RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT07341217

Chemo Brain Prehab Project

Chemo Brain Prehab Project: Improving Brain Health After Chemotherapy Through Prehabilitation

Sponsor

Dr. Chris Gaffney

Enrollment

86 participants

Start Date

Jul 7, 2026

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Colorectal, Cancer Chemotherapy Older Adults (60 - 85 Years Old)Physically Inactive

Summary

Colorectal cancer is 37% higher in the North West than the national average and is treated by chemotherapy, including fluorouracil, capecitabine, and oxaliplatin. A side effect of these drugs is loss of memory, forgetfulness, and general brain fog, which can persist for months after the end of treatment. These symptoms are collectively known as 'chemo-brain'. An existing prehabilitation intervention that has been previously developed will be used, which increases fitness and reduces hospital length of stay in colorectal cancer surgery patients, to try to improve the symptoms of chemo-brain in those undergoing chemotherapy and improve quality of life.

Eligibility

Min Age: 60 YearsMax Age: 85 Years

Plain Language Summary

Simplified for easier understanding

This clinical trial is studying a behavioral approach called Exercise Prehabilitation, Multivitamins, and others for people with chemotherapy, colorectal, cancer, and other related conditions. The study is currently recruiting participants at 4 locations. People eligible for this study include aged 60 Years to 85 Years.

This summary was AI-generated to explain the trial in plain language. It is not medical advice. Always discuss eligibility with your doctor before enrolling in a clinical trial.

Interested in this trial?

Get notified about updates and connect with the research team.

Interventions

BEHAVIORALExercise Prehabilitation

The prehabilitation group will be asked to undertake a remote exercise programme. The home-based exercise sessions will take place four times per week. Two will be unsupervised exercise sessions, and the other two will be online supervised exercise sessions. Each session will last for approximately 40 minutes for a minimum of 3 weeks, a maximum of 4 weeks. Exercise tolerance will be built up from 2 supervised sessions (week 1) up to the recommended four sessions per week (week 3/4). The number of sessions will be sustained throughout chemotherapy until the end of chemotherapy (visit 3). The participants will be remotely supervised by a qualified exercise instructor. They will have a combination of aerobic and resistance exercise within each session. It will be individualised and tailored to their physical abilities. The exercises will target their upper body (arms and shoulders) and legs. Exercise programmes, videos, and links to supervised sessions will be provided.

DIETARY_SUPPLEMENTMultivitamins

Multivitamins will be given following the first testing visit until the third visit (following the last chemotherapy round). The multivitamins will be taken daily before and during chemotherapy. The multivitamin supplement contains a combination of 24 essential vitamins (vitamin A, D2, B1, B2, B6, B12, C, E, Biotin, nicotinamide, pantothenic acid and folic acid), minerals and trace elements (calcium, iron, copper, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, zinc, iodine, manganese, selenium, chromium, and molybdenum). Each multivitamin and mineral plays a vital role in the efficient daily maintenance of many body processes.

OTHERStandard Care (in control arm)

Participants with colorectal cancer will receive chemotherapy treatment.