Pulsed electromagnetic field therapy to preserve muscle in men on ADT
A Prospective Randomized Study to Investigate the Effect of Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy on Muscle Mass and Muscle Strength in Prostate Cancer Patients Treated With Androgen Deprivation Therapy
This program will test whether weekly pulsed electromagnetic field therapy applied to the thighs can increase muscle mass and strength in men with non‑metastatic prostate cancer who are receiving androgen deprivation therapy.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 110 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | Male |
| Sponsor | Chinese University of Hong Kong Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Shatin) |
| Trial ID | NCT07057375 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This randomized, parallel-group trial compares active pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy using the BIXEPS system to a sham treatment in men with non‑metastatic prostate cancer on androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). Participants receive one 10‑minute PEMF session per lower limb each week for 12 weeks, with limbs treated alternately. Outcomes include body composition and muscle function testing, patient questionnaires, and blood and urine measurements of inflammation and cytokines collected at baseline, week 5, and week 12. Safety and tolerability will also be monitored throughout the study.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Men aged 18 or older with histologically confirmed non‑metastatic prostate cancer who have been on ADT for 6 months to 3 years, are ambulatory (can walk 400 m), and plan to continue ADT for at least six more months are eligible.
Not a fit: People with distant metastatic disease, active radiotherapy, amputated lower limbs or other lower‑limb deformities, inability to walk 400 m, or those outside the specified ADT duration are unlikely to benefit from this intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If effective, this approach could help preserve or increase muscle mass and strength in men on ADT, potentially improving mobility and quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: Some preclinical and small clinical studies suggest PEMF can affect muscle and inflammation, but controlled evidence for reversing ADT‑related muscle loss is limited, making this application relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Adult patients with age greater than or equal to 18 years old. * Histologically documented PCa * No evidence of distant metastasis (M1 disease) * With ADT exposure from six months to three years * Expected to continue for at least six months * At least four weeks after radical prostatectomy or completed radiotherapy Exclusion Criteria: * Patients are still under active treatment, such as radiotherapy * Patients who are unable to walk for 400 m or undertake exercise that will affect the clinical assessment of muscle strength * Patients with amputated lower limbs or other body deformities that will affect the treatment protocol
Where this trial is running
Shatin
- Prince of Wales Hospital — Shatin, Hong Kong (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Chi Fai NG, MD — Chinese University of Hong Kong
- Study coordinator: Chi Fai NG, MD
- Email: ngcf@surgery.cuhk.edu.hk
- Phone: 3505 2625
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.