Omega-3 supplements plus progressive resistance training for cancer-related muscle loss
Official title: SUPPORT-Study = Effects of a Dietary SUPPlementation With Omega3-fatty Acids/ Fish Oil and Progressive Resistence Training on Skeletal Muscle Status in Gynaecological, Gastrointestinal, and Urological Cancer Patients
Run by University of Erlangen-Nürnberg Medical School · NCT07643558 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether fish oil and a structured resistance-training program can help improve muscle status in adults with various cancers who are receiving treatment.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 288 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Erlangen-Nürnberg Medical School Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Erlangen, Bavaria) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | January 1, 2026 |
| Main results expected | October 2028 |
| Study ends | October 2029 |
| Registry record updated | June 11, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07643558 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults 18 years or older with malignant tumors undergoing curative or palliative treatment, across specified cancer types, and with ECOG 0-2.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with bone metastases at high fracture risk, severe cardiovascular disease, pregnancy, or those already taking fish oil supplements may not benefit or may be excluded.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This interventional study examines the combined use of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation and progressive resistance training to support skeletal muscle in cancer patients undergoing treatment. Participants will receive omega-3 capsules and engage in a time-efficient resistance exercise program for 12 weeks, compared with a corn oil placebo. The trial targets adults with breast, ovarian, esophageal, pancreatic, gastric, colon, rectal, or prostate cancer and excludes those with high fracture risk, pregnancy, or recent exercise/nutrition study participation. Outcomes of interest include muscle mass and function, tolerability of cancer therapies, and quality of life, with a focus on practical integration into daily care. The study is conducted at the Hector-Center for Nutrition, Exercise and Sports in Erlangen, Germany, led by the University of Erlangen-Nürnberg Medical School.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, participants may experience better muscle mass and function, which could improve treatment tolerance and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Prior nutrition and exercise approaches in cancer cachexia show promising effects on muscle but combined omega-3 and resistance training in this broad cancer population is a relatively novel approach.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients with malignant tumors undergoing curative or palliative treatment, including breast, ovarian, esophageal, pancreatic, gastric, colon, rectal, and prostate cancer, across all UICC stages * Women and men aged 18 years or older * ECOG performance status 0-2 Exclusion Criteria: * Patients younger than 18 years * Bone metastases or skeletal involvement associated with a high risk of fracture * Pregnant or breastfeeding women * Patients with psychiatric disorders that raise concerns regarding decision-making capacity or ability to provide informed consent * Participation in other exercise and/or nutritional intervention studies within the previous 3 months * Current use of fish oil supplements * Severe cardiovascular disease, NYHA class IV
Where it's running
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Hector-Center for Nutrition, Exercise and Sports
Erlangen, Bavaria, Germany Recruiting
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.