NCT04589468 · City of Hope Medical Center
Researching the Effect of Exercise on Cancer
What this study is about
Researchers think that exercise may be able to prevent cancer from coming back by lowering ctDNA levels. The purpose of this study is to explore how aerobic exercise (exercise that stimulates and strengthens the heart and lungs and improves the body's use of oxygen) can reduce the level of ctDNA found in the blood.
View original scientific description
Researchers think that exercise may be able to prevent cancer from coming back by lowering ctDNA levels. The purpose of this study is to explore how aerobic exercise (exercise that stimulates and strengthens the heart and lungs and improves the body's use of oxygen) can reduce the level of ctDNA found in the blood. During the study, the highest level of exercise that is practical, is safe, and has positive effects on the body that may prevent the return of cancer (including a decrease in ctDNA levels) will be found. Each level of exercise tested will be a certain number of minutes each week. Once the best level of exercise is found, it will be tested further in a new group of participants. All participants in this study will have been previously treated for breast, prostate, or colorectal cancer.
Interventions
OTHER
Exercise
Exercise therapy in both phases will consist of individualized walking delivered 3 to 6 times weekly (over a 7-day period). Exercise treatment will be delivered for up to 18 months, or until progression of disease or withdrawal of consent, whichever comes first. The phase 1a trial will assess five doses of exercise therapy (i.e., 90, 150, 225, 300, and 375 mins/wk) delivered following a non-linear (i.e., exercise dose is continually altered and progressed in conjunction with appropriate rest/recovery sessions across the entire intervention period) dosing schedule. The phase 1b trial will only test one dose of exercise therapy - the RP2D identified in the phase 1a trial.
Primary outcome measures
Identify the recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D) of exercise for testing in the phase 1b.
Time frame: 24 weeks
Using an adaptive phase 1 (non-randomized) design, non-exercising (i.e., \<60 mins/wk of moderate or vigorous exercise) post-treatment patients with primary breast, prostate, or colorectal cancer and detectable ctDNA (n=50) will be administered one of five escalating dose levels.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Postsurgical diagnosis of patients with primary solid tumors at high-risk of relapse as defined by one of the following: ° High-risk primary solid tumor (e.g., colorectal, ovarian, non-small cell lung cancer) (colorectal cancer only for Phase 1a)
- ctDNA positive ° High-risk breast cancer
- Residual invasive disease in the breast or the lymph nodes following completion of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT),
- Estrogen receptor (ER), and/or progesterone receptor (PR) positive and HER2 negative,
- CPS-EG score ≥ 3,
- CPS-EG score ≥2 w ith ypN+, or
- Recurrence score ≥ 25
- No evidence of disease
- Interval of ≥ 1 month but ≤ 2 years following completion of all definitive adjuvant therapy
- Non-exercising (i.e., \< 30 minutes of moderate and \< 20 mins of vigorous exercise/wk), as assessed by remote activity and heart rate tracking for a 7-day period prior to study entry) ° If ≥ 30 minutes but less than 45 minutes of moderate exercise/week, or if ≥ 20 minutes but less than 30 minutes of vigorous exercise/week, patients may be eligible, at the discretion of the PI.
- Cleared for exercise participation as per screening clearance via PAR-Q+
- Willingness to comply with all study-related procedures
Exclusion criteria
- Enrollment onto any other interventional investigational study except interventions determined by the PI not to confound study outcomes
- Any other current diagnosis of invasive cancer of any kind
- Distant metastatic malignancy of any kind
- Any other condition or intercurrent illness that, in the opinion of the investigator, makes the subject a poor candidate for study participation
Where
- Durate, California
- San Carlos, California
- Basking Ridge, New Jersey
- Middletown, New Jersey
- Montvale, New Jersey
- Commack, New York
- Harrison, New York
- New York, New York
- Uniondale, New York
Collaborators
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Aug 27, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations