Exercise Intervention for Young Cancer Survivors
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial aims to determine if adding exercise to usual post-cancer care can help young cancer survivors manage pain and improve overall well-being. Participants will either continue with standard post-cancer treatment or join a physical activity program to assess whether exercise reduces their need for pain medication and enhances quality of life. The trial targets cancer survivors aged 18 to 39 who completed treatment within the last year and experience chronic pain. As an unphased trial, it offers a unique opportunity for participants to contribute to understanding the benefits of exercise in enhancing recovery and quality of life.
Do I need to stop my current medications to join the trial?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It seems the focus is on integrating exercise into your care, so you may not need to stop your medications, but it's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators.
What prior data suggests that this exercise intervention is safe for young cancer survivors?
Research shows that exercise is safe and beneficial for young cancer survivors. Studies indicate that most individuals can engage in physical activity during and after cancer treatments without serious issues.
For teens and young adults who have had cancer, exercise can enhance health and well-being. It helps manage pain and improves physical and emotional well-being. Reports have not indicated major harm from exercise in this group.
In summary, evidence suggests that physical activity is a safe way for young cancer survivors to improve well-being and manage pain.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about the exercise intervention for young cancer survivors because it focuses on enhancing recovery and long-term health through physical activity, a method not typically emphasized in standard post-cancer care. Traditional treatments for cancer survivors often involve medical follow-ups and medications, but this intervention adds a proactive lifestyle component. This approach aims to improve physical fitness, mental well-being, and overall quality of life by encouraging regular physical activity, which can be empowering for young survivors. By integrating this with standard care, the intervention hopes to offer a more holistic recovery strategy, potentially reducing long-term health risks and improving survivors' everyday experiences.
What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for young cancer survivors?
Research shows that exercise programs offer many benefits for young cancer survivors. Studies have found that these programs can increase weekly step counts, lower body weight and BMI, and reduce pain. Participants often feel better about their physical activity levels and experience higher self-esteem, enhancing their quality of life during and after treatment. Despite these benefits, many young adult cancer survivors still do not get enough exercise, indicating that exercise programs could significantly impact their well-being. In this trial, one group will receive a physical activity intervention alongside standard post-cancer treatment care, while another group will receive only the standard care. Overall, incorporating physical activity into post-cancer care can help manage pain and improve bodily function.14678
Who Is on the Research Team?
Smita Dandekar, MD
Principal Investigator
Penn State College of Medicine
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) cancer survivors, aged 17-39, who are less than a year post-cancer therapy. They must speak English, be stable post-treatment, able to consent and attend three visits at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. Participants with chronic pain and access to wifi-enabled devices can join; those over a year post-therapy or with contraindications to exercise cannot.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Baseline Assessment
Initial assessments including psychosocial questionnaires, physical activity level, and functional outcomes
Treatment
Participants receive physical activity intervention coupled with standard post-cancer directed treatment care
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for changes in pain levels, physical activity, and functional outcomes
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Physical activity intervention
- Standard post-cancer directed treatment care
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Milton S. Hershey Medical Center
Lead Sponsor