Exercise, biological age, and chemotherapy side effects in colon cancer
Characterizing the Risk of Chemotherapy Side Effects Based on Epigenetic Age and Modification by Resistance Training Intervention
This project looks at whether strength (resistance) training can lower chemotherapy side effects for people with colon cancer who show signs of faster biological aging on DNA-based blood tests.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Hawaii at Manoa NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Honolulu, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11170445 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would have blood and some tumor tissue tested for DNA methylation 'epigenetic clocks' that estimate biological aging while your care team tracks chemotherapy side effects, dose reductions, and delays. Some participants will join a supervised resistance-training program to build lean mass while others receive standard care, and the team will compare changes in epigenetic age and treatment toxicities over time. Researchers will also examine whether epigenetic age in blood and tumor links to tumor molecular subtype and prognosis. Visits and exercise sessions are expected to take place at the University of Hawaii site.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with newly diagnosed colon cancer who are receiving adjuvant chemotherapy and are medically able to perform resistance exercise are the best candidates.
Not a fit: People not receiving chemotherapy, or those who are too frail or have medical contraindications to resistance training, are unlikely to benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could help personalize exercise plans to reduce chemo toxicity and preserve strength and function for colon cancer patients.
How similar studies have performed: Resistance training has improved muscle mass and function in cancer patients, but using epigenetic 'age' measures to predict chemo toxicities and track intervention effects is a newer approach with limited clinical validation so far.
Where this research is happening
Honolulu, United States
- University of Hawaii at Manoa — Honolulu, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Binder, Alexandra Margaret Lynn — University of Hawaii at Manoa
- Study coordinator: Binder, Alexandra Margaret Lynn
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.