Effects of combined exercise on quality of life for colorectal cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy

Effects of Exercise Training on Health-related Quality of Life in Patients With Unresectable Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: A Multi-center Randomized Controlled Trial

Not applicable Interventional Rigshospitalet, Denmark · NCT06938971

This study tests if an 18-week exercise program can improve the quality of life for colorectal cancer patients who are receiving chemotherapy.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment150 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorRigshospitalet, Denmark Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy
Locations4 sites (Copenhagen and 3 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06938971 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This trial aims to evaluate the impact of an 18-week structured exercise program on the health-related quality of life of patients with unresectable metastatic colorectal cancer undergoing first-line chemotherapy. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the exercise intervention group or a control group. The study focuses on assessing how physical activity can improve overall well-being during cancer treatment. The exercise regimen includes both resistance and aerobic training tailored to the patients' capabilities.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older scheduled for chemotherapy for unresectable metastatic colorectal cancer.

Not a fit: Patients who are pregnant, have a life expectancy of less than six months, or have contraindications to exercise will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance the quality of life for patients undergoing chemotherapy for metastatic colorectal cancer.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown positive outcomes with exercise interventions in cancer patients, suggesting this approach may be beneficial.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria:

\- Adults (≥18 years of age) schduled to undergo first-line chemotherapy for the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer.

Exclusion criteria :

* Pregnancy.
* A life expectancy of \< 6 months.
* Absolute contraindications to maximal exercise, as per the recommendations by the Danish Society of Cardiology.
* ECOG (Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group) performance status \> 2.
* Inability to understand the Danish or English language.
* Engagement in structured moderate-to-high aerobic exercise training for \>30 min \>1 times/week for the past 3 months at the time of inclusion.

Where this trial is running

Copenhagen and 3 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Metastatic Colorectal CancerExercisePhysical activityMetastatic colorectal cancerColorectal cancerEndurance trainingOncologyChemotherapy
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 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.