Effects of exercise on side effects from gastrointestinal cancer treatment

Dose-response of Aerobic Training During Chemotherapy for Gastrointestinal Cancers

Phase 2 Interventional Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center · NCT05789485

This study is testing whether a safe amount of treadmill walking can help people undergoing treatment for gastrointestinal cancer feel better and manage side effects.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 2
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment216 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy
Locations8 sites (Hartford, Connecticut and 7 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05789485 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to determine the practical and safe levels of aerobic exercise that can positively impact patients undergoing treatment for gastrointestinal cancers. It will assess how structured treadmill walking influences the side effects of therapy and the body's response to exercise. The research will also evaluate treatment adherence, including the highest doses received and the need for additional medications to manage side effects. Participants will be closely monitored to ensure compliance with study procedures and exercise safety.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older diagnosed with locally advanced colorectal or esophago/gastric solid tumors who are scheduled to receive neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

Not a fit: Patients with distant metastatic malignancies or those receiving treatment for other invasive cancers may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could help reduce the side effects of cancer treatment, improving the quality of life for patients.

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

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Aged ≥18 years
* Diagnosed with colorectal or esophago/gastric solid tumors as defined by one of the following:

  * Histological confirmation
  * As per standard of care imaging
* Scheduled to receive neoadjuvant chemotherapy or chemotherapy for newly diagnosed metastatic disease
* Performing ≤90 minutes of structured moderate-intensity or strenuous-intensity exercise per week, as evaluated by self-report
* Willingness to comply with all study-related procedures
* Cleared for exercise participation as per screening clearance via the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire

Exclusion Criteria:

* Enrollment onto any other lifestyle interventional investigational study, except interventions determined by the PI not to confound study outcomes
* Receiving treatment for any other diagnosis of invasive cancer
* Mental impairment leading to inability to cooperate
* Any other condition or intercurrent illness that, in the opinion of the investigator, makes the subject a poor candidate for study participation

Where this trial is running

Hartford, Connecticut and 7 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 Gastrointestinal CancerExercise22-164
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.