Exercise for Prostate Cancer
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial tests if a home-based exercise program can improve heart health and overall well-being in Black men with prostate cancer undergoing hormone therapy. Participants will do supervised aerobic and resistance exercises several times a week. A combined aerobic and resistance exercise program over several months has shown significant benefits in heart and metabolic health in prostate cancer patients undergoing hormone therapy.
Do I need to stop my current medications for the trial?
The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications. However, you must continue your androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) during the study.
Is exercise safe for people with prostate cancer?
Exercise, including aerobic and resistance training, is generally safe for people with prostate cancer and can improve cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength, and mental health. It is also effective in reducing some treatment-related side effects, such as high blood pressure and poor physical function.12345
How does exercise therapy differ from other treatments for prostate cancer?
Exercise therapy for prostate cancer is unique because it involves physical activity, such as aerobic and resistance exercises, which can improve overall survival, reduce side effects of cancer treatments, and enhance quality of life. Unlike traditional drug treatments, it focuses on improving physical fitness and reducing the negative impacts of inactivity and hormonal treatments.34678
What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment involving aerobic and resistance exercise for prostate cancer?
Research shows that exercise, including both aerobic and resistance types, can improve physical performance, quality of life, and reduce side effects like high blood pressure and depression in prostate cancer patients undergoing hormone therapy. Additionally, exercise may help improve survival rates in advanced prostate cancer cases.23469
Who Is on the Research Team?
Christina M Dieli-Conwright, PhD
Principal Investigator
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for Black men over 18 with prostate cancer, undergoing androgen deprivation therapy, who exercise less than or equal to 60 minutes per week. They must be able to travel to DFCI for data collection, speak English/Spanish, and have medical clearance to exercise. Excluded are those not on ADT, unable to meet study requirements or with certain medical conditions.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants are randomly assigned to either a 16-week virtually supervised aerobic and resistance exercise program or usual care
Mid-study Assessment
Exercise group undergoes additional testing at week 8 to assess aerobic fitness and muscular strength
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for cardiovascular risk factors, physical fitness, and other health outcomes
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Aerobic and resistance exercise
- Usual Care
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Lead Sponsor
Pfizer
Industry Sponsor
Albert Bourla
Pfizer
Chief Executive Officer since 2019
PhD in Biotechnology of Reproduction, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
Patrizia Cavazzoni
Pfizer
Chief Medical Officer
MD from McGill University
Prostate Cancer Foundation
Collaborator