RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Reducing Symptom Burden Through Physical Exercise in Melanoma Patients

This research wants to find out if a regular exercise programme can help people with a type of skin cancer called melanoma feel less tired. The study focuses on patients who are having treatments like immunotherapy. It will also check if exercise can make a difference to their overall quality of life, memory skills, and general fitness. Patients will be split into two groups: one doing a supervised 12-week exercise plan, and another that doesn't follow a specific exercise programme. Researchers will compare both groups to see the impact of exercise on wellbeing and some important health markers in the blood. The aim is to understand how exercise might help patients feel better during treatment.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Universität Duisburg-Essen

Enrolment target

104

Start

18 Aug 2025

Estimated completion

01 Nov 2027

Malignant Melanoma

What is this study about?

This clinical trial is designed to investigate how regular physical activity might help adults in the UK living with melanoma, a type of skin cancer. Specifically, the study is looking at whether a structured exercise program can reduce how tired patients feel while they are receiving treatments like immunotherapy or targeted therapy. Feeling tired is a common side effect of cancer and its treatments, and this study hopes to find a way to lessen this burden.

The researchers will also be checking if this exercise programme can improve other important aspects of a patient's life, such as their general quality of life, their thinking skills, and their physical fitness. By doing this, they aim to get a clear picture of all the potential benefits that exercise could offer.

To understand how exercise works in the body, the study will also look at certain substances in the blood. This will help them learn more about how physical activity can affect the body's metabolism (how it uses energy) and its immune system, which fights off illness. Ultimately, the goal is to see if adding exercise to a patient's routine can make a positive difference to their health and wellbeing during cancer treatment.

Key takeaways

This study explores if exercise helps melanoma patients feel better during treatment.
It aims to reduce fatigue and improve quality of life and fitness.
Participation involves either a supervised exercise program or no structured exercise.
The intervention lasts 12 weeks, followed by a 6-week observation period.
Blood tests will help understand how exercise affects your body.
Your safety and wellbeing are a top priority throughout the study.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for adults aged 18 or over who have a type of skin cancer called malignant melanoma (stages IIb to IV). You need to be currently receiving specific cancer treatments like immunotherapy or targeted therapy, and have been on that treatment for at least 3 months but no more than 9 months.

You also need to be generally able to participate in physical activity and be well enough to exercise safely. Doctors will check to make sure exercise is suitable for you. You should be able to speak German well enough to understand the study information.

There are also reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if your doctor says exercise isn't safe for you due to other health issues like severe heart or lung problems, or if you have certain problems with your brain from the cancer. If you're already doing a lot of intense exercise, or if you have other conditions that would make it hard to follow the study plan, you might not be able to take part.

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 18 years old or older?
Do you have a type of skin cancer called malignant melanoma (stage IIb to IV)?
Are you currently receiving immunotherapy or targeted therapy for your melanoma?
Have you been on your current treatment for at least 3 months but no more than 9 months?
Has your doctor confirmed that it's safe for you to exercise?
Are you able to speak German well enough to understand study details?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you'll first have an assessment at a clinic. Then, you'll be randomly put into one of two groups. One group will take part in a 12-week exercise programme. This involves two supervised online exercise sessions each week, each lasting an hour. For some of these sessions (in weeks 3, 6, and 9), you’ll come to the clinic. You’ll also be encouraged to do one 20-minute exercise session on your own each week. The other group will not have a supervised exercise programme.

After 12 weeks, everyone will have another assessment at the clinic. Then, there will be a 6-week period where neither group receives supervised exercise. Finally, all participants will have a last assessment at the clinic. The total duration of the study intervention and follow-up is around 18 weeks (about 4 and a half months).

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could potentially help you feel less tired and improve your overall fitness and quality of life while undergoing cancer treatment. However, as with any exercise program, there is a small risk of muscle soreness or minor injuries, though the exercises will be supervised and tailored to you. You are free to stop participating in the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

University Hospital Essen
Verified postcode
Essen, Germany· Recruiting

Common questions

What kind of exercise will I be doing?

The exercise program involves resistance (strength) and endurance (aerobic) training tailored to your fitness level, supervised online, and some in-clinic sessions.

Will I have to pay for anything?

The study details don't mention any costs for participants, so it's likely all study-related activities are covered.

What happens if I get too tired to exercise?

Your exercise program will be personalised. Always communicate how you're feeling to the study team so adjustments can be made.

Can I still do my regular activities if I'm in the control group?

Yes, if you are in the control group, you can continue with your normal daily activities, but you won't receive a supervised exercise programme from the study team.

How often will I need to visit the clinic?

You'll have initial, midway, and final assessments at the clinic (at the start, after 12 weeks, and after 18 weeks). Additionally, three of your weekly exercise sessions will be held at the clinic during the 12-week intervention period.

How to find out more

Simon Basteck, M.Sc.

simon.basteck@uk-essen.de +49 201 723 3324 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.