NCT01365169 · M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
Association Between Health Care Provider (HCP)-Assessed ECOG Performance Status (PS) and Overall Survival, and Objectively Measure of Physical Activity (PA) Levels in Advance-cancer Patients"
What this study is about
The main goal of this phase of the study is to determine if objectively assessed Physical Activity (PA) levels in advanced-cancer patients are associated with health care provider (HCP)-assessed ECOG performance status and how long patients live.
View original scientific description
The main goal of this phase of the study is to determine if objectively assessed Physical Activity (PA) levels in advanced-cancer patients are associated with health care provider (HCP)-assessed ECOG performance status and overall survival. The purpose is to advance the evidence-base for incorporating objective assessment of Physical Activity (PA) in the context of performance status assessment in advanced cancer patients.
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
- Diagnosis of any stage I - IV colorectal cancer or recurrent colorectal cancer (Arm 1)
- Able to speak, read, and write in English (Pre-pilot phase, Arms 1-4)
- Able to provide informed consent (Pre-pilot phase, Arms 1-4, PCS study)
- Lives in the Houston area (Harris county or a contiguous county) (Pre-pilot phase)
- Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) status of 0 - 2, or self-reports being up and about more than 50% of waking hours and able to provide self-care (Arm 1)
- Diagnosis of any of the following cancers: stage 1-4b oropharyngeal, hypopharyngeal, nasopharyngeal, salivary gland or oral cavity; stage 3-4b laryngeal; any unknown primary head and neck cancer with cervical metastasis that will be addressed with treatment to bilateral necks and mucosa; or other head and neck cancers medically approved by one of our Radiation Oncology collaborating medical doctors (MDs) (Arms 2 and 3)
- History of any cancer, other than non-melanoma skin cancer (Arm 4)
- Admitted to being a current smoker or recent quitter upon admission to MD Anderson Cancer Center (MDACC) (Arm 4)
- Has a valid home address and functioning home telephone number (Arm 4)
- Lives in the Houston or surrounding area, or resides in this same area during the time period that coincides with this study (Arms 1-4)
- Patients who will undergo curative pancreatectomy for pancreatic adenocarcinoma, pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors, or pancreatic cysts (malignant or benign) (PCS study)
- Fluent in English (PCS study)
- Must have telephone access and agree to engage with research personnel using telephone (PCS study)
- Diagnosis of a metastatic or locally unresectable solid tumor (TAPS study)
- Fluent in English (TAPS study)
- Age 18 years or older (TAPS study)
- ECOG performance status score between 0-3 (TAPS study)
Exclusion criteria
- Major surgery in the past 8 weeks (Arms 1 and 4)
- Self-reports hypertension that is not being monitored by a physician and is not being managed with either medication, observation, or lifestyle change (Pre-pilot phase, Arms 1-3)
- Overt cognitive difficulty demonstrated by not being clearly oriented to time or person or place (Arms 1-4)
- Orthopedic, neurologic, or musculoskeletal disability that would interfere with the functional task of standing on a weight scale (Pre-pilot phase, Arm 2)
- Not currently receiving radiation treatment for a cancer listed in the arm-specific inclusion criteria (Arms 2 and 3)
- Zubrod performance status \> 2, or self-reports either not being up and about more than 50% of waking hours or unable to provide self-care (Arms 2 and 3)
- Currently receiving treatment for a cancer other than those listed in the arm-specific inclusion criteria (exception: the study does not exclude those receiving treatment for non-melanoma skin cancer) (Arms 2 and 3)
- History of current oropharyngeal dysphagia unrelated to cancer diagnosis (e.g. dysphagia due to underlying neurogenic disorder) (Arm 3 only)
- Active substance use disorder (diagnosed or strongly suspected) (Arm 4)
- Currently enrolled in protocol 2014-0712 (PCS study)
- No home access to internet (PCS study)
- No home WiFi connection (PCS study)
- During clinician's pre-surgical evaluation, presents with high risk for non-therapeutic resection related to cancer diagnosis (PCS study)
- Underlying unstable cardiac or pulmonary disease or symptomatic cardiac disease (New York Heart Association functional class III or IV) (PCS study)
- Recent fracture or acute musculoskeletal injury that precludes the ability to fully bear weight on all 4 limbs in order to participate in an exercise intervention (PCS study)
- Poorly-controlled pain with a self-reported pain score of 7/10 at the time of enrollment (PCS study)
- Myopathic or rheumatologic disease that impacts physical function (PCS study)
- Has a pacemaker or other internal medical device, or reports being pregnant (PCS study)
- Currently enrolled in protocol 2017-0198 (PCS study)
- Demonstration of overt cognitive difficulty as demonstrated by not being clearly oriented to time or person or place (TAPS study)
Where
- Houston, Texas
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 Jan 7, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations