Physical fitness and quality of life in rectal cancer patients
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A pilot study to investigate improvements in physical fitness and quality of life resulting from a 9 week structured responsive endurance training programme (SRETP) following neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy prior to elective rectal cancer surgery
IRAS ID
123715
Contact name
Sandy Jack
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Southampton University Hospital NHS Trust
Research summary
Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (NACRT) for advanced rectal cancer is associated with better local disease control, with minimal impact on survival. Cancer and chemotherapy are known to cause fatigue via oxidative stress, leading to muscle weakness and poor quality of life. Aerobic exercise decreases oxidative stress. We have pilot data showing that NACRT reduces physical fitness in upper and lower GI cancer surgery. The literature shows that low fitness is associated with a higher risk of adverse outcome after major surgery. Literature also shows that exercise training improves Health Related Quality of Life (HRQL),reduces complications and is safe in elderly cancer patients. We have feasibility and pilot data showing that the reduction in fitness caused by NACRT can be improved with exercise training. This proposal therefore outlines a randomly allocated trial to explore the effect of a 9-week training programme compared with a no exercise group in patients who have had NACRT prior to cancer surgery.
REC name
North West - Liverpool Central Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
13/NW/0259
Date of REC Opinion
20 May 2013
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion