HIIT Exercise for Endometrial Cancer

Overseen By Abbie Smith-Ryan, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Female

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center

Disqualifiers: Insulin-dependent diabetes, Severe dementia, 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 high-intensity interval training (HIIT) can help fight endometrial cancer. The researchers aim to determine if performing these exercises before surgery affects cancer-related tissue and blood markers. Ideal participants are women diagnosed with endometrial cancer who plan to have surgery and are not currently engaging in HIIT or meeting regular exercise guidelines.

As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research that could enhance pre-surgical care for endometrial cancer patients.

Do I have to stop taking my current medications for 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 HIIT exercise is safe for women with endometrial cancer?

Research has shown that high-intensity interval training (HIIT) is generally safe for most people, including those with cancer. Studies have found that cancer survivors who participated in HIIT improved their fitness and overall health without major safety concerns.

In studies with overweight or obese adults, HIIT not only improved heart health but also enhanced blood markers like triglycerides and lipids, which are important for overall well-being. Specifically, one study found that cancer survivors who did HIIT experienced better body composition and quality of life over 12 weeks.

While results can vary, especially during active cancer treatment, HIIT is usually well-tolerated and shows potential for improving health in people with cancer. This suggests it could be a safe option for most people considering it as part of a clinical trial. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about HIIT exercise for endometrial cancer because it offers a non-invasive approach that complements traditional treatments like surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. Unlike these standard treatments, which can have significant side effects, HIIT exercise could improve patients' physical fitness and potentially enhance recovery rates without additional medication. Furthermore, HIIT's ability to be tailored to individual fitness levels means it could be a more personalized and accessible option for patients, possibly improving overall quality of life during cancer treatment.

What evidence suggests that HIIT exercise is effective for endometrial cancer?

Studies have shown that high-intensity interval training (HIIT) can improve health in cancer patients. Research indicates that HIIT enhances heart and lung function, boosting overall fitness. One study of overweight adults found that HIIT improved heart health and reduced blood fat levels. Although less information exists specifically about endometrial cancer, early findings suggest HIIT might aid by enhancing fitness and potentially influencing cancer growth. In this trial, participants will perform HIIT exercises as instructed by the study team in the weeks before standard care surgery. Overall, HIIT shows promise as a beneficial therapy for cancer patients. ^{1 2 3 6 7}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Victoria Bae-Jump, MD, PhD

Principal Investigator

University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

Women aged 40-75 with endometrial cancer, scheduled for surgery, and a BMI of 30-50 kg/m2 can join. They must have early-stage disease, access to email and a smartphone, and be able to visit the lab for tests. Those with recent severe cardiovascular events, other interventions or conditions that limit safe participation are excluded.

Inclusion Criteria

Your body mass index (BMI) is between 30 and 50, which means you may be overweight or have obesity.

I agree to visit the lab for baseline testing within 2 days if it can't be done the same day as my standard of care visit.

I have access to email.

Exclusion Criteria

I have severe hearing or speech impairments.

You have a serious mental health condition.

You currently have a mental illness called psychosis or you are dealing with substance abuse problems that are not under control.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Baseline Testing

Participants undergo baseline testing and are taught how to perform personalized HIIT training

1 week

HIIT Exercise

Participants perform high intensity interval training prior to their standard of care surgery

2-4 weeks

Surgery and Post-Surgery Testing

Participants undergo standard of care surgery and repeat testing

1 week

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• HIIT exercise

Trial Overview

The trial studies the effects of high intensity interval training (HIIT) on women with endometrial cancer before their standard surgery. It aims to see if HIIT has anti-cancer benefits by examining changes in tissue and blood markers.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: HIIT exercise Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants will perform HIIT exercises as instructed by the study team in the weeks prior to standard of care surgery

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center

Lead Sponsor

Trials

377

Recruited

95,900+

National Cancer Institute (NCI)

Collaborator

Trials

14,080

Recruited

41,180,000+

Citations

1.

clinicaltrials.gov

clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04025229

High Intensity Interval Training in Endometrial Cancer

Primary Objectives: 1. Determine the anti-proliferative effect of HIIT on the endometrium of women with endometrial cancer 2. Participants will undergo baseline ...

2.

reporter.nih.gov

reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9650088

Interval exercise training as a therapy for endometrial cancer

In overweight/obese adults, we found that 3 wks of HIIT results in significant improvements in markers of cardiovascular health, triglycerides, lipids and ...

3.

gynecologiconcology-online.net

gynecologiconcology-online.net/article/S0090-8258(25)00677-8/abstract

Efficacy and feasibility of preoperative high-intensity ...

Thus, we explored the feasibility of implementing a preoperative HIIT intervention in EC patients and assessed the effect of HIIT on metabolic markers of ...

4.

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9804206/

Effectiveness of HIIT in patients with cancer or ...

HIIT training seemed to be effective to improve cardiorespiratory fitness in cancer survivors. However, during active treatment, there were contrasting results.

5.

link.springer.com

link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00520-020-05834-x

High-intensity interval training in the prehabilitation of ...

Meta-analysis revealed a significant improvement of peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak) achieved with HIIT compared to usual care. Furthermore, ...

6.

clinicaltrial.be

clinicaltrial.be/en/details/62510?per_page=20&only_recruiting=0&enrolling_by_invitation=1&active_not_recruiting=1&not_yet_recruiting=0&completed=0&only_eligible=0&only_active=0

High Intensity Interval Training in Endometrial Cancer -...

Primary Objectives: Determine the anti-proliferative effect of HIIT on the endometrium of women with endometrial cancer 2.

7.

sciencedirect.com

sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2211335523001791

The impact of high intensity interval training in a diverse ...

We observed meaningful improvements in body composition, HbA1c and quality of life over 12 weeks among cancer survivors participating in a high-intensity ...