Physical Activity for Cancer Survivors

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Roswell Park Cancer Institute

Disqualifiers: Infections, Heart failure, Angina, others

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

Approved in 1 Jurisdiction This treatment is already approved in other countries

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

Duration: 12 weeks

200 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests a home-based exercise program for cancer survivors, provided through the YMCA. The goal is to improve physical, mental, and overall well-being by offering virtual exercise classes that meet national physical activity guidelines. The program, called the Community-Based Physical Activity Intervention, targets individuals who have had a cancer diagnosis or are caregivers for someone who has, and who are not currently in active cancer treatment. Participants should not have any serious health issues or physical conditions that make exercise difficult. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to enhance well-being through a supportive community program.

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

What prior data suggests that this physical activity program is safe for cancer survivors?

Research shows that community-based exercise programs are safe and beneficial for cancer survivors, significantly enhancing both physical and mental health. For example, the Active Living After Cancer program, designed for breast cancer survivors, successfully increased their activity levels.

Studies of similar programs found no major negative effects for participants. Instead, they experienced improvements in health and quality of life. More cancer survivors reached recommended activity levels after participating, demonstrating that these exercise routines effectively promote active lifestyles.

Overall, community-based exercise programs are well-received and pose no significant safety risks. Participants appreciate the support and personalized approach, which help them stay active and healthy. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Unlike traditional cancer survivor care, which often emphasizes rest and medical follow-up, this community-based physical activity intervention focuses on integrating exercise into daily life. Researchers are excited because it offers a flexible, virtual approach, allowing participants to join exercise classes from anywhere, making it accessible and convenient. The goal is to help survivors meet national guidelines for physical activity, which can enhance recovery and overall health. This method not only aims to improve physical well-being but also to boost mental health and quality of life for cancer survivors.

What evidence suggests that this community-based physical activity program is effective for cancer survivors?

Research has shown that community exercise programs can significantly increase exercise levels among cancer survivors. In this trial, participants will join virtual exercise classes as part of a supportive care intervention. One study found that the percentage of cancer survivors meeting exercise recommendations rose from 30.3% to 59.6% after participating in a specialized exercise program. Another report showed similar results, with exercise levels increasing from 29% to 60% after the program. These programs are specifically designed for cancer survivors, helping them achieve recommended exercise levels and enhance their overall quality of life. Regular exercise can prevent short-term issues from becoming long-term and supports better physical and mental health. ^{2 3 5 6 7}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Andrew D. Ray

Principal Investigator

Roswell Park Cancer Institute

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for underserved cancer survivors who could benefit from a physical activity program. Participants should be able to engage in exercise and have access to a local YMCA or similar community site. Specific eligibility details are not provided, but typically there would be criteria related to the type of cancer, treatment status, and overall health.

Inclusion Criteria

I am over 18 years old.

Have had a previous cancer diagnosis OR are a caregiver for a patient who has had a previous cancer diagnosis

I am not currently undergoing cancer treatment.

Exclusion Criteria

I do not have any severe illnesses like heart problems, infections, or mental health issues that would stop me from following the study's requirements.

Are unwilling or unable to follow protocol requirements

Have any condition which in the investigator's opinion deems the subject an unsuitable candidate to participate in this study

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants participate in virtual exercise classes at least three times a week for 12 weeks, aiming to meet national physical activity guidelines.

12 weeks

Virtual sessions at least three times a week

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

1 week

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Community-Based Physical Activity Intervention

Trial Overview

The study tests a home-based exercise program tailored for cancer survivors, administered through community sites like the YMCA. It aims to improve physical, psychosocial, and cognitive functioning that may have been affected by cancer or its treatment.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Supportive Care (virtual exercise classes) Experimental Treatment 2 Interventions

Participants participate in virtual exercise classes at least TIW over 20-60 minutes for 12 weeks. Participants are expected to work towards achieving the national physical activity exercise guidelines of 150 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic based physical activity and 2-3 strength training sessions each week.

Community-Based Physical Activity Intervention is already approved in United States for the following indications:

Approved in United States as Active Living After Cancer for:

• Improving physical activity and functioning in underserved cancer survivors

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Roswell Park Cancer Institute

Lead Sponsor

Trials

427

Recruited

40,500+

Published Research Related to This Trial

In a study of 1,348 breast cancer survivors, maintaining or increasing physical activity after diagnosis was linked to lower levels of fatigue, anxiety, depression, and stress, as well as improved overall quality of life and self-worth.

Controlling body weight post-diagnosis was also associated with lower fatigue and higher well-being, suggesting that both physical activity and weight management independently contribute to better psychosocial outcomes for breast cancer survivors.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Associations between self-reported post-diagnosis physical activity changes, body weight changes, and psychosocial well-being in breast cancer survivors. Phillips, SM., McAuley, E.[2022]

A 3-month adapted physical activity program for 61 breast cancer patients led to a significant increase in moderate physical activity by an average of 13 minutes per day, helping to combat inactivity during treatment.

Despite no significant changes in weight or waist circumference, the program effectively reduced sedentary time by 18 minutes per day, highlighting the importance of promoting physical activity early in cancer care to mitigate health risks.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Reduction of health risk factors through an adapted physical activity program in patients with breast cancer. Foucaut, AM., Berthouze-Aranda, SE., Touillaud, M., et al.[2021]

The ACTIVATE Trial demonstrated that using a Garmin Vivofit 2 activity monitor, along with behavioral coaching, significantly increased moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) by an average of 69 minutes per week in breast cancer survivors over a 12-week period.

Participants in the intervention group also experienced a significant reduction in sedentary behavior, with decreases of 37 minutes per day in total sitting time and 42 minutes per day in prolonged sitting bouts, highlighting the effectiveness of wearable technology in promoting a more active lifestyle.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A randomized controlled trial of a wearable technology-based intervention for increasing moderate to vigorous physical activity and reducing sedentary behavior in breast cancer survivors: The ACTIVATE Trial. Lynch, BM., Nguyen, NH., Moore, MM., et al.[2020]

Participants in a cancer-specific community exercise program reported higher self-reported exercise levels compared to before their diagnosis, indicating that such programs can effectively encourage physical activity during treatment.

The program provided significant physical, psychological, and social benefits, with many participants expressing intentions to continue or increase their exercise levels, highlighting the importance of community support in cancer recovery.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Cancer survivors' experiences of a community-based cancer-specific exercise programme: results of an exploratory survey. Catt, S., Sheward, J., Sheward, E., et al.[2019]

Physical activity is considered crucial for improving well-being in adolescents and young adults recovering from cancer treatment, but transitioning back to exercise can be difficult after a period of inactivity.

Supportive care and tailored strategies are essential for helping young cancer survivors navigate changes in their appearance and fitness levels, ultimately facilitating a successful return to physical activity.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

"Your Body Is Not At All Where You Left It": Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Survivors' Experiences Transitioning Back Into Physical Activity After Treatment. Vani, MF., Sabiston, CM., Santa Mina, D., et al.[2022]

Cancer survivors generally have low levels of physical activity but show a strong interest in increasing their participation in exercise programs, highlighting the potential for tailored interventions.

Adherence to physical activity programs varies based on demographic, medical, and behavioral factors, indicating that exercise programs should be customized to meet the specific needs of cancer survivors for better outcomes.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Physical activity among cancer survivors: a literature review. Szymlek-Gay, EA., Richards, R., Egan, R.[2011]

The Active Living After Cancer program, designed for breast cancer survivors, effectively improved physical activity levels and quality of life among 127 participants, demonstrating significant enhancements in both mental and physical well-being after 12 weeks of community-based sessions.

Participants showed measurable improvements in physical functioning, with increased sit-to-stand repetitions and longer distances walked in a 6-minute test, indicating that the program successfully promoted better physical capabilities in minority and medically underserved survivors.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Active Living After Cancer: Adaptation and evaluation of a community-based physical activity program for minority and medically underserved breast cancer survivors. Tami-Maury, IM., Liao, Y., Rangel, ML., et al.[2022]

Interventions aimed at maintaining physical activity in cancer survivors were effective, resulting in a moderate increase in moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) of about 65 minutes per week compared to control groups, which saw an increase of 27 minutes per week.

However, many studies included in the review had biases, primarily involving younger, more active, and well-educated participants, suggesting that future interventions should focus on older adults and those with physical limitations to ensure broader applicability.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Systematic review and meta-analysis of maintenance of physical activity behaviour change in cancer survivors. Grimmett, C., Corbett, T., Brunet, J., et al.[2021]

The LIVESTRONG at the YMCA program has successfully reached 62,044 cancer survivors across 245 Y associations, demonstrating its potential for high community impact in promoting physical activity among this population.

Implementing fidelity checks and understanding organizational characteristics, such as years of program existence and household income, are crucial for improving membership conversion rates and ensuring the program's sustainability in community settings.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A longitudinal implementation evaluation of a physical activity program for cancer survivors: LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA. Faro, JM., Arem, H., Heston, AH., et al.[2022]

The Active After Cancer Trial (AACT) demonstrated that a telephone-based exercise intervention significantly increased physical activity among breast and colorectal cancer survivors, with participants increasing their activity by over 100% compared to only 22% in the control group.

Participants in the exercise group also showed notable improvements in fitness and physical functioning, as evidenced by a greater increase in 6-minute walk test distance and physical functioning scores compared to those receiving usual care.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Impact of a telephone-based physical activity intervention upon exercise behaviors and fitness in cancer survivors enrolled in a cooperative group setting. Ligibel, JA., Meyerhardt, J., Pierce, JP., et al.[2022]

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