Hand Grip Strength for Pancreatic Cancer

(PanFit Trial)

Overseen By Daniel J Renouf, MD, MPH

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: British Columbia Cancer Agency

Disqualifiers: Outside Vancouver, Resistance training, others

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 4

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores whether measuring hand grip strength can provide insights into the health of individuals with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), a type of pancreatic cancer. Researchers aim to determine if tracking grip strength can be easily integrated into regular clinic visits and if changes in grip strength relate to body health, general well-being, or cancer response to treatment. Participants will squeeze a device to measure their hand grip and answer questions about their well-being. This trial is suitable for those diagnosed with PDAC who can hold a device with one hand and are receiving treatment. As an unphased trial, it offers a unique opportunity to contribute to understanding PDAC health indicators without testing new treatments.

What prior data suggests that this hand grip strength assessment is safe for participants with pancreatic cancer?

Studies have shown that measuring hand grip strength is safe for people with pancreatic cancer, with no evidence of harm. Researchers often use hand grip strength tests to better understand health. This test involves squeezing a device and is popular for its simplicity and non-invasive nature.

Hand grip strength can also predict muscle mass and overall strength, both important for health. There is no need to worry about safety with this test, as it offers a simple way to learn more about the body without any known risk. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about using hand grip strength assessments for pancreatic cancer because this approach offers a new way to evaluate patient health and treatment response without invasive procedures. Unlike traditional methods that rely heavily on imaging and biochemical markers, hand grip strength is a simple, non-invasive measure that can reflect overall muscle function and nutritional status, which are crucial for cancer patients. This technique could provide a quick, accessible, and cost-effective tool for monitoring patient well-being throughout their treatment journey.

What evidence suggests that hand grip strength assessments are effective for evaluating pancreatic cancer?

Research has shown that hand grip strength plays a crucial role in understanding pancreatic cancer outcomes. People with weaker hand grip strength often have lower survival rates. One large study found that greater muscle mass and stronger grip strength can reduce the risk of developing pancreatic cancer. Additionally, strong hand grip strength can help predict complications after certain surgeries for this cancer. These findings suggest that measuring hand grip strength, which participants in this trial will undergo, might provide valuable insights into a patient's health and treatment response. ^{1 3 4 5 6}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for adults with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) who are able to visit the clinic for regular medical care. The study aims to understand how cancer affects muscle strength and quality of life.

Inclusion Criteria

Life expectancy greater than 6 months as judged by the investigator

Planned for treatment, either as part of routine care or in combination with an investigational agent within another study

I can take care of myself and am up and about more than half of my waking hours.

Exclusion Criteria

Individuals with CT imaging performed outside of Vancouver, BC, Canada

Individuals who are currently participating in a structured moderate intensity resistance training program

Unable to comply with study assessments and follow-up

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Baseline Assessment

Participants complete hand grip strength assessments and questionnaires at the start of the study

1 day

1 visit (in-person)

Treatment Monitoring

Participants' hand grip strength and well-being are monitored during regular clinic visits for PDAC treatment

6 months

Regular visits (in-person) aligned with PDAC treatment schedule

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in hand grip strength and body composition at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months

12 months

Follow-up assessments at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Hand grip strength assessments

Trial Overview The trial involves measuring hand grip strength using a dynamometer during regular clinic visits. It will explore the feasibility of this measurement, its relation to body composition, well-being, and response to cancer treatment.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Main Study Arm Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

The study arm all participants are enrolled into. Participants will complete hand grip strength assessments and questionnaires.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

British Columbia Cancer Agency

Lead Sponsor

Trials

181

Recruited

95,900+

Citations

1. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38517481/

Handgrip Strength Predicts Survival in Patients With ... However, low handgrip strength was associated with significantly worse PDAC-specific survival compared with other patients (log-rank hazard ...

2. bmccancer.biomedcentral.com bmccancer.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12885-025-14766-w

Muscle strength and mass as predictors of pancreatic cancer This large prospective study demonstrates that higher muscle mass and grip strength are associated with a reduced risk of pancreatic cancer.

3. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S104084282500349X

Impact of exercise in patients with pancreatic cancer across ... High hand grip strength is a significant risk factor and a useful predictor of postoperative pancreatic fistula following pancreaticoduodenectomy. Lange Arch ...

4. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07167082

Hand Grip Strength and Prognosis in Hospitalized Cancer ... The study will evaluate whether lower hand grip strength is associated with higher short-term mortality (30-day all-cause mortality) and ...

5. researchgate.net researchgate.net/publication/379187588_Handgrip_Strength_Predicts_Survival_in_Patients_With_Pancreatic_Cancer

Handgrip Strength Predicts Survival in Patients With ... We constructed Kaplan-Meier curves to estimate whether myopenia and low hand grip strength were associated with poorer survival. Results Myopenia was not ...

6. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07255001

Using Strength Tests to Better Understand How Pancreatic ... The goal of this clinical trial is to measure hand grip strength in adults with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC).