Physical Activity Program Choices for Cancer Survivors

Overseen By Reem Najjar, BS

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Massachusetts, Worcester

Disqualifiers: No cancer diagnosis, Under 18, 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 aims to help cancer survivors reduce their risk of heart disease by increasing physical activity. Participants will have access to various activity programs, including group sessions or a digital health tool. The trial compares two referral methods: a standard paper referral and an enhanced electronic referral that allows participants to choose their program. It suits cancer survivors who can exercise, have a smartphone, and are involved in a survivorship care plan at one of the four UMass cancer clinics. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity for participants to actively contribute to innovative approaches in survivorship care.

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 seems focused on physical activity programs for cancer survivors, so it's best to consult with the study team or your healthcare provider for guidance.

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

Research has shown that the Enhanced Referral approach, which educates both patients and healthcare providers about the benefits of physical activity, is generally safe. Studies primarily examine how effectively these referral methods help cancer survivors join exercise programs, rather than focusing on safety issues. No clear evidence indicates that this referral method causes harm.

Similarly, the Standard Referral approach, similar to the Enhanced Referral but without electronic options, also presents no safety concerns. Both methods primarily use educational materials and referrals, which are not typically associated with negative effects.

In summary, both the Enhanced and Standard Referral methods aim to promote safe exercise options. They assist survivors in making informed decisions about being active, which is generally safe and beneficial. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the Physical Activity Program Choices for Cancer Survivors trial because it's exploring how different referral approaches can motivate cancer survivors to stay active. The enhanced referral method stands out by giving patients more control over their physical activity choices through an electronic referral system and a patient decision aid. This personalized approach could lead to better engagement and outcomes compared to standard referrals, which typically involve just a paper referral. By comparing these methods, researchers hope to find out which approach better supports long-term physical activity among cancer survivors, potentially improving their overall health and quality of life.

What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for cancer survivors?

This trial will compare two referral methods for exercise programs for cancer survivors: Enhanced Referral and Standard Referral. Research has shown that exercise programs greatly benefit cancer survivors by boosting physical and mental health. For example, one program increased the number of survivors reaching recommended activity levels from 29% to 60%. Studies also find that exercise can reduce cancer-related fatigue and improve overall quality of life. Tailored exercise plans can even enhance the effectiveness of cancer treatments. Overall, staying active powerfully improves health outcomes for cancer survivors. ^{6 7 8 9 10}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Jamie M Faro, PhD

Principal Investigator

UMass Chan Medical School

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for cancer survivors who are at least 18 years old, speak English, and have a history of cardiovascular disease or lead a sedentary lifestyle. It's designed to help them become more active through different types of physical activity programs.

Inclusion Criteria

Provide written informed consent

I have seen a doctor participating in the study during the study period.

Speaks English

Exclusion Criteria

Not in positions of leadership within the UMass Medical Cancer Clinic Administration

I am not a cancer patient at any of the four UMass cancer clinics.

Participated in Aim 1a

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Referral and Program Enrollment

Participants are referred to physical activity programs and enrolled based on their choice of group in-person, group virtual, or self-monitored digital health program

Baseline

Program Implementation

Participants engage in their chosen physical activity program with monitoring via Fitbit and decision aids

6 months

Regular monitoring through digital means

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in physical activity, quality of life, and other health metrics

3-6 months

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Enhanced Referral
• Standard Referral

Trial Overview

ActivityChoice is testing how well two referral methods work to get cancer survivors into physical activity programs. One method gives patients extra support in choosing an activity program, while the other offers standard advice.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Enhanced Referral Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Provider education/training on referral process Patient education material on physical activity benefits Patient decision aid on physical activity program choices Electronic referral to program of patient's choice Fitbit Activity Monitor

Group II: Standard Referral Active Control 1 Intervention

Provider education/training on referral process Patient education material on physical activity benefits Paper referral to LIVESTRONG at the YMCA Fitbit Activity Monitor

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Massachusetts, Worcester

Lead Sponsor

Trials

372

Recruited

998,000+

National Institutes of Health (NIH)

Collaborator

Trials

2,896

Recruited

8,053,000+

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)

Collaborator

Trials

3,987

Recruited

47,860,000+

Published Research Related to This Trial

Cancer survivors show a strong interest in participating in physical activity (PA) programs, particularly preferring walking as their main exercise modality and moderate intensity activities.

Tailoring PA programs to be home-based and scheduled in the morning can enhance participation and adherence among cancer survivors, highlighting the need for diverse program options to meet varying preferences.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Physical activity programming and counseling preferences among cancer survivors: a systematic review. Wong, JN., McAuley, E., Trinh, L.[2023]

Physical activity has been shown to significantly improve both patient-reported outcomes and physiological health in cancer survivors during and after treatment, highlighting its importance in recovery.

The review discusses ongoing phase III trials that are investigating the impact of physical activity on clinical disease endpoints, suggesting a strong focus on integrating exercise into cancer care to enhance patient outcomes.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Putting Exercise Into Oncology Practice: State-of-the-Science, Innovation, and Future Directions. Brown, JC., Ligibel, JA.[2023]

Health care provider-delivered physical activity interventions can potentially increase physical activity behavior among cancer survivors, with nine out of eleven studies showing positive results favoring the intervention group.

However, the effectiveness of these interventions may vary and could be enhanced by incorporating additional behavior change techniques, highlighting the need for further research to better understand their impact.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A systematic review summarizing the effect of health care provider-delivered physical activity interventions on physical activity behaviour in cancer survivors. Brunet, J., Wurz, A., Nader, PA., et al.[2021]

Adding behavioral counseling to a 4-week supervised physical activity program for kidney cancer survivors showed feasibility and a potential increase in physical activity levels, although the increase was not statistically significant.

Participants receiving behavioral counseling improved their 6-minute walk distance significantly more than those receiving standard exercise counseling, suggesting that behavioral strategies may enhance fitness outcomes in cancer survivors.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Feasibility and preliminary efficacy of adding behavioral counseling to supervised physical activity in kidney cancer survivors: a randomized controlled trial. Trinh, L., Plotnikoff, RC., Rhodes, RE., et al.[2014]

Citations

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Enhancing Oncology Model

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