Overview
The purpose of this research is to determine whether a 16-week virtually supervised aerobic and resistance exercise program is feasible in patients receiving first-line chemotherapy after surgery for ovarian or endometrial cancer and if it will improve lower extremity function (function of the legs), lessen chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN; numbness or tingling in the hands or feet), and if there is any effect on inflammatory blood markers (the level of a certain marker in the blood that is associated with inflammation; redness and swelling).
Description
This research study is a randomized controlled trial that will compare an exercise group to a control group on lower extremity function, CIPN, and inflammatory markers in ovarian or endometrial cancer patients undergoing first-line chemotherapy after surgery.
The names of the study interventions involved in this study are/is:
- Aerobic and resistance exercise; virtually supervised 16-week aerobic and resistance exercise performed at home via Zoom
- Attention control for 16 weeks, home-based stretching
The research study procedures include: screening for eligibility and study interventions including evaluations and follow up visits.
It is expected that about 30 people will take part in this research study.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- Newly diagnosed patients with stages III-IV ovarian or endometrial cancer
- Receiving first-line carboplatin and paclitaxel chemotherapy after surgery
- ≥18 years, children under the age of 18 will be excluded due to rarity of disease
- Physician's clearance to participate in moderate-vigorous intensity exercise
- Able to read, write, and understand English
- Ability to understand and the willingness to sign an informed consent document
- Willing to undergo two venous blood draws for the study
Exclusion Criteria:
- Pre-existing musculoskeletal, neurological, or cardiorespiratory conditions, as determined by the treating oncologist
- Participants with uncontrolled intercurrent illness, as determined by the treating oncologist
- Participants with psychiatric illness/social situations that would limit compliance with study requirements, as determined by the treating oncologist
- Participants who have received prior chemotherapy for cancer treatment (e.g. taxanes for breast cancer)