A Single Arm Feasibility Study of Exercise for Improving Long-course Chemoradiotherapy Efficacy in People With Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the feasibility of an exercise program to improve the effectiveness of long-course neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (NACRT) in people with locally advanced rectal cancer. This early phase study plans to recruit up to 30 patients diagnosed at Castle Hill Hospital to participate in structured aerobic and resistance exercises alongside their cancer treatment. The goal is to assess whether patients can safely complete the exercise regimen and to gather initial data on quality of life and treatment response. Participants will undergo an 11-week exercise program including twice-weekly supervised vigorous aerobic interval training on a cycle ergometer and twice-weekly unsupervised resistance training at home. This exercise starts 2 weeks before NACRT, continues through the 5-week chemoradiotherapy, and extends for 4 weeks after treatment. The aerobic sessions include warm-up, interval bouts at 70-80% heart rate reserve, active rest, and cooldown, all supervised by trained staff. During the study, participants will have assessments before starting exercise, after completing the 11-week program, and again 6 months after beginning NACRT. These assessments include physical measures like BMI, questionnaires on quality of life, wearing an accelerometer to track activity, and heart rate monitoring. Researchers will also collect clinical data on tumor response and treatment outcomes. Participant feedback will be gathered through interviews to evaluate satisfaction and acceptability of the exercise program. Total participation lasts up to 7 months.

Exercise for Improving Long-course Chemoradiotherapy Efficacy in People With Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer