NCT06040125 · Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Debunking the Frailty-sarcopenIa-ADT Axis in mEtastatic Prostate canceR With multiComponent Exercise: The FIERCE Trial
What this study is about
The purpose of this study is to determine whether a 16-week supervised, clinic-based circuit training intervention utilizing resistance and functional exercises and self-directed aerobic exercise will improve frailty and sarcopenic status and disease progression outcomes among pre-frail/frail metastatic prostate cancer patients receiving androgen deprivation therapy (ADT).
View original scientific description
The purpose of this study is to determine whether a 16-week supervised, clinic-based circuit training intervention utilizing resistance and functional exercises and self-directed aerobic exercise will improve frailty and sarcopenic status and disease progression outcomes among pre-frail/frail metastatic prostate cancer patients receiving androgen deprivation therapy (ADT).
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
- Ability to understand and the willingness to sign informed consent prior to any study-related procedures.
- Diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer.
- Aged ≥18 years; due to the rarity of the disease in those \<18 years, this age bracket will not be included.
- Have been receiving androgen deprivation (either with or without androgen receptor targeted treatment) for at least one month and expect to remain on their treatment for at least 4 months.
- Are pre-frail or frail as indicated by the FRAIL scale (a score of 1-2 = pre-frail; 3-5 = frail).
- Have physician's clearance to participate in exercise.
- Speak English.
- Participate in less than 2 structured resistance exercise sessions per week over the last 4 months.
- Participate in less than or equal to 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous aerobic exercise per week over the last month.
- Willing to travel to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute for necessary data collection and exercise sessions.
Exclusion criteria
- Receiving chemotherapy. This study is exclusively targeting androgen deprivation therapy-related effects.
- Have unstable bone lesions. In general patients with severely symptomatic/unstable bone lesions due to bone metastases are at a higher risk of fractures.
- Complete 2 or more structured resistance exercise sessions per week over the last 4 months and participate in more than 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous aerobic exercise per week over the last month. Excess additional exercise is a confounding factor in assessing the effect of the current exercise program.
- Unstable comorbidities that prevent participation in moderate-to-vigorous intensity exercise. Patients with unstable comorbidities likely require supervised exercise for safety, and part of this study involves unsupervised exercise; therefore, for safety reasons, these persons are excluded.
- Patients receiving treatment for other active malignancies (except basal cell carcinoma). This study is exclusively targeting androgen deprivation therapy-related effects.
- Subjects who in the opinion of the investigators may not be able to comply with the safety monitoring requirements of the study.
Where
- Boston, Massachusetts
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 Mar 11, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations