Not yet recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Resistance Exercise, IL-7 and Immune Phenotypes in Prostate Cancer

This study is for men with prostate cancer undergoing hormone therapy, which can cause significant muscle loss. Researchers want to see if a 12-week supervised strength training programme can prevent this muscle loss. They also aim to find out if this type of exercise can increase a special protein called Interleukin-7 (IL-7) and boost the number of new immune cells, which are important for fighting illness. The study also explores if improved muscle and strength from exercise can lead to less tiredness, better physical ability, improved daily life, and better heart health. They will also check if the exercise programme is safe. Participants will either do the exercise programme or continue with their usual care.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University of Bath

Enrolment target

Start

01 Aug 2026

Estimated completion

01 Sep 2028

Prostate Cancer Muscle Loss

What is this study about?

When men are treated for prostate cancer with hormone therapy, it can sometimes lead to a noticeable loss of muscle. Our muscles actually play a role in our immune system by releasing a protein called Interleukin-7 (IL-7), which helps create new immune cells. So, losing muscle might also weaken the body's ability to fight off illness.

This study aims to discover if a 12-week supervised strength training programme can help prevent this muscle loss in men receiving hormone therapy for prostate cancer. We want to see if lifting weights can also increase levels of this important IL-7 protein and boost the number of new immune cells in the body. We'll compare men who do the exercise with those who receive standard care to understand the benefits.

Beyond just muscle and immune cells, we're also interested in seeing whether this exercise programme can reduce tiredness, improve daily physical activities, make you feel better generally, and even improve heart health. We’ll carefully check that the exercise programme is safe and well-tolerated during your hormone treatment.

Key takeaways

This study explores how strength training can help men with prostate cancer undergoing hormone therapy.
It investigates if exercise can prevent muscle loss and boost the immune system.
Researchers will also look at how exercise impacts fatigue, physical ability, and quality of life.
Participation involves either a 12-week supervised exercise programme or continuing usual care.
Regular assessments, including body scans and blood tests, will track changes over 12 weeks.
Your standard medical care will continue as normal throughout the study.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you must be an adult man with prostate cancer that hasn't spread to other parts of your body, and you're planning to have (or have just started) hormone therapy for at least 3 months, alongside radiotherapy. Your doctor must agree that you are well enough to exercise, and you should be able to understand the study instructions in English.

There are certain reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if your cancer has spread, or if you have serious uncontrolled heart conditions, or other medical problems that would make strength training unsafe. If you have an autoimmune disease or are taking certain medications that suppress your immune system, you also wouldn't be able to take part. Also, if you've been doing regular strength training in the last three months, you wouldn't be eligible.

The study is open to men aged 18 and older.

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.

I am an adult man with prostate cancer.
My prostate cancer has not spread to distant parts of my body.
I am having (or due to start) hormone therapy and radiotherapy for at least 3 months.
My doctor has confirmed I am healthy enough to do strength exercises.
I haven't done regular strength training in the last three months.
I don't have severe heart problems or other conditions that would make exercise unsafe.

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you'll first have a screening visit to check if the study is right for you. This will involve some checks and tests. If you qualify, you'll then have detailed initial assessments, including body scans, blood tests, fitness checks, and filling out some questionnaires.

You'll then be randomly put into one of two groups: either the exercise group or the usual care group. If you're in the exercise group, you'll attend three supervised strength training sessions each week for 12 weeks. If you're in the usual care group, you'll continue with your standard medical care without the structured exercise programme. Both groups will continue their regular hormone therapy.

At the end of the 12 weeks, you'll repeat all the initial assessments to see how things have changed. In your final visit, you'll do one short exercise session, and extra blood samples will be taken before and after to see any immediate effects. The total duration of active participation for the study assessments and, if applicable, the exercise programme, will be 12 weeks.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study might offer several potential benefits, such as preventing muscle loss, boosting your immune system, reducing fatigue, improving physical function, and enhancing your overall quality of life. Supervised exercise is generally considered safe, but like any exercise programme, there’s a small risk of minor injuries like muscle soreness or strains. Blood tests carry a small risk of bruising. Remember, you can withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

University of Bath
Verified postcode
Bath, United Kingdom

Common questions

What kind of exercise will I be doing?

If you're in the exercise group, you'll do supervised strength training, also known as resistance exercise, three times a week.

Will I still receive my normal cancer treatment?

Yes, all participants in both groups will continue to receive their standard medical care, including hormone therapy and radiotherapy as planned by your doctors.

What is Interleukin-7 (IL-7)?

IL-7 is a protein released by your muscles that helps your body produce new immune cells, which are important for your immune system.

How long will the study last for me?

Your active participation, including assessments and the exercise program if you're in that group, will last for 12 weeks.

Do I have to pay to participate?

No, there are no costs for participating in the study. Any study-related assessments or supervised exercise sessions are covered by the research study.

How to find out more

Fernando Alonso

fag34@bath.ac.uk +447760199388 Official trial record

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