Exploring how exercise affects cancer recurrence

Phase 1a/b Trial of Exercise as Interception Therapy for Primary High-Risk Cancer

Not applicable Interventional Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center · NCT04589468

This study is testing how different levels of aerobic exercise can help reduce the chances of cancer coming back in people who have been treated for breast, prostate, or colorectal cancer.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment70 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy
Locations8 sites (San Carlos, California and 7 other locations)
Trial IDNCT04589468 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the impact of aerobic exercise on cancer recurrence by measuring levels of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in patients previously treated for breast, prostate, or colorectal cancer. Researchers aim to determine the optimal level of exercise that is safe and effective in reducing ctDNA levels, which may indicate a lower risk of cancer returning. Participants will engage in varying intensities of exercise over a specified duration to identify the most beneficial regimen. The findings could lead to new recommendations for post-treatment care in cancer survivors.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older who have been treated for high-risk breast, prostate, or colorectal cancer and are currently non-exercising.

Not a fit: Patients with advanced cancer or those who are already engaging in regular exercise may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a new non-invasive strategy to reduce cancer recurrence risk through exercise.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results in the role of exercise in cancer recovery, suggesting this approach has potential.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Postsurgical diagnosis of patients with primary solid tumors at high-risk of relapse as defined by one of the following:

  ° High-risk primary solid tumor (e.g., colorectal, ovarian, non-small cell lung cancer) (colorectal cancer only for Phase 1a)
* Stage 3 or
* ctDNA positive

  ° High-risk breast cancer
* Residual invasive disease in the breast or the lymph nodes following completion of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT),
* Estrogen receptor (ER), and/or progesterone receptor (PR) positive and HER2 negative,
* CPS-EG score ≥ 3,
* CPS-EG score ≥2 w ith ypN+, or
* Recurrence score ≥ 25
* No evidence of disease
* Age ≥ 18
* Interval of ≥ 1 month but ≤ 2 years following completion of all definitive adjuvant therapy
* Non-exercising (i.e., \< 30 minutes of moderate and \< 20 mins of vigorous exercise/wk), as assessed by remote activity and heart rate tracking for a 7-day period prior to study entry)

  ° If ≥ 30 minutes but less than 45 minutes of moderate exercise/week, or if ≥ 20 minutes but less than 30 minutes of vigorous exercise/week, patients may be eligible, at the discretion of the PI.
* Cleared for exercise participation as per screening clearance via PAR-Q+
* Willingness to comply with all study-related procedures

Exclusion Criteria:

* Enrollment onto any other interventional investigational study except interventions determined by the PI not to confound study outcomes
* Any other current diagnosis of invasive cancer of any kind
* Distant metastatic malignancy of any kind
* 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

San Carlos, California 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 Breast CancerProstate CancerColorectal CancerStage I Breast CancerStage II Breast CancerStage III Breast CancerStage I Prostate CancerStage II Prostate Cancer
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.