Impact of protein intake on muscle mass and quality of life during and after radiotherapy

Influence of Protein Intake on Muscle Mass and Health-related Quality of Life During and After Radiotherapy in Patients With Various Tumor Diseases

Observational Charite University, Berlin, Germany · NCT06480266

This study looks at how eating enough protein can help cancer patients keep their muscle mass and improve their quality of life during and after radiotherapy.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment175 (estimated)
Ages45 Years to 75 Years
SexAll
SponsorCharite University, Berlin, Germany Academic / other
Drugs / interventionsradiation
Locations1 site (Berlin, State of Berlin)
Trial IDNCT06480266 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study investigates how protein intake affects muscle mass and health-related quality of life in cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy. It aims to assess the nutritional intake of patients before and after treatment, focusing on energy and protein consumption as well as the timing of protein intake. The study will explore the relationship between protein intake timing and muscle mass, addressing the high prevalence of malnutrition among cancer patients and the need for effective nutritional interventions.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are cancer patients aged 45 and older who are scheduled to undergo radio(chemo)therapy with at least 10 treatment sessions.

Not a fit: Patients with a BMI below 18.5 or those currently participating in other interventional studies may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance nutritional strategies to improve muscle mass and quality of life for cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have highlighted the importance of nutritional interventions in cancer care, suggesting that this approach is supported by existing literature.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Capacity to consent
* At least 45 years of age
* Sufficient knowledge of the German language
* Indication to undergo radio(chemo)therapy with at least 10 fractions

Exclusion Criteria:

* Participation in other interventional studies
* Pregnancy/breastfeeding
* Previous intake of high-calorie supplementary food or intravenous nutrition
* BMI \< 18.5
* When performing the bioimpedance measurement: patients with pacemakers, defibrillators and other implanted automatic devices

Where this trial is running

Berlin, State of Berlin

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 MalnutritionCachexiaCancerRadiotherapyNutritionSarcopeniaInflammationMicrobiome
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 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.