Targeted physical activity for frail pancreatic cancer patients on neoadjuvant chemotherapy

Is this trial a fit for you?

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 evaluates a 36‑session, twice‑weekly targeted physical exercise program delivered to frail or pre‑frail adults with potentially resectable pancreatic cancer undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The goal is to determine feasibility and safety of the program and to generate preliminary estimates of changes in functional outcomes. The study uses a supervised, individualized approach to improve strength and functional performance through resistance-based activities, with assessments planned to inform the design of a larger future trial. Eligibility requires adults 18 and older with pancreatic cancer planning or receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy who meet predefined frailty criteria, and the ability to consent and complete assessments in English or Spanish. The lead sponsor is the University of Illinois Chicago, conducted at the University of Illinois Clinical Cancer Center in Chicago, IL.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age ≥18 years
2. Diagnosis of pancreatic cancer that is potentially resectable per the treating clinical team's assessment.
3. Planned to receive or actively receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy prior to surgery.
4. Frail or pre-frail as defined by the protocol-specified frailty assessment tool (e.g., Fried Frailty Phenotype; pre-frail = 1-2 criteria; frail =\> 3 criteria).
5. Able to provide written informed consent.
6. Medically appropriate to participate in supervised, symptom-limited exercise as determined by study screening and, if indicated, the treating clinician's input.
7. Able to complete study assessments and questionnaires in English or Spanish (using IRB- approved instruments/materials).

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Adults unable to consent.
2. Medical condition that, in the judgment of the investigator and/or treating clinician, makes exercise unsafe (e.g., unstable angina, uncontrolled arrhythmia, decompensated heart failure, uncontrolled severe pulmonary disease).
3. Any absolute contraindication to exercise participation/testing per institutional standards.
4. Severe symptoms or functional impairment that prevents safe participation despite program modification.
5. Inability to comply with the intervention schedule and study procedures despite reasonable scheduling accommodations.

Where it's running

• University of Illinois Clinical Cancer Center
  Chicago, Illinois, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Aslam Ejaz, MD
• Email: aejaz@uic.edu
• Phone: 312 996 6666

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.