Resistance Training for Pancreatic Cancer

Age: 18+
Sex: Any
Trial Phase: Academic
Sponsor: M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
Must be taking: FOLFIRINOX chemotherapy
No Placebo GroupAll trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to test whether a tele-exercise resistance training program can help people with pancreatic cancer maintain muscle strength, physical function, and quality of life. The program includes guided exercise sessions via a tablet, targeting individuals receiving chemotherapy or those who have undergone surgery for pancreatic cancer. Participants should have advanced pancreatic cancer or be at least 10 weeks post-surgery without signs of disease, and they need internet access at home for the sessions.

As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative research that could enhance the quality of life for pancreatic cancer patients.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial protocol does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. However, since the trial involves patients receiving chemotherapy, it's likely that you can continue your current treatment. Please consult with the trial coordinators for specific guidance.

What prior data suggests that this tele-exercise resistance training is safe for patients with pancreatic cancer?

Research has shown that resistance exercises through online programs can be safe and beneficial for people with pancreatic cancer. In earlier studies, patients who participated in these exercises gained strength and improved their daily lives. Importantly, researchers found no major safety issues, indicating that the exercises are generally well-tolerated. While specific side effects weren't detailed, the positive outcomes suggest that the exercises don't pose additional risks for patients. This makes it a promising option for those seeking to stay physically active and maintain their quality of life during cancer treatment.12345

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about tele-exercise resistance training for pancreatic cancer because it offers a unique approach compared to traditional treatments like chemotherapy and surgery. This method combines the benefits of physical exercise with the convenience of remote delivery, allowing patients to engage in resistance training from home. Unlike standard treatments, which often focus on directly attacking cancer cells, this approach aims to improve overall strength and well-being, potentially enhancing quality of life and treatment outcomes. By integrating physical activity into the care plan, researchers hope to uncover new benefits in managing the condition and supporting patient health.

What evidence suggests that tele-exercise resistance training is effective for pancreatic cancer?

Research has shown that resistance exercises through tele-exercise programs can help people with pancreatic cancer gain strength and improve well-being. This trial provides supportive care through resistance training. In patients receiving palliative care, these exercises led to noticeable improvements in strength and quality of life, even without altering the disease's overall course. Exercise programs like this can support cancer patients by enhancing their physical abilities and overall well-being. While strong evidence supports these benefits, it primarily highlights improvements in physical health and quality of life rather than directly affecting cancer treatment outcomes.12346

Who Is on the Research Team?

Karen M. Basen-Engquist | MD Anderson ...

Karen M. Basen-Engquist

Principal Investigator

M.D. Anderson Cancer Center

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for adults with advanced pancreatic cancer who are undergoing chemotherapy or have had surgery. They must be in good physical condition (ECOG 0-1), able to participate in tele-exercise sessions, and have Wi-Fi at home. Pregnant women, non-English speakers, those already doing regular resistance training, or with certain health issues like severe pain or unstable heart disease cannot join.

Inclusion Criteria

You are able to perform daily activities without any major issues (ECOG performance status 0-1).
Able to schedule baseline (T0) appointment for fitness testing and program teaching at the Behavioral Research and Treatment Center (BRTC) or able to schedule remote fitness testing and program teaching
Able to understand the description of the study, exercise program, and willing to participate
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Exclusion Criteria

Non-English speaking
Unable to complete the baseline assessment questionnaires or functional assessments
Screen failure for exercise safety based on Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q) and/or Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) questions
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Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants undergo tele-exercise resistance training sessions during chemotherapy or post-surgery

8-12 weeks
At least 4 tele-RT sessions every 2 weeks

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

  • Tele-exercise Resistance Training
Trial Overview The study tests a tele-exercise resistance training program using tablets to see if it helps maintain muscle strength, physical function, and life quality for pancreatic cancer patients during chemo or post-surgery. Participants will do exercises remotely while being monitored by the research team.
How Is the Trial Designed?
1Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Group I: Supportive care (resistance training)Experimental Treatment4 Interventions

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+

Published Research Related to This Trial

A 6-month progressive resistance training program was feasible for pancreatic cancer patients, with adherence rates of 64.1% for supervised training and 78.4% for home-based training.
Supervised resistance training significantly improved muscle strength in elbow flexors/extensors and knee extensors compared to usual care, indicating that structured exercise can be beneficial for maintaining muscle mass in these patients.
Progressive Resistance Training to Impact Physical Fitness and Body Weight in Pancreatic Cancer Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial.Wiskemann, J., Clauss, D., Tjaden, C., et al.[2019]
A systematic review of 7 trials involving 201 patients with pancreatic cancer showed that exercise training is safe and feasible, with no reported adverse events and high retention rates (71% to 90%).
Exercise programs led to significant improvements in cancer-related fatigue, psychological distress, and physical function, suggesting that exercise may positively impact the health and well-being of patients with pancreatic cancer.
Exercise Medicine in the Management of Pancreatic Cancer: A Systematic Review.Luo, H., Galvão, DA., Newton, RU., et al.[2023]
In a study of 65 pancreatic cancer patients, progressive resistance training did not significantly change body composition, but it showed strong correlations between muscle area and muscle strength, suggesting that maintaining muscle mass is crucial for physical function.
High visceral-to-subcutaneous fat ratio (VFR) and loss of muscle mass were identified as predictors of poor overall survival, highlighting the importance of body composition in the prognosis of pancreatic cancer.
Impact of progressive resistance training on CT quantified muscle and adipose tissue compartments in pancreatic cancer patients.Wochner, R., Clauss, D., Nattenmüller, J., et al.[2021]

Citations

Impact of exercise in patients with pancreatic cancer across ...In the palliative setting, significant improvements were observed for muscle strength and quality of life, but not for clinical outcomes.
Study Details | NCT05836870 | Tele-PancFit: A Multi-site ...To compare cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs), and tumor infiltrating immune cells between groups (among patients who have undergone surgical resection).
A Review of Physical Activity in Pancreatic Ductal ...Exercise interventions can benefit cancer patients by improving muscular strength, cardiovascular function, and quality of life.. However, few studies have ...
Resistance Training Intervention To Improve Physical ...Tele-exercise resistance training may improve physical function and quality of life in patients with pancreatic cancer. Detailed Description.
Resistance Training Intervention to Improve Physical ...Tele-exercise resistance training may improve physical function and quality of life in patients with pancreatic cancer. Eligibility Criteria ...
A Telemedicine Guided Exercise Program for ...This phase III trial compares the effect of a remote (telemedicine) guided prehabilitation (prehab) exercise program (Tele-PancFit) to enhanced usual care.
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