Exercise to enhance chemoradiotherapy effectiveness in advanced rectal cancer patients

A Single Arm Feasibility Study of Exercise for Improving Long-course Chemoradiotherapy Efficacy in People With Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer

Early Phase 1 Interventional University of Hull · NCT06276686

This study is testing if an 11-week exercise program can help people with advanced rectal cancer get better results from their chemoradiotherapy treatment.

Quick facts

PhaseEarly Phase 1
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Hull Academic / other
Locations1 site (Cottingham, East Yorkshire)
Trial IDNCT06276686 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This feasibility study involves a single arm approach where patients diagnosed with locally advanced rectal cancer will participate in an 11-week structured exercise program consisting of vigorous intensity aerobic interval exercise and resistance training. The program is designed to be implemented before, during, and after their neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy treatment. A total of 30 patients will be recruited from Castle Hill Hospital, and their progress will be monitored over a 6-month follow-up period post-treatment. The study aims to assess the impact of exercise on the efficacy of chemoradiotherapy in this patient population.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older diagnosed with locally advanced rectal cancer who are scheduled to receive long-course neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy.

Not a fit: Patients with severe psychiatric disorders, metastatic cancer, or significant movement deficiencies may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could improve treatment outcomes for patients undergoing chemoradiotherapy for locally advanced rectal cancer.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific combination of exercise and chemoradiotherapy in this context is novel, similar studies have shown positive outcomes with exercise interventions in cancer treatment.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* 18 years or older
* Have been diagnosed with locally advanced rectal cancer using MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) and histological finding
* Have been offered long-course neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy in the Queens Centre, Castle Hill Hospital
* Willing and able to comply with all study requirements
* Able and willing to voluntarily give informed consent to take part.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Inability to understand basic written and spoken English, as research materials will all be written in English.
* Any movement deficiencies limiting ability to engage in exercise.
* Impaired cognition and/or capacity limiting ability to provide informed consent.
* Cardiovascular and/or cardiopulmonary conditions that will impede ability to safely perform exercise.
* Severe psychiatric disorders.
* With any other health condition which oncologists and research team agrees will impede ability to safely perform exercises.
* Presence of metastatic cancer.

Where this trial is running

Cottingham, East Yorkshire

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 Locally Advanced Rectal CarcinomaExercisechemoradiotherapyTreatment efficacyLocally advanced rectal cancerVigorous intensity aerobic interval exercise
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.