Using exercise to help cancer survivors maintain their daily activities and prevent disability
Official title: Distance-based Exercise to preserve Function and prevENt Disability (DEFEND)
Funded at Dana-Farber Cancer Inst · NIH-10974795 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is all about helping cancer survivors feel stronger and better after treatment by creating easy-to-follow exercise programs, especially for those who might face extra challenges, like people from different backgrounds or those living in rural areas.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Dana-Farber Cancer Inst NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 18, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $294,787 |
| NIH project number | 1U34CA293568-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10974795 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include cancer survivors, especially those from vulnerable populations facing challenges in daily activities due to treatment side effects.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are currently not undergoing cancer treatment or those without a history of cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on helping cancer survivors improve their physical function and reduce the negative effects of cancer treatments through exercise. It aims to develop effective exercise programs that are accessible to all survivors, particularly those from vulnerable populations such as racial and ethnic minorities and individuals in rural areas. The study will identify patients at risk of losing their ability to perform daily activities and will explore ways to enroll and retain a diverse group of participants in exercise interventions during chemotherapy. By addressing these challenges, the research seeks to enhance the quality of life for cancer survivors.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the physical well-being and daily functioning of cancer survivors.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that exercise can effectively improve the quality of life for cancer survivors, indicating a promising approach in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
Dana-Farber Cancer Inst
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ligibel, Jennifer a. — Dana-Farber Cancer Inst
- Study coordinator: Ligibel, Jennifer a.
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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.