50 Participants Needed

Physical Activity Monitoring for Brain Cancer

SS
Overseen ByShiao-Pei S Weathers
Age: 18+
Sex: Any
Trial Phase: Academic
Sponsor: M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
No Placebo GroupAll trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial studies the feasibility of monitoring step count as a measure of physical activity in patients with newly diagnosed glioma undergoing radiation therapy. Physical activity measured by step count may help to improve the quality of life and symptoms for patients with newly diagnosed glioma.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It focuses on monitoring physical activity in patients with brain cancer.

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Step Count Monitoring for brain cancer?

Research shows that increasing physical activity, like monitoring step counts, is safe and beneficial for lung cancer patients, improving their quality of life. This suggests that similar benefits might be seen in brain cancer patients using step count monitoring.12345

Is physical activity monitoring safe for people with brain cancer?

Research, such as the BRACE study, has looked into the safety of exercise interventions for adults with primary brain cancer, suggesting that monitoring physical activity is generally safe for humans.13678

How does physical activity monitoring differ from other treatments for brain cancer?

Physical activity monitoring for brain cancer is unique because it uses wearable devices to track real-time physical activity, providing continuous and objective data. This approach differs from traditional treatments as it focuses on monitoring physical function and recovery, rather than directly treating the cancer itself.12678

Research Team

SS

Shiao-Pei S Weathers

Principal Investigator

M.D. Anderson Cancer Center

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for English-speaking patients with a new glioma diagnosis who are starting at least 4 weeks of radiation therapy. Participants must have a good performance status, meaning they can carry out daily activities without significant help, be able to consent, own a smartphone, have Wi-Fi access, and not already use wearable activity trackers.

Inclusion Criteria

I have a glioma and will undergo radiation therapy for at least 4 weeks.
Able to provide informed consent
You need to have Wi-Fi available.
See 4 more

Exclusion Criteria

Cognitive and/or major sensory deficits that would impede the completion of assessment instruments as deemed by the clinical team

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Radiation Therapy

Patients undergo radiation therapy while their physical activity is monitored using either a pedometer or a FitBit

6 weeks
Weekly visits for radiation therapy

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

6 months
Follow-up visits at 3 and 6 months

Treatment Details

Interventions

  • Step Count Monitoring
Trial OverviewThe study is testing if using devices like FitBits or pedometers to monitor steps can help understand physical activity levels in patients undergoing radiation therapy for brain tumors. It aims to see if tracking steps could improve life quality and manage symptoms during treatment.
Participant Groups
2Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Active Control
Group I: Group II (FitBit)Experimental Treatment3 Interventions
Patients wear a FitBit for step count monitoring over 6 weeks.
Group II: Group I (pedometer)Active Control3 Interventions
Patients wear a pedometer for step count monitoring over 6 weeks.

Find a Clinic Near You

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

M.D. Anderson Cancer Center

Lead Sponsor

Trials
3,107
Recruited
1,813,000+

National Cancer Institute (NCI)

Collaborator

Trials
14,080
Recruited
41,180,000+

Findings from Research

In a study of 50 patients with locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) undergoing chemoradiation therapy, those categorized as inactive based on baseline step counts were significantly more likely to be hospitalized and less likely to complete their treatment on time.
Inactive patients had a median progression-free survival of only 5.3 months compared to 18.3 months for those who were moderately or highly active, indicating that baseline activity levels can be a strong predictor of treatment outcomes.
Daily Step Counts: A New Prognostic Factor in Locally Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer?Ohri, N., Halmos, B., Bodner, WR., et al.[2020]
Increased physical activity is linked to a lower risk of cancer occurrence and recurrence, making it a crucial measure in cancer rehabilitation and palliative care.
Accelerometers are highlighted as the most effective tool for measuring physical activity in cancer studies, as they provide detailed and objective data on the frequency, intensity, type, and duration of activity, yet they are underutilized in current research.
A guide to assessing physical activity using accelerometry in cancer patients.Broderick, JM., Ryan, J., O'Donnell, DM., et al.[2021]
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.
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]

References

Daily Step Counts: A New Prognostic Factor in Locally Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer? [2020]
A guide to assessing physical activity using accelerometry in cancer patients. [2021]
The safety, feasibility, and efficacy of an 18-week exercise intervention for adults with primary brain cancer - the BRACE study. [2023]
Assessing the Correlation Between Physical Activity and Quality of Life in Advanced Lung Cancer. [2018]
Assessment of gait parameters and physical function in patients with advanced cancer participating in a 12-week exercise and nutrition programme: A controlled clinical trial. [2021]
Wearable activity monitors in oncology trials: Current use of an emerging technology. [2019]
Daily physical activity monitoring in older adults with metastatic prostate cancer on active treatment: Feasibility and associations with toxicity. [2023]
Triaxial accelerometer-measured physical activity and functional behaviours among people with High Grade Glioma: The BrainWear Study. [2023]