Adaptive aerobic exercise during colon cancer chemotherapy

Adaptive Randomization of Aerobic Exercise During Chemotherapy in Colon Cancer

NIH-funded research Adventhealth Orlando · NIH-11350996

This program uses tailored aerobic exercise during chemotherapy to help people with stage II–III colon cancer complete their chemo doses and reduce side effects.

Quick facts

Grant typeU01 cooperative agreement
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionAdventhealth Orlando NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Orlando, United States)
Project IDNIH-11350996 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

If you join, you'll be one of about 219 people with stage II–III colon cancer receiving chemotherapy across three regions. The first 80 participants are equally assigned to one of four different weekly aerobic exercise doses (from 75 to 300 minutes) or a stretching control, and after that the study adapts to assign more people to the exercise doses that look most promising. The exercise plan is adjusted around chemotherapy cycles so some weeks are easier and some are more active to match how you feel. Researchers will track chemo dose delivered on time, patient-reported side effects, body composition, and immune markers to see which exercise approach works best.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults with stage II–III colon cancer who are receiving chemotherapy and who can safely do aerobic exercise.

Not a fit: People who cannot safely perform aerobic activity, have metastatic disease, or are not receiving chemotherapy are unlikely to benefit from this program.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could help more patients finish planned chemotherapy on schedule with fewer toxic side effects.

How similar studies have performed: Previous exercise trials in cancer have improved fitness and symptoms, but using adaptive, dose-ranging aerobic programs specifically to preserve chemotherapy dose intensity is a novel approach.

Where this research is happening

Orlando, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.