. Cave, J., Paschalis, A., Huang, CY., et al.[2021]

Exercise therapy significantly improves cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) in patients with adult-onset cancer, with an average increase of 2.80 mL O2 × kg-1 × min-1 compared to no change in control groups, based on a review of 48 randomized controlled trials involving 3,632 patients.

The study found that exercise therapy is safe, with only 44 adverse events reported across 30 trials, and high adherence rates (88%) suggest that patients are likely to stick with the program.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Efficacy of Exercise Therapy on Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Patients With Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Scott, JM., Zabor, EC., Schwitzer, E., et al.[2022]

A twelve-week martial arts program combining aerobic and strength exercises significantly improved upper limb function and aerobic performance in 53 women who had undergone breast cancer surgery.

Participants in the study group showed notable increases in muscle strength, aerobic capacity, and muscle mass percentage, along with a decrease in fat mass, indicating the program's efficacy in enhancing physical condition post-surgery.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Synchronized Pedaling with Martial Arts Improves Quality of Life of Women with Breast Cancer. Navarro-Sanz, A., Espejo-Reina, A., Cerezo-Guzman, MV., et al.[2018]

Aerobic exercise significantly improves shoulder joint range of motion (ROM) in breast cancer survivors, as shown by a meta-analysis of nine randomized controlled trials involving 421 patients.

However, the study found no significant improvement in upper limb muscle strength, indicating that while aerobic exercise benefits flexibility, it may not enhance strength in this population.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effectiveness of aerobic exercise on upper limb function following breast cancer treatment: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Yang, Y., Gu, D., Qian, Y., et al.[2021]

Regular physical exercise is associated with a reduced risk of developing colorectal and breast cancer, and may also lower the risk for prostate, endometrial, and lung cancers, based on a review of recent literature.

Exercise is beneficial for cancer survivors, aiding in recovery from treatment and potentially extending survival, although specific guidelines on the optimal amount, type, and intensity of exercise are still being developed.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Exercise in cancer. Rajarajeswaran, P., Vishnupriya, R.[2021]

In a study involving 577 participants undergoing cancer treatment, exercise was found to be safe, with 20% of adverse events (AEs) reported by coaches and 28% by participants, mostly being minor musculoskeletal issues.

High-intensity exercise was associated with a higher likelihood of AEs compared to low-to-moderate exercise, but both forms of exercise are recommended for patients if there are no medical contraindications, as serious complications like lymphedema and PICC issues were low and not significantly different across exercise intensities.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Is it safe to exercise during oncological treatment? A study of adverse events during endurance and resistance training - data from the Phys-Can study. Henriksson, A., Johansson, B., Radu, C., et al.[2021]

In a study of 20 breast cancer patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy, those who participated in moderate-to-high intensity aerobic training showed a significant improvement in cardiopulmonary function, with a 13.3% increase in VO2peak compared to a decrease in the control group.

The aerobic training was found to be safe, with only one adverse event reported during the training sessions, and no significant differences in treatment-related side effects between the groups, indicating that it can be a beneficial adjunct therapy during chemotherapy.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Safety and efficacy of aerobic training in operable breast cancer patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy: a phase II randomized trial. Hornsby, WE., Douglas, PS., West, MJ., et al.[2022]

Exercise training is a safe and well-tolerated adjunct therapy for cancer patients, showing potential to reduce treatment-related side effects during and after adjuvant therapy.

Current evidence suggests that incorporating exercise into the care plan for cancer survivors may enhance their overall management, although further research is needed to fully understand its benefits across different stages of cancer survivorship.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Exercise therapy in the management of solid tumors. Jones, LW., Peppercom, J., Scott, JM., et al.[2021]

Citations

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Physical Activity and Cancer Care—A Review - PMC The findings from these studies show that physical activity decreases the severity of side effects of cancer treatment, reduces fatigue, improves quality of ...

2. asco.org asco.org/about-asco/press-center/news-releases/movement-medicine-structured-exercise-program-challenge

Structured Exercise Program May Lower Risk of Cancer ... At five years, the disease-free survival rate was 80% in the structured exercise program and 74% in the health education materials group.

3. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S209525462500047X

Exercise and cancer outcomes: What do we know and ... Consistent evidence exercise improves response to chemotherapy and immunotherapy in breast cancer. • Phase 1 data evaluating dose range and biological activity ...

4. biosignaling.biomedcentral.com biosignaling.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12964-024-01634-6

Outcomes of physical exercises on initiation, progression, and ... Evidence has suggested that participation in physical activity is correlated with a decrease in reappearance and fatality rates of breast cancer patients.

5. theguardian.com theguardian.com/society/2025/jun/01/exercise-better-than-drugs-after-cancer-treatment-international-trial-finds

Exercise 'better than drugs' to stop cancer returning after ... Exercise can reduce the risk of cancer patients dying by a third, stop tumours coming back and is even more effective than drugs, according to the results of a ...

6. nejm.org nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2502760

Structured Exercise after Adjuvant Chemotherapy for Colon ... The 5-year disease-free survival was 80.3% in the exercise group and 73.9% in the health-education group (difference, 6.4 percentage points; 95% ...

7. ysph.yale.edu ysph.yale.edu/news-article/how-exercise-increases-cancer-survival/

How Exercise Increases Cancer Survival The overall survival was 90.3% in the exercise group versus 83.2% in the group that received educational materials alone. Dr. Melinda Irwin, PhD ...

8. pressroom.cancer.org pressroom.cancer.org/ASCO2024Elahy

New Study Finds Regular Exercise Program Impacts ... The results showed under no intervention, the estimated 14-year risk for any cancer was 25.6% (95% CI: 25.2%, 26.1%), and for obesity-related ...