Resistance Exercise for Glioblastoma

(RESIST Trial)

Overseen By Jodi Langley, MSc

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Nova Scotia Health Authority

Disqualifiers: Cardiac, Pulmonary, Cognitive, Seizures, others

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 3

Duration: 12 weeks

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores how a specific circuit-based resistance exercise program can enhance daily living abilities and overall quality of life for individuals with glioblastoma, a serious brain cancer. Participants will either join a 12-week exercise program or remain on a waitlist to continue their standard care. Ideal candidates have a glioblastoma diagnosis, have received some steroid treatment (DEX), and can perform daily activities with some independence. Participants must travel to Halifax and have their doctor's approval to join. The trial aims to determine if exercise can complement standard cancer treatments. As an unphased trial, it offers a unique opportunity to contribute to understanding how exercise might benefit those with glioblastoma.

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's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.

What prior data suggests that this exercise program is safe for glioblastoma patients?

Research has shown that circuit-based resistance exercise (CRT) is generally manageable for participants. Several studies have explored how this exercise can enhance muscle function and quality of life for individuals with health issues like glioblastoma. Although specific research on CRT for glioblastoma patients is limited, resistance exercises are generally considered safe and have few side effects. Unlike medications, exercise typically doesn't cause adverse effects, but guidance is important to prevent injuries.

This trial is in the "not applicable" phase, focusing more on exploring benefits rather than safety concerns, indicating that the exercise is expected to be safe. It is essential to consult a doctor about any concerns before starting a new exercise program, especially for those with conditions like glioblastoma. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about circuit-based resistance exercise for glioblastoma because it's a non-invasive approach that may complement traditional treatments like surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. Unlike these standard treatments, which directly target tumor cells, resistance exercise aims to improve patients’ overall physical strength and quality of life, potentially enhancing their ability to tolerate conventional therapies. This exercise regimen could also offer benefits in terms of mental health and fatigue management, areas often not addressed by existing medical treatments. By exploring how physical activity can support glioblastoma care, this trial might open up new pathways for integrating lifestyle modifications into cancer treatment plans.

What evidence suggests that circuit-based resistance exercise is effective for glioblastoma patients?

This trial will compare a 12-week circuit-based resistance exercise program with a standard of care wait-list control group for individuals with glioblastoma. Studies have shown that resistance exercise can improve muscle strength and quality of life for people with glioblastoma, a serious brain cancer. Some research suggests that circuit-based resistance training might help patients maintain daily activities and enhance overall well-being. While specific studies on glioblastoma patients are still developing, researchers hope this type of exercise can address muscle weakness caused by treatments like steroids. Researchers are investigating it as a way to ease everyday tasks. Early findings are promising and suggest that exercise could support health outcomes in glioblastoma patients. ^{1 2 4 5 6}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Scott Grandy, PhD

Principal Investigator

Dahousie University and Nova Scotia Health Authority

Mary MacNeil, MD

Principal Investigator

Nova Scotia Health Authority

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for English-speaking glioblastoma patients who can travel to Halifax, have a doctor's approval, and are physically able to do daily tasks (KPS >70). They must have started steroid treatment. It's not for those with unstable heart/lung disease, exercise-limiting injuries or diseases, uncontrolled seizures affecting awareness, or major cognitive issues.

Inclusion Criteria

I have taken DEX medication.

My diagnosis is glioblastoma (GBM).

Physician approval

Exclusion Criteria

I do not have heart or lung conditions that prevent me from safely exercising.

I experience seizures that I cannot control and make me lose awareness.

I have significant difficulties with thinking or memory.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants receive a 12-week circuit-based resistance training program or maintain an active lifestyle

12 weeks

3-4 supervised sessions per week

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Circuit-based resistance exercise (CRT)

Trial Overview The study tests how well a tailored circuit-based resistance exercise program helps glioblastoma survivors with their functional fitness and overall quality of life while they're receiving active treatment for their condition.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Exercise Intervention Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

12-week circuit-based resistance exercise

Group II: Wait-list Control Active Control 1 Intervention

Standard of care wait-list control group

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Nova Scotia Health Authority

Lead Sponsor

Trials

302

Recruited

95,300+

Canadian Cancer Society (CCS)

Collaborator

Trials

84

Recruited

42,100+

Published Research Related to This Trial

A 12-week structured exercise program was well tolerated by two female brain cancer patients, with no adverse effects reported, indicating that exercise can be safely integrated into their treatment plans.

Both participants showed significant improvements in physical strength, cardiovascular fitness, and psychological well-being, including reduced anxiety and depression, suggesting that exercise may enhance quality of life for brain cancer survivors.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Exercise Improves Physical Function and Mental Health of Brain Cancer Survivors: Two Exploratory Case Studies. Levin, GT., Greenwood, KM., Singh, F., et al.[2018]

A submaximal exercise program for glioma patients, consisting of individualized sessions of bicycle ergometry and resistance training, was found to be safe and feasible, with only two minor epileptic events reported during 1828 training sessions.

Patients participating in the program achieved significant cardiorespiratory fitness, with a median survival of 24.1 months for glioblastoma patients, suggesting that exercise may positively impact their overall health and longevity.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Conceptual development of an intensive exercise program for glioma patients (ActiNO): summary of clinical experience. Jost, J., Müther, M., Brandt, R., et al.[2023]

An 18-week exercise intervention for adults with primary brain cancer was found to be safe, with no serious adverse events reported, and feasible, achieving high recruitment (80%) and retention (92%) rates.

Participants showed significant improvements in quality of life, functional well-being, and various physical fitness measures, indicating that exercise can be beneficial for individuals recovering from brain cancer treatment.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The safety, feasibility, and efficacy of an 18-week exercise intervention for adults with primary brain cancer - the BRACE study. Sandler, CX., Gildea, GC., Spence, RR., et al.[2023]

Citations

1. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/org/science/article/pii/S192907482200333X

The Impact of Resistance Exercise on Muscle Mass in ... This study will inform how individualized circuit-based resistance training may improve functional independence and overall QOL of glioblastoma patients.

2. frontiersin.org frontiersin.org/journals/oncology/articles/10.3389/fonc.2025.1638060/full

Physical activity and glioblastoma: a paradigm shift in ... A growing number of clinical trials are underway or in protocol, including studies on circuit-based resistance training aimed at preserving muscle function and ...

3. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9118089/

The Impact of Resistance Exercise on Muscle Mass in ... Conclusions. This study will inform how individualized circuit-based resistance training may improve functional independence and overall QOL of glioblastoma ...

4. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05116137

The Impact of Resistance ExerciSe on Muscle Mass in ... However, no specific research has been performed to determine whether RT can be successfully used in GBM to prevent or reduce steroid induced muscle myopathy.

5. withpower.com withpower.com/trial/phase-brain-neoplasms-2022-4fc15

Resistance Exercise for Glioblastoma · Info for Participants This trial tests a personalized exercise routine for brain cancer patients to help them build muscle and improve their ability to do daily activities.

6. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35507403/

The Impact of Resistance Exercise on Muscle Mass in ... This study will inform how individualized circuit-based resistance training may improve functional independence and overall QOL of glioblastoma patients.