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Clinical Trials/NCT05930496
NCT05930496
Recruiting
N/A

A Randomized Controlled Trial Testing the Effects of an Exercise Intervention on the Gut Microbiota in Colorectal Cancer Survivors: A Pilot and Feasibility Study

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center2 sites in 1 country30 target enrollmentJuly 8, 2025

Overview

Phase
N/A
Intervention
Biospecimen Collection
Conditions
Not specified
Sponsor
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
Enrollment
30
Locations
2
Primary Endpoint
Adherence
Status
Recruiting
Last Updated
12 days ago

Overview

Brief Summary

This trial evaluates the effects a moderate-to-vigorous exercise intervention has on the bacterial make-up of the gastrointestinal tract (gut microbiota) in survivors of stage II-III colorectal cancer (CRC). Data shows that the gut microbiota composition and function may be drivers of CRC. High levels of exercise are associated with improved CRC prognosis and survival. While data suggests that exercise has the potential to influence gut microbiota composition and function, it is not known whether these effects contribute to improved CRC prognosis. This clinical trial evaluates the effects an exercise intervention has on gut microbiota and how these effects relate to CRC progression and patient-reported outcomes.

Detailed Description

OUTLINE: Patients are randomized to 1 of 2 arms. ARM A: Patients receive the supervised exercise intervention (in-person or virtual) three times weekly (TID) over 8 weeks on study. Patients also undergo collection of blood samples on study. ARM B: Patients receive health-related information for 8 weeks on study. Patients are then offered an in-person session of supervised exercise followed by weekly virtual tele-coaching sessions for 7 weeks. Patients also undergo collection of blood samples on study.

Registry
clinicaltrials.gov
Start Date
July 8, 2025
End Date
July 1, 2027
Last Updated
12 days ago
Study Type
Interventional
Study Design
Parallel
Sex
All

Investigators

Responsible Party
Sponsor

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

  • 18-70 years of age
  • Previous diagnosis of stage II-III CRC cancer
  • No known current, recurrent, or metastatic disease
  • No comorbid or physical limitations that would limit participation at the discretion of the treating provider
  • At least 60 days to 3 years from last cancer-directed treatment (including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. Elective surgery, including ileostomy reversal, is not counted in this timing but patients must be able to eat a normal diet, without post-operative dietary limitations)
  • Body mass index (BMI) 18.5-35 kg/m\^2
  • Able to understand and willing to sign written informed consent in English
  • Access to phone for study contacts
  • Access to a smart phone or tablet to connect to the Polar H10 Heart rate sensor during remote exercise sessions and attend virtual exercise sessions
  • Be willing and able to attend up to 24 sessions in-person at the Fred Hutch Exercise Research Center Shared Resource or virtually via phone, Zoom, or Microsoft Teams, based on participant preference

Exclusion Criteria

  • Use of oral or intravenous antibiotics, antifungals, or antiparasitics during the past 6 months
  • Presence of an ileostomy or colostomy because of known changes to the gut microbiome with ileostomies and colostomies
  • Current status of underweight (BMI \< 18.5 kg/m\^2) or class II/III obesity (BMI ≥ 35.0 kg/m\^2)
  • Presence of inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis as these are known to baseline have differences in gut microbiome composition
  • Women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant
  • Physician notification to not approach patient for the study

Arms & Interventions

Arm A (exercise intervention)

Patients receive the supervised exercise intervention (in-person or virtual) TID over 8 weeks on study. Patients also undergo collection of blood samples on study.

Intervention: Biospecimen Collection

Arm A (exercise intervention)

Patients receive the supervised exercise intervention (in-person or virtual) TID over 8 weeks on study. Patients also undergo collection of blood samples on study.

Intervention: Exercise Intervention

Arm A (exercise intervention)

Patients receive the supervised exercise intervention (in-person or virtual) TID over 8 weeks on study. Patients also undergo collection of blood samples on study.

Intervention: Interview

Arm A (exercise intervention)

Patients receive the supervised exercise intervention (in-person or virtual) TID over 8 weeks on study. Patients also undergo collection of blood samples on study.

Intervention: Questionnaire Administration

Arm B (waitlist control)

Patients receive health-related information for 8 weeks on study. Patients are then offered an in-person session of supervised exercise followed by weekly virtual tele-coaching sessions for 7 weeks. Patients also undergo collection of blood samples on study.

Intervention: Biospecimen Collection

Arm B (waitlist control)

Patients receive health-related information for 8 weeks on study. Patients are then offered an in-person session of supervised exercise followed by weekly virtual tele-coaching sessions for 7 weeks. Patients also undergo collection of blood samples on study.

Intervention: Exercise Intervention

Arm B (waitlist control)

Patients receive health-related information for 8 weeks on study. Patients are then offered an in-person session of supervised exercise followed by weekly virtual tele-coaching sessions for 7 weeks. Patients also undergo collection of blood samples on study.

Intervention: Health Education

Arm B (waitlist control)

Patients receive health-related information for 8 weeks on study. Patients are then offered an in-person session of supervised exercise followed by weekly virtual tele-coaching sessions for 7 weeks. Patients also undergo collection of blood samples on study.

Intervention: Interview

Arm B (waitlist control)

Patients receive health-related information for 8 weeks on study. Patients are then offered an in-person session of supervised exercise followed by weekly virtual tele-coaching sessions for 7 weeks. Patients also undergo collection of blood samples on study.

Intervention: Questionnaire Administration

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Adherence

Time Frame: Up to 8 weeks

Adherence will be measured by session attendance in the intervention arm to determine feasibility. Will be summarized using descriptive statistics.

Retention

Time Frame: Up to 8 weeks

Retention will be measured by completion of all study assessments, including physical activity via accelerometry, 24 hour dietary recalls, and completion of the follow-up data collection at 8 weeks to determine feasibility. Will be summarized using descriptive statistics. Statistical differences in retention rates for each study assessment between study arms will be assessed by logistic regression models and acceptability by linear regression models, with models adjusted for stratification factors.

Acceptability

Time Frame: Up to 8 weeks

Acceptability will be measured on a Likert scale in each of a series of questions regarding various aspects of the trial during the exit interview to determine feasibility. Will be summarized using descriptive statistics.

Recruitment

Time Frame: Up to 8 weeks

Recruitment (accrual rate) will be assessed to determine feasibility. Will be summarized using descriptive statistics.

Secondary Outcomes

  • Effects of an 8 week supervised exercise intervention on fecal concentrations of butyrate(At 8 weeks)
  • Effects of an 8 week supervised exercise intervention on fecal concentrations of other short chain fatty acids(At 8 weeks)

Study Sites (2)

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