Active not recruitingPHASE2INTERVENTIONAL

Acute Immunological Effects of Exercise in Cancer Patients

This research aims to understand how a single burst of high-intensity exercise affects the body's defence system (immune system) in young people who are currently having cancer treatment. We will compare their immune response to that of healthy individuals of a similar age. The goal is to see if this type of exercise can trigger a positive immune reaction. This study could help us learn more about how exercise might support people with cancer and improve their well-being, potentially influencing future recommendations for physical activity during treatment.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Phase

PHASE2

Sponsor

Universität Duisburg-Essen

Enrolment target

Start

19 Dec 2022

Estimated completion

01 Aug 2026

Cancer

What is this study about?

This study is looking at how a specific type of exercise, called high-intensity interval training (often shortened to HIIT), affects the body's immune system. Think of your immune system as your body's army, always working to protect you from infections and illnesses. We want to see if doing one session of this intense exercise changes how this 'army' behaves in young people who are currently receiving chemotherapy for cancer.

The researchers will compare the immune system's response in these young cancer patients with healthy individuals of the same age. By doing this, they hope to understand if exercise can give the immune system a boost, even during cancer treatment. Understanding these effects could be really important because it might help us find ways to support people with cancer during their treatment and potentially improve how their body fights the disease.

Ultimately, the findings from this study could help doctors and healthcare professionals give better advice about physical activity to young people undergoing cancer treatment. It's about finding safe and effective ways to help the body stay strong and respond well during what can be a very challenging time.

Key takeaways

Looks at how a single intense exercise session affects the immune system.
Compares young cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy with healthy individuals.
Aims to understand if exercise can positively influence the body's defences.
Could help develop better exercise advice for young people with cancer.
Only involves one exercise session and blood tests.
Participation will not affect your cancer treatment.

Who may be eligible?

This study is for young people aged 15 and older who are currently receiving chemotherapy for cancer. You would also need to be able to understand the study information and agree to take part.

There are some reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you have another health issue that means you shouldn't do intense exercise on a stationary bike, or if you've had chemotherapy in the last 48 hours. Also, if your blood tests show very low levels of certain cells (specifically, if your haemoglobin is less than 8g/dl or your platelets are less than 20,000/ul), you wouldn't be able to take part for safety reasons.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 15 years old or older?
Are you currently having chemotherapy for cancer?
Can you understand the study information and agree to take part?
Do you have any medical reasons that prevent you from doing intense exercise on a bike?
Have you had chemotherapy in the last 48 hours?
Are your recent blood tests showing very low levels of haemoglobin or platelets?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you would attend one session where you will do a single period of high-intensity interval exercise on a stationary bike. Before and after this exercise, the research team will take blood samples to check how your immune system has responded. They will also ask you to follow some simple instructions during the tests. The total time for your involvement in the study will be very short, focused around this single exercise session and the related assessments.

Potential risks and benefits

There are no direct benefits to you from taking part in this specific study, but the information we learn could help other cancer patients in the future. As with any exercise, there's a small risk of feeling tired or having muscle soreness. Blood tests involve small needles, which can cause a little discomfort or bruising. You can choose to stop taking part in the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

University Hospital Essen
Verified postcode
Essen, Germany

Common questions

What is high-intensity interval training (HIIT)?

HIIT involves short bursts of intense exercise followed by brief recovery periods. In this study, it will be done on a stationary bike.

Will I have to exercise often?

No, you will only do one single session of exercise as part of this study.

Why are blood tests needed?

Blood tests help the researchers see how your immune system changes before and after you exercise.

Will this study affect my cancer treatment?

No, participation in this study will not affect your ongoing cancer treatment.

Who can take part in this study?

Young people aged 15 and over who are currently having chemotherapy for cancer, and healthy individuals of a similar age.