Exercise program to help cancer patients during chemotherapy

Exercise as a Preventive Agent to Combat Immobility in Patients With Ovarian or Endometrial Cancers Receiving Chemotherapy

NA · Dana-Farber Cancer Institute · NCT04997096

This study tests if a 16-week online exercise program can help women with ovarian or endometrial cancer feel better during their first round of chemotherapy.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexFemale
SponsorDana-Farber Cancer Institute (other)
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy
Locations1 site (Boston, Massachusetts)
Trial IDNCT04997096 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This research evaluates the feasibility of a 16-week virtually supervised aerobic and resistance exercise program for patients with ovarian or endometrial cancer undergoing first-line chemotherapy. The study compares an exercise group to a control group to assess improvements in lower extremity function, chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN), and inflammatory blood markers. Participants will engage in home-based exercise sessions via Zoom, while the control group will perform stretching exercises. The study aims to enroll approximately 30 participants.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are newly diagnosed adults with stages III-IV ovarian or endometrial cancer receiving first-line chemotherapy.

Not a fit: Patients with pre-existing musculoskeletal, neurological, or cardiorespiratory conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this program could enhance physical function and reduce side effects for patients undergoing chemotherapy.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown positive outcomes with exercise interventions in cancer patients, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Newly diagnosed patients with stages III-IV ovarian or endometrial cancer
* Receiving first-line carboplatin and paclitaxel chemotherapy after surgery
* ≥18 years, children under the age of 18 will be excluded due to rarity of disease
* Physician's clearance to participate in moderate-vigorous intensity exercise
* Able to read, write, and understand English
* Ability to understand and the willingness to sign an informed consent document
* Willing to undergo two venous blood draws for the study

Exclusion Criteria:

* Pre-existing musculoskeletal, neurological, or cardiorespiratory conditions, as determined by the treating oncologist
* Participants with uncontrolled intercurrent illness, as determined by the treating oncologist
* Participants with psychiatric illness/social situations that would limit compliance with study requirements, as determined by the treating oncologist
* Participants who have received prior chemotherapy for cancer treatment (e.g. taxanes for breast cancer)

Where this trial is running

Boston, Massachusetts

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Ovarian Cancer, Ovarian Carcinoma, Ovarian Cancer Stage IV, Ovarian Cancer Stage III, Ovarian Cancer Stage 3, Endometrial Cancer, Endometrial Cancer Stage, Aerobic Exercise

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.