Exercise versus calorie restriction: effects on tumor and muscle protein synthesis in prostate cancer
The Impact of Physical Activity Versus Dietary Energy Restriction on Prostate Tumour and Muscle Tissue Protein Synthesis in Vivo in Prostate Cancer Patients
This study will test whether daily exercise or cutting calories better changes tumor and muscle protein synthesis in men with early-stage prostate cancer who are scheduled for prostatectomy.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 45 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | Male |
| Sponsor | Maastricht University Medical Center Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Hasselt) |
| Trial ID | NCT06406803 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Men with stage I–III prostate cancer scheduled for prostatectomy will be assigned to a daily exercise program or to a period of dietary energy restriction (30–50% reduction) before surgery. Researchers will measure tumor and skeletal muscle protein synthesis rates, body composition, muscle strength, and circulating biomarkers such as IGF‑1 using tissue samples collected at surgery and standard clinical tests. The goal is to compare how an exercise-induced energy deficit versus a calorie-restriction-induced deficit affects tumor growth signals and preservation of muscle. Patients receiving pre-operative systemic therapy or those already highly active are excluded to isolate intervention effects.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Men with stage I–III prostate cancer who are scheduled for prostatectomy, have a BMI of 18.5–35 kg/m2, and can safely perform the exercise program.
Not a fit: Patients receiving pre-operative chemotherapy, hormonal, or radiation therapy, those physically unable to exercise, or those already exercising >300 minutes per week are unlikely to receive benefit from these interventions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could identify a lifestyle strategy that slows tumor protein synthesis while limiting muscle loss, potentially improving surgical outcomes and recovery.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical rodent studies show dietary energy restriction can slow tumor growth, but direct human comparisons of exercise versus calorie restriction on tumor and muscle protein synthesis are limited and relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Diagnosed with prostate cancer (Stages I-III) * Scheduled to undergo a prostatectomy * BMI between 18.5-35 kg/m2 Exclusion Criteria: * Receiving pre-operative chemo, hormonal, radio therapy * Physically unable to perform the exercise program * Performing \>300 min of moderate-vigorous physical activity per week (e.g., running, road cycling, swimming).
Where this trial is running
Hasselt
- Jessa Ziekenhuis — Hasselt, Belgium (Recruiting)
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.