Clinical trial on personalized physical exercise for elderly cancer patients shows promising preliminary results

A clinical trial led by the Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR) and the Parc Sanitari Pere Virgili (PSPV) to design and evaluate a personalized physical exercise program for elderly cancer patients has successfully completed its analysis phase in December 2024. This multicenter study, launched in December 2020, aims to improve patients' quality of life through an individualized exercise program tailored to their specific health conditions and needs. It is the first study of its kind in Catalonia, representing a significant step forward in research on the impact of physical activity on elderly cancer patients.

The clinical trial is part of the PROFIT Project (Personalizing the Approach to Frail Oncology Patients through Assessment and Individualized Intervention), an innovative initiative focused on providing comprehensive care for oncology patients experiencing frailty.

The primary objective of the project is to determine whether a personalized physical exercise program, incorporating guided sessions alongside health education and dietary recommendations, can enhance the functional capacity and overall physical condition of elderly cancer patients.

Prior to the clinical trial, a longitudinal observational study involving 249 patients was conducted. This study demonstrated that standard frailty assessments can accurately predict one-year mortality rates in elderly cancer patients. Additionally, it identified the most precise evaluation scales for assessing frailty in this population. This finding marks a crucial advance in personalized oncology care and will soon be published in leading scientific journals.

Details of the Clinical Analysis of Personalized Exercise Programs

For the clinical trial, 179 patients aged 65 and older were recruited, with diagnoses covering various cancer types, including prostate, lung, pancreatic, colon, and rectal cancer.
The exercise program, designed with an individualized approach and supervised by physiotherapists, was structured in two phases.  In Phase 1, Patients participated in two in-person supervised exercise sessions per week over a three-month period.  In Phase 2, participants transitioned to a remote exercise program delivered through a mobile application, with follow-up assessments conducted at three and six months. This phase enabled researchers to evaluate the effectiveness of a more autonomous model of physical activity for oncology patients.

Promising Preliminary Results

Preliminary results indicate positive changes in several key areas, including improved quality of life, enhanced emotional well-being, and increased functional capacity among participants. While the final results have not yet been published, the research team is conducting an in-depth analysis of the data, which will soon be shared in peer-reviewed scientific journals.

This study represents a significant advancement in the comprehensive care of oncology patients, highlighting the essential role of physical activity as part of personalized treatment strategies and overall patient well-being.

The project is funded by the Spanish Association Against Cancer (AECC) and developed by the Research Group on Aging, Frailty and Transitions in Barcelona (REFiT BCN) at the Vall d’Hebron Research Institute (VHIR) and Parc Sanitari Pere Virgili (PSPV). The study is conducted in collaboration with University Hospital of Navarra (NUO), Andorran Health Care Service (SAAS), and the Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO) in Girona.

This collaborative initiative among multiple research centers and healthcare institutions reaffirms the commitment of all involved entities to enhancing the quality of life and physical health of cancer patients through innovative, evidence-based care.