Exercise Program for Cancer

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of South Carolina

Disqualifiers: Neuromuscular, Cardiovascular, Psychological, others

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 16

Duration: 8 weeks

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores how an 8-week exercise program, including resistance and cardio workouts twice a week, can improve physical function in adults with cancer. The goal is to determine if regular exercise can positively impact the daily lives of cancer patients. Eligible participants are adults diagnosed with cancer who can attend on-site sessions and do not have conditions that make exercise unsafe. As an unphased trial, this study offers participants the chance to contribute to valuable research that could enhance cancer care through exercise.

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

What prior data suggests that this exercise program is safe for adults with cancer?

Research has shown that exercise programs can be safe and beneficial for people with cancer. One study found that exercising at home is feasible and safe, with only minor issues reported. Another study demonstrated that exercise can reduce complications and enhance well-being for cancer patients. Participants in various studies reported feeling better, having more energy, and experiencing less pain.

These findings suggest that the exercise program under testing is likely safe and well-received by participants. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

The Cancer Exercise Program is unique because it integrates structured resistance and cardiovascular exercises specifically tailored for cancer patients. Unlike traditional treatments that focus primarily on medication, surgery, or radiation, this approach emphasizes the role of physical activity in managing cancer-related symptoms and improving quality of life. Researchers are excited about this program because it offers a non-invasive, holistic option that could complement existing therapies, potentially enhancing recovery and well-being without the side effects commonly associated with conventional treatments.

What evidence suggests that this exercise program is effective for cancer patients?

Research shows that exercise can greatly benefit people with cancer. Studies have found that regular exercise improves survival chances and lowers the risk of cancer recurrence. For example, one study discovered that people who exercised had a 28% lower chance of their cancer returning and a 37% lower chance of dying. Exercise also reduces negative side effects and boosts overall well-being. These findings suggest that exercise can be an important part of cancer care. Participants in this trial will engage in an exercise program consisting of resistance and cardiovascular exercise two days per week for eight weeks to evaluate its benefits further. ^{2 6 7 8 9}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

Adults over 18 with a cancer diagnosis can join this trial. They must be willing to attend exercise sessions at the clinic and not have any health issues that make exercising unsafe. Participants also need to understand English.

Inclusion Criteria

I am over 18 and have been diagnosed with cancer.

Exclusion Criteria

I am not willing to visit the clinic for exercise sessions.

Unable to read/understand English.

I do not have any health conditions that make exercising unsafe for me.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants undergo an 8-week multi-modal exercise program consisting of resistance and cardiovascular training, delivered 2 times per week

8 weeks

16 visits (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Cancer Exercise Program

Trial Overview The study is testing an 8-week exercise program, which includes resistance and cardiovascular training twice a week, to see how it affects physical function in adults with cancer.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Exercise Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

2 days/week of resistance and cardiovascular exercise for 8-weeks

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of South Carolina

Lead Sponsor

Trials

233

Recruited

122,000+

Published Research Related to This Trial

In a study of 35,110 exercise interventions for pediatric cancer patients and survivors, serious adverse events (AEs) were rare, with only six Grade 2-3 AEs reported, resulting in an incidence of 17 per 100,000 interventions, indicating that supervised exercise programs are generally safe.

While Grade 1 AEs, such as muscle soreness and circulatory problems, were more common (2,800 per 100,000 interventions), these were typically mild and likely not directly caused by the exercise, suggesting that exercise can be safely integrated into cancer care for children.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Adverse Events During Supervised Exercise Interventions in Pediatric Oncology-A Nationwide Survey. Gauß, G., Beller, R., Boos, J., et al.[2021]

In a systematic review of 129 trials with 12,044 participants, exercise during systemic cancer treatment was associated with a higher risk of serious adverse events, thromboses, and fractures compared to control groups.

Despite these risks, exercise also correlated with a lower incidence of fever and a higher relative dose intensity of systemic treatment, indicating potential benefits, but the overall certainty of evidence regarding the harms and benefits of exercise in this context is very low.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Harms of exercise training in patients with cancer undergoing systemic treatment: a systematic review and meta-analysis of published and unpublished controlled trials. Thomsen, SN., Lahart, IM., Thomsen, LM., et al.[2023]

Physical activity and targeted exercise therapy can significantly improve outcomes for cancer patients, helping to manage side effects like fatigue and depression, especially when introduced right after diagnosis.

Moderate endurance training combined with individualized strength training is particularly effective and can be recommended for all cancer patients, regardless of cancer type, while ensuring contraindications are considered.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[Physical activity and exercise therapy in oncology]. Zoth, N., Böhlke, L., Theurich, S., et al.[2023]

Exercise programs significantly improve various health indicators in adult cancer patients after completing their main treatment, particularly in areas like muscle strength, fatigue, depression, and quality of life, based on a review of 34 studies.

Patients with breast cancer showed notable benefits from aerobic exercise, with improvements in physical functions such as a 29-meter increase in 6-minute walk distance, highlighting the efficacy of exercise in enhancing recovery and overall well-being.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Exercise programs for patients with cancer improve physical functioning and quality of life. McClellan, R.[2013]

The ADVANCE study aims to evaluate how adverse events (AEs) are reported in exercise oncology trials, which is crucial for assessing the safety of exercise interventions for cancer patients.

By reviewing published trials and using a standardized checklist for reporting AEs, the study seeks to identify gaps in current practices and inform future research on improving the consistency and transparency of AE reporting in this field.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Adverse Events Reporting of Clinical Trials in Exercise Oncology Research (ADVANCE): Protocol for a Scoping Review. Luo, H., Schumacher, O., Galvão, DA., et al.[2022]

The Breast Cancer Patients Engaging in Activity and Undergoing Treatment (BEAUTY) program is a 12-week evidence-based exercise initiative designed to improve the physical and psychological well-being of women undergoing chemotherapy or radiation for breast cancer, offered at no cost to participants.

The program aims to bridge the gap between research on the benefits of exercise for breast cancer recovery and practical community implementation, ensuring safety and adherence while enhancing quality of life for participants.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Design and implementation of a community-based exercise program for breast cancer patients. Leach, HJ., Danyluk, JM., Culos-Reed, SN.[2022]

Community-based exercise programs for cancer survivors have been shown to significantly improve quality of life, reduce fatigue, and enhance overall well-being.

Engaging in regular physical activity may also lower the risk of recurrence for certain cancers, such as breast and colon cancer, highlighting the importance of exercise in cancer recovery.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Community-Based Exercise Programs for Cancer Survivors. Musanti, R., Murley, B.[2018]

In a pilot trial involving 10 breast cancer patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy, adding a supervised exercise program resulted in a significant decrease in body mass index (BMI) compared to those receiving chemotherapy alone (28.0 vs. 35.8, P = 0.03).

While the exercise group showed a trend towards lower Ki-67 levels (7% vs. 29%, P = 0.14), indicating potential benefits in tumor proliferation rates, the difference was not statistically significant, suggesting further research is needed to confirm these findings.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Bootcamp during neoadjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer: a randomized pilot trial. Rao, R., Cruz, V., Peng, Y., et al.[2021]

In a study involving 577 participants undergoing cancer treatment, exercise was found to be safe, with 20% of adverse events (AEs) reported by coaches and 28% by participants, mostly being minor musculoskeletal issues.

High-intensity exercise was associated with a higher likelihood of AEs compared to low-to-moderate exercise, but both forms of exercise are recommended for patients if there are no medical contraindications, as serious complications like lymphedema and PICC issues were low and not significantly different across exercise intensities.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Is it safe to exercise during oncological treatment? A study of adverse events during endurance and resistance training - data from the Phys-Can study. Henriksson, A., Johansson, B., Radu, C., et al.[2021]

Exercise is an effective therapeutic intervention for cancer patients, helping to reduce side effects from treatments and significantly improving their quality of life during and after treatment.

Engaging in exercise before, during, and after cancer treatments leads to numerous beneficial outcomes, making it a crucial part of care for both patients undergoing treatment and survivors.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Exercise Recommendations for Cancer-Related Fatigue, Cognitive Impairment, Sleep problems, Depression, Pain, Anxiety, and Physical Dysfunction: A Review. Mustian, KM., Sprod, LK., Janelsins, M., et al.[2021]

Exercise therapy significantly improves cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) in patients with adult-onset cancer, with an average increase of 2.80 mL O2 × kg-1 × min-1 compared to no change in control groups, based on a review of 48 randomized controlled trials involving 3,632 patients.

The study found that exercise therapy is safe, with only 44 adverse events reported across 30 trials, and high adherence rates (88%) suggest that patients are likely to stick with the program.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Efficacy of Exercise Therapy on Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Patients With Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Scott, JM., Zabor, EC., Schwitzer, E., et al.[2022]

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12165538/

A novel approach to cancer rehabilitation - PubMed Central This article examines the influence of exercise intervention on the recovery and survival rates of cancer patients after surgery.

2. asco.org asco.org/about-asco/press-center/news-releases/movement-medicine-structured-exercise-program-challenge

Structured Exercise Program May Lower Risk of Cancer ... At five years, the disease-free survival rate was 80% in the structured exercise program and 74% in the health education materials group.

3. bjsm.bmj.com bjsm.bmj.com/content/59/14/1010

Impact of exercise on health outcomes in people with cancer Conclusion Exercise reduces adverse events and enhances well-being through a range of health outcomes in people with cancer. Meta-analysis; Exercise; Randomised ...

4. cancer.ca cancer.ca/en/about-us/media-releases/2025/exercise-improves-survival-for-colon-cancer

Clinical trial confirms exercise improves survival for colon ... The outcome: those who received the exercise program had a 28% lower risk of recurrence and new cancers and a 37% lower risk of death. “This is ...

5. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0003999322001654

Systematic Review of Functional Outcomes in Cancer ... Randomized trial of exercise and an online recovery tool to improve rehabilitation outcomes of cancer survivors. Phys Sportsmed, 43 (2015), pp. 143-149.

6. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4821160/

Community-based exercise program effectiveness and ... Participants reported improvements in overall health-related quality of life (P< 0.001), social support (P=0.019), body pain (P=0.016), fatigue (P<0.001), ...

7. nature.com nature.com/articles/s41591-024-03143-y

Supervised, structured and individualized exercise in ... Our results indicate that the exercise intervention not only had a positive effect on physical fatigue and HRQOL but also on pain and dyspnea.

8. link.springer.com link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11764-025-01778-5

Feasibility, safety, and adherence of home-based exercise ... Home-based exercise interventions are feasible and safe for people diagnosed with cancer, with minor adverse events being the most common.

9. ysph.yale.edu ysph.yale.edu/news-article/how-exercise-increases-cancer-survival/

How Exercise Increases Cancer Survival The overall survival was 90.3% in the exercise group versus 83.2% in the group that received educational materials alone. Dr. Melinda Irwin, PhD ...