Exercise for improving chemoradiotherapy efficacy in rectal cancer
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A Single arm Feasibility study of exercise for improving long-course chemoradiotherapy efficacy in people diagnosed with locally advanced rectal cancer
IRAS ID
332296
Contact name
John Saxton
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Hull
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 9 months, 28 days
Research summary
Rectal cancer is a significant global and UK health problem causing death, disability and financial constraints to people living with this condition. As a result of improvements in current treatment approaches to rectal cancer, survival rates are higher but People with rectal cancer may live with severely impaired quality of life.
The main curative treatment for rectal cancer remains surgical removal of cancerous tumour. Prior to surgery, chemotherapy aimed at suppressing the growth of tumour and radiotherapy, aimed at shrinking the size of tumours can be delivered separately or jointly. This may be followed up with post-surgery(adjuvant) chemotherapy.
Neoadjuvant(pre-surgery) Chemoradiotherapy (NACRT) has been shown to be useful for improving overall survival, reducing recurrence and reducing metastasis(spread) of tumour. However, NACRT pose some risks to cancer patients from, bleeding disorder (thrombocytopenia), nausea, loss of muscle mass, reduction in physical functioning and consequently reduction in quality of life.To mitigate some radiotherapy and chemotherapy induced adverse effects, some studies have looked to exercise with minimal adverse effects, antioxidant properties, potential for improving muscle mass, and physical activity, to be standard adjunct to NACRT. Exercise remains to be embedded in rectal cancer pathway, possibly because there are few studies in this field with small sample size and limited demonstration of the role of exercise in chemoradiotherapy efficacy.
We plan to study a cohort of patients with locally advanced rectal cancer prescribed long-course NACRT by a colorectal multidisciplinary team (MDT) in our NHS trust. To determine the feasibility, tolerability, and safety of an exercise programme during long-course NACRT. Additionally, we explore the role of a structured exercise program on long-course NACRT efficacy. We propose to investigate this by conducting a single arm feasibility study
REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - Leeds West Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
24/YH/0082
Date of REC Opinion
31 May 2024
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion