ACTIVATE
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A Feasibility Study Investigating the Relationship between Physical Activity and Side Effects Associated with Systemic Anti-cancer Therapies
IRAS ID
346177
Contact name
Ben Hood
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and other systemic anti-cancer therapies (SACT) can cause side effects that affect people physically and emotionally, impacting daily activities, quality of life and wellbeing. Research suggests physical activity may help people cope better with treatment, but it is not yet clear how practical it is to measure activity levels or deliver exercise programmes during SACT. Before a larger study can be developed, we need to understand whether this type of research is feasible.
The ACTIVATE study will explore whether it is possible to recruit participants, collect the necessary information and, in some cases, deliver an exercise programme to people with cancer starting their first course of SACT. The study will include adults with breast, colorectal, prostate or lung cancer. This feasibility study will recruit 16 participants, eight will take part in Part One and a separate group of eight in Part Two.
The study has two parts.
Part One will examine whether it is feasible to measure physical activity before treatment begins and to collect information on side effects and wellbeing during SACT. Participants will take part for up to six months. All study visits will take place alongside routine hospital appointments for standard cancer care, with no additional visits required. Participants are expected to attend approximately 4–10 study visits, depending on treatment schedules.
Part Two follows a similar approach, but participants will also receive a personalised exercise programme starting 2–4 weeks before SACT and continuing during treatment. Participants will attend a physiotherapy visit to receive their exercise programme, which may take place face to face or online. Participation will last for up to six months and involve a similar number of visits.
This study will provide essential information to help design a future, larger study to improve care for people undergoing SACT.REC name
London - Harrow Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
26/LO/0051
Date of REC Opinion
29 Jan 2026
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion