Exercise Regimen for Lung Cancer

(PILOT PERCC Trial)

Not yet recruiting at 1 trial location

Overseen By Cornelia Ulrich, MS, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Utah

Disqualifiers: Morbid obesity, Anorexia, Alcohol abuse, others

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores whether the Precision Exercise Regimen for Cancer Care (PERCC) can be successfully used by individuals with stage II-III lung cancer. The researchers aim to determine if patients undergoing multiple treatments, such as chemotherapy or immunotherapy followed by surgery, can adhere to this exercise plan through telehealth. It suits those diagnosed with stage II-III non-small cell lung cancer who can communicate in English or Spanish and are scheduled to receive more than one type of treatment. As an unphased study, this trial offers a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative cancer care strategies that could enhance treatment experiences for future patients.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

What prior data suggests that this exercise regimen is safe for lung cancer patients?

Studies have shown that personalized exercise programs are safe for people with lung cancer. Research indicates that exercise can improve fitness, strength, and quality of life for these patients. One study found that customized exercise plans during chemotherapy are safe and can help reduce tiredness and improve physical abilities. Thus, participating in a precision exercise program like PERCC is generally well-tolerated and considered safe based on past research. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the Precision Exercise Regimen for Cancer Care (PERCC) because it introduces a unique approach to lung cancer treatment by incorporating a specialized exercise regimen. Unlike traditional treatments that focus solely on medication or surgery, PERCC aims to enhance the overall treatment effectiveness by improving patients' physical strength and resilience both before and after surgery. This regimen could potentially reduce recovery times and improve quality of life, offering a complementary strategy to existing medical therapies without adding more drugs or invasive procedures.

What evidence suggests that this exercise regimen is effective for lung cancer?

Studies have shown that exercise programs can greatly help people with lung cancer. Research indicates that personalized exercise plans improve mobility and reduce fatigue for those undergoing lung cancer surgery. Additionally, exercise boosts fitness, strength, and overall quality of life. In this trial, participants will engage in the Precision Exercise Regimen for Cancer Care (PERCC), a custom exercise plan designed to support lung cancer patients, especially during treatment. ^{1 3 4 6 7}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Cornelia Ulrich, MS, PhD

Principal Investigator

Huntsman Cancer Institute/ University of Utah

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for adults over 18 diagnosed with stage II or III non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), who are about to receive or currently receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy or immunotherapy and surgery. Participants must be able to follow instructions in English/Spanish, complete questionnaires, and commit to the PERCC exercise program.

Inclusion Criteria

Patient agrees to complete the PERCC intervention

I am getting chemotherapy or immunotherapy before surgery.

I was 18 or older when I was diagnosed.

Exclusion Criteria

Alcohol or drug abuse, significant mental or emotional problems that would interfere with compliance (assessed by NCCN Distress Thermometer)

My BMI is either above 40 or below 17.5.

I have no physical issues preventing me from joining an exercise program.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Pre-treatment Exercise

Participants engage in a virtually supervised home-based exercise program starting at least two weeks before receiving their first neoadjuvant treatment

2 weeks

Virtual supervision

Treatment and Exercise

Participants continue the exercise regimen during multimodal therapy until two months post-surgery

Approximately 4 months

Virtual supervision

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

2 months

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Precision Exercise Regimen for Cancer Care (PERCC)

Trial Overview The study tests if a tailored exercise regimen delivered via telehealth is practical for stage II-III NSCLC patients undergoing multimodal therapy. The Precision Exercise Regimen for Cancer Care (PERCC) aims to see how well patients can stick to this fitness routine.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Precision Exercise Regimen for Cancer Care (PERCC) Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants will engage in PERCC starting at least two weeks prior to receiving their first neoadjuvant treatment for lung cancer and continuing until two months after receiving surgical treatment.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Utah

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,169

Recruited

1,623,000+

Published Research Related to This Trial

Exercise training is a safe and feasible adjunct therapy for patients with operable lung cancer, both before and after surgery, helping to improve their ability to tolerate exercise and potentially enhancing their quality of life.

For patients with inoperable lung cancer, while more research is needed, preliminary evidence indicates that carefully prescribed exercise training could also be beneficial and should be considered in their overall treatment plan.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Exercise therapy across the lung cancer continuum. Jones, LW., Eves, ND., Waner, E., et al.[2021]

The LUNGEVITY trial will evaluate the effects of different exercise training types on cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2peak) and patient-reported outcomes in 160 post-operative non-small cell lung cancer patients over 16 weeks.

The study aims to determine the most effective exercise regimen (aerobic, resistance, or a combination) for improving fitness and quality of life, which could lead to new rehabilitation guidelines for lung cancer survivors.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The lung cancer exercise training study: a randomized trial of aerobic training, resistance training, or both in postsurgical lung cancer patients: rationale and design. Jones, LW., Eves, ND., Kraus, WE., et al.[2021]

Exercise interventions for lung cancer patients significantly reduce post-operative complications and improve exercise capacity, based on a systematic review of 30 studies involving a total of 6440 participants.

While exercise showed benefits in pre- and post-operative settings, health-related quality of life improvements were mostly non-significant, indicating a need for further high-quality research, especially in non-surgical populations.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Exercise across the Lung Cancer Care Continuum: An Overview of Systematic Reviews. Edbrooke, L., Bowman, A., Granger, CL., et al.[2023]

The study assessed the feasibility of an 8-week hospital-based exercise program for 25 patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer, finding that while 80% started the program, only 44% completed all sessions.

Patients who completed the exercise program reported significant improvements in lung cancer symptoms without any decline in their functional capacity, suggesting that structured exercise can be beneficial for those who can adhere to it.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A structured exercise program for patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer. Temel, JS., Greer, JA., Goldberg, S., et al.[2021]

Citations

1. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06945484

PILOT for The Precision Exercise Regimen for Cancer ... This study is designed to evaluate whether a precision exercise regimen is feasible to implement within cancer populations, specifically stage II-III primary ...

2. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6303592/

Precision-Exercise-Prescription in patients with lung ... Exercise intervention studies in patients with lung cancer have consistently shown benefits with respect to physical and emotional functioning.

3. jamanetwork.com jamanetwork.com/journals/jamasurgery/article-abstract/2831459

Precision Exercise Effect on Fatigue and Function in Lung ... Results suggest that a personalized exercise program can enhance physical function and reduce fatigue in patients with lung cancer undergoing surgery.

4. withpower.com withpower.com/trial/phase-carcinoma-non-small-cell-lung-4-2025-93399

Exercise Regimen for Lung Cancer (PILOT PERCC Trial) This study is designed to evaluate whether a precision exercise regimen is feasible to implement within cancer populations, specifically stage II-III primary ...

5. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1440244024002639

Exercise in cancer care for people with lung cancer Results. Improvements in fitness, strength and quality of life have been demonstrated in people with lung cancer following participation in exercise programmes ...

6. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40072448/

Precision Exercise Effect on Fatigue and Function in Lung ... Main outcomes and measures: Physical function (6-minute walk test [6MWT]), the Short Physical Performance Battery, and cancer-related fatigue ( ...

7. onlinelibrary.wiley.com onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1759-7714.15272

Safety and efficacy evaluation of personalized exercise ... Rehabilitation exercises using individualized exercise prescriptions tailored by exercise prescription specialists during chemotherapy are safe for lung cancer ...