Mindfulness and exercise program for bladder cancer surgery patients

Pre-Habilitation with Mindfulness and Exercise for Patients Undergoing Radical Cystectomy (PRIMER Trial)

Not applicable Interventional University of Virginia · NCT05790850

This study is testing a home program that combines exercise and mindfulness to help bladder cancer patients feel better and prepare for their surgery.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 90 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Virginia Academic / other
Locations1 site (Charlottesville, Virginia)
Trial IDNCT05790850 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

The PRIMER trial aims to evaluate the feasibility of a home-based pre-operative program that combines physical exercise and mindfulness meditation for patients scheduled to undergo radical cystectomy due to bladder cancer. This pilot study focuses on improving both the physical and psychological conditioning of patients before surgery. Participants will engage in structured exercise routines and mindfulness practices to enhance their overall well-being and readiness for the surgical procedure.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 18 and older with specific types of bladder cancer who are deemed good surgical candidates.

Not a fit: Patients with contraindications to high-intensity exercise or those not fluent in English or Spanish may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this program could lead to improved recovery outcomes and quality of life for patients undergoing radical cystectomy.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with pre-habilitation approaches combining exercise and mindfulness, suggesting potential for success in this trial.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Provision of signed and dated informed consent form
* Stated willingness to comply with all study procedures and availability for the duration of the study
* Male or female, aged ≥18 years of age
* Good surgical candidate determined by treating surgeon
* Histologically documented muscle invasive urothelial carcinoma of the bladder, high-risk non-muscle invasive bladder cancer, non-muscle invasive bladder cancer refractory to BCG, cisplatin ineligible muscle invasive bladder cancer receiving upfront cystectomy, urothelial carcinoma of the bladder with variant histology
* Adequate Organ Function per protocol definition
* ECOG performance status ≤2
* Received medical clearance to complete cardiopulmonary exercise testing
* Willing to use the personal or study provided devices for monitoring and performing the exercise routines.
* Fluent in English or Spanish for the EORTC QLQ questionnaire
* No known contraindications to high intensity exercise

Exclusion Criteria:

* Contraindications to participating in aerobic exercise
* Currently participating in an aerobic exercise program
* New onset chest pain nor dyspnea with exertion
* Histologically documented micropapillary or sarcomatoid bladder cancer
* Distant metastatic carcinoma

Where this trial is running

Charlottesville, Virginia

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 Bladder CancerNon-muscle-invasive Bladder CancerMuscle-Invasive Bladder CarcinomaMindfulnessMeditationPhysical ExercisePre-habilitation
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.