Identifying Molecular Factors Contributing to Cancer-associated Muscle Mass Loss and Providing Clinical Evidence for Exercise Mechanisms to Functionally Restore Muscle in Cancer

What this Trial Is About

Muscle mass loss is a common and serious problem in people with cancer, especially in those with metastatic lung cancer. This condition, called cancer cachexia, involves involuntary weight loss and affects up to 80% of such patients. Researchers are investigating the molecular causes of muscle and fat loss, hormone sensitivity, and the role of exercise in potentially restoring muscle function and improving quality of life for both patients and their caregivers. The study aims to fill important gaps in knowledge about cancer cachexia and its impact on health and survival. The study includes three parts: first, examining hormone sensitivity and physical performance in patients with lung cancer undergoing their first type of cancer treatment; second, analyzing changes in muscle, fat, and blood samples to understand disease progression; and third, testing an exercise program involving supervised single-leg kicking training for 8 weeks to see if it can improve muscle signaling and function. Control subjects matched for age, weight, gender, and activity level will also participate in the exercise intervention. Participants will undergo assessments including muscle mass and disease outcome measurements after 12 weeks, insulin sensitivity testing at 8 weeks, and surveys on quality of life. Muscle and tissue samples will be collected to study molecular changes. The study will monitor physical function, hormone sensitivity, and patient-reported outcomes to understand the effects of cancer and exercise over time. Total participation duration varies with study parts but includes multiple visits for testing and training sessions.

Cancer-associated Muscle Mass - Molecular Factors and Exercise Mechanisms