Exercise and Nutrition for Head and Neck Cancer Patients (ENHANCE)

October 24, 2016 updated by: Dr. Nicole Culos-Reed, University of Calgary

Exercise and Nutrition for Head and Neck Cancer Patients: A Patient Oriented, Clinic-Supported Randomized Controlled Trial

Research on physical activity and nutrition interventions aimed at positively impacting symptom management, treatment-related recovery and quality of life has largely excluded head and neck cancer populations. This translates into a lack of clinical programming available for these patient populations. Head and neck cancer patients deal with severe weight loss, with upwards of 70% attributed to lean muscle wasting, leading to extended recovery times, decreased quality of life (QoL), and impaired physical functioning. To date, interventions to address body composition issues have focused solely on diet, despite findings that nutritional therapy alone is insufficient to mitigate changes. A combined physical activity and nutrition intervention, that also incorporates important educational components known to positively impact behaviour change, is warranted for this population. Pilot work suggests that there is large patient demand and clinic support from the health care professionals for a comprehensive program. Therefore, the purpose of the present study is to examine the impact of timing of a 12-week PA and nutrition intervention (either during or following treatment) for HN cancer patients on body composition, recovery, serum inflammatory markers and quality of life. In addition, the investigators will examine the impact of a 12-week maintenance program, delivered immediately following the intervention, on adherence, patient-reported outcomes (i.e., management of both physical and psychosocial treatment-related symptoms and side-effects), as well as return to work. The investigators hypothesize that (1) patients who are randomized to the intervention at treatment start will experience improved symptom management and decreased lean body composition changes, directly improving recovery and QoL; (2) patients who receive a maintenance support program will have better long-term adherence and therefore superior treatment-related symptom management, physical and psychosocial functioning; and (3) return to work indices will improve and healthcare utilization costs will be lower in the participants who receive the immediate intervention (vs. delayed) as well as in those who receive the maintenance program (vs. no maintenance). This research will facilitate advancements in patient wellness, survivorship, and autonomy, and carve the path for a physical activity and wellness education model that can be implemented in other cancer centers.

Study Overview

Status

Status

Indicates the current recruitment status or the expanded access status.
Completed

Conditions

Conditions

The disease, disorder, syndrome, illness, or injury that is being studied. On ClinicalTrials.gov, conditions may also include other health-related issues, such as lifespan, quality of life, and health risks.

Intervention / Treatment

Intervention / Treatment

A process or action that is the focus of a clinical study. Interventions include drugs, medical devices, procedures, vaccines, and other products that are either investigational or already available. Interventions can also include noninvasive approaches, such as education or modifying diet and exercise.

Study Type

Study Type

Describes the nature of a clinical study. Study types include interventional studies (also called clinical trials), observational studies (including patient registries), and expanded access.
Interventional

Enrollment (Actual)

Enrollment

The number of participants in a clinical study. The "anticipated" enrollment is the target number of participants that the researchers need for the study.
60

Phase

Phase

The stage of a clinical trial studying a drug or biological product, based on definitions developed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The phase is based on the study's objective, the number of participants, and other characteristics. There are five phases: Early Phase 1 (formerly listed as Phase 0), Phase 1, Phase 2, Phase 3, and Phase 4. Not Applicable is used to describe trials without FDA-defined phases, including trials of devices or behavioral interventions.
  • Not Applicable

Contacts and Locations

This section provides the contact details for those conducting the study, and information on where this study is being conducted.

Study Locations

  • Canada
    • Alberta
      • Calgary, Alberta, Canada, T2N4N2
        • Tom Baker Cancer Centre
      • Calgary, Alberta, Canada, T2N1N4
        • University Of Calgary

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

The key requirements that people who want to participate in a clinical study must meet or the characteristics they must have. Eligibility criteria consist of both inclusion criteria (which are required for a person to participate in the study) and exclusion criteria (which prevent a person from participating). Types of eligibility criteria include whether a study accepts healthy volunteers, has age or age group requirements, or is limited by sex.

Ages Eligible for Study

18 years and older (Adult, Older Adult)

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Genders Eligible for Study

All

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Over 18 Years of Age
  • Has received a diagnosis of nasopharyngeal, oropharyngeal or hypopharyngeal cancer
  • Will receive radiation as part of treatment plan
  • Able to walk without assistance
  • Received clearance for exercise from treating oncologist
  • Lives in Calgary, Alberta area
  • Can speak and write English
  • Is interested in participating in the study

Study Plan

This section provides details of the study plan, including how the study is designed and what the study is measuring.

How is the study designed?

Design Details

  • Primary Purpose: Supportive Care
  • Allocation: Randomized
  • Interventional Model: Parallel Assignment
  • Masking: Single

Arms and Interventions

Participant Group / Arm

Participant Group / Arm

A group or subgroup of participants in a clinical trial that receives a specific intervention/treatment, or no intervention, according to the trial's protocol.
Intervention / Treatment

Intervention / Treatment

A process or action that is the focus of a clinical study. Interventions include drugs, medical devices, procedures, vaccines, and other products that are either investigational or already available. Interventions can also include noninvasive approaches, such as education or modifying diet and exercise.
Experimental: Immediate Lifestyle Intervention - Maintenance Program
Patients will receive a 12-week lifestyle program during treatment. Patients will also receive maintenance support following the 12-week program.
Behavioral: Lifestyle Intervention
Participants in the Lifestyle Intervention will receive a 12-week individualized exercise and dietary program based on their exercise assessment and dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan results, will attend twice weekly group exercise classes, and perform their individualized at-home program an additional two times per week. In addition, participants will be required to attend six education sessions during the 12-week intervention.
Behavioral: Maintenance Intervention
Patients randomized to receive the Maintenance Program Intervention following treatment will receive a Survivorship Care Plan outlining their physical activity, dietary, and health behaviour progress throughout the program, future goals, individualized maintenance strategies, and optional drop-in exercise sessions.
Experimental: Immediate Lifestyle Intervention - No Maintenance Program
Patients will begin the 12-week lifestyle intervention during treatment. Patients will not receive a maintenance support following the 12-week intervention.
Behavioral: Lifestyle Intervention
Participants in the Lifestyle Intervention will receive a 12-week individualized exercise and dietary program based on their exercise assessment and dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan results, will attend twice weekly group exercise classes, and perform their individualized at-home program an additional two times per week. In addition, participants will be required to attend six education sessions during the 12-week intervention.
Experimental: Delayed Lifestyle Intervention - Maintenance Program
Patients will receive a 12-week lifestyle intervention program following treatment (12 weeks after diagnosis). Patients will then receive maintenance support following the 12-week program.
Behavioral: Lifestyle Intervention
Participants in the Lifestyle Intervention will receive a 12-week individualized exercise and dietary program based on their exercise assessment and dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan results, will attend twice weekly group exercise classes, and perform their individualized at-home program an additional two times per week. In addition, participants will be required to attend six education sessions during the 12-week intervention.
Behavioral: Maintenance Intervention
Patients randomized to receive the Maintenance Program Intervention following treatment will receive a Survivorship Care Plan outlining their physical activity, dietary, and health behaviour progress throughout the program, future goals, individualized maintenance strategies, and optional drop-in exercise sessions.
Experimental: Delayed Lifestyle Intervention - No Maintenance Program
Patients will receive a 12-week lifestyle intervention program following treatment completion (12 weeks following diagnosis). Patients will not receive maintenance support following the 12-week program.
Behavioral: Lifestyle Intervention
Participants in the Lifestyle Intervention will receive a 12-week individualized exercise and dietary program based on their exercise assessment and dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan results, will attend twice weekly group exercise classes, and perform their individualized at-home program an additional two times per week. In addition, participants will be required to attend six education sessions during the 12-week intervention.

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Primary Outcome Measures

In a clinical study's protocol, the planned outcome measure that is the most important for evaluating the effect of an intervention/treatment. Most clinical studies have one primary outcome measure, but some have more than one.
Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Change from Baseline in Body Composition
Time Frame: At baseline (diagnosis), and then at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months post diagnosis
DXA Scan will be used to assess body composition
At baseline (diagnosis), and then at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months post diagnosis

Secondary Outcome Measures

Secondary Outcome Measures

In a clinical study's protocol, a planned outcome measure that is not as important as the primary outcome measure for evaluating the effect of an intervention but is still of interest. Most clinical studies have more than one secondary outcome measure.
Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Quality of Life
Time Frame: At baseline (diagnosis), and then at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months post diagnosis
Quality of Life will be assessed using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy- Anemia module (FACT-AN), and the NCCN-FACT Fact Head/Neck Symptom Index-22 (FHNSI-22).
At baseline (diagnosis), and then at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months post diagnosis
Physical Activity Behaviour
Time Frame: At baseline (diagnosis), and then at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months post diagnosis
Physical activity will be assessed using Godin's (Godin, 1985) leisure score index (LSI) of the GLTEQ (Godin Leisure Time Exercise Questionnaire).
At baseline (diagnosis), and then at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months post diagnosis
Smoking History
Time Frame: At baseline (diagnosis), and then at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months post diagnosis
Smoking history will be assessed by a self report questionnaire which will classify patients as non-smokers, former smokers and current smokers.
At baseline (diagnosis), and then at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months post diagnosis
Depression
Time Frame: At baseline (diagnosis), and then at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months post diagnosis
Depression will be assessed using the Center for Epidemiological Studies on Depression Scale (CES-D).
At baseline (diagnosis), and then at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months post diagnosis
Karnofsky Performance Score (KPS)
Time Frame: At baseline (diagnosis), and then at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months post diagnosis
The Karnofsky Performance Score (KSP) will be used to measure the participant's general ability to accomplish tasks of daily-living and overall well-being.
At baseline (diagnosis), and then at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months post diagnosis
Inflammatory Markers
Time Frame: At baseline (diagnosis), and then at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months post diagnosis
Inflammatory factors will be evaluated as they are associated with cancer cachexia and muscle wasting and may be modified by exercise (Seruga et al., 2008; Baldwin, 2011). An overnight fasted blood draw will be collected at baseline, 3 months post diagnosis, 6 months post diagnosis, 9 months post diagnosis, and 12 months post diagnosis. Serum inflammatory cytokine concentrations will be assessed in-house (Dr. Raylene Reimer's laboratory) according to our established protocols. TNF, IL-6, IL-1, IL-8 and C-reactive protein will be quantified using Milliplex Human Cytokine kits (Millipore, Billerica, MA). Plate reading will be provided as a fee-for service through Eve Technologies Inc. (Calgary, AB).
At baseline (diagnosis), and then at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months post diagnosis
Cancer related Symptom Management
Time Frame: At baseline (diagnosis) and then 3, 6, 9, 12 months post diagnosis & every week before and after class during the 12 week intervention
Participants will complete the ESAS bi-weekly, before and after class. The ESAS is a valid and reliable assessment tool to evaluate the nine more common symptoms experienced by cancer patients (Chang et al., 2000).
At baseline (diagnosis) and then 3, 6, 9, 12 months post diagnosis & every week before and after class during the 12 week intervention
Diet Behaviour - 3 Day food record
Time Frame: At baseline (diagnosis) and 4 & 8 weeks, 3, 6, 9, 12 months post diagnosis.
The 3-Day Diet Record is said to be the most accurate for mean macronutrient content and appropriate for use in studies where subjects may consume a wide variety of foods (American Dietetics Association / Dietitians Canada, 2000). Participants are instructed to record their daily consumption over a period of three days, one of which must be a weekend day. Written instructions and a sample entry are provided to increase accuracy of the daily record.
At baseline (diagnosis) and 4 & 8 weeks, 3, 6, 9, 12 months post diagnosis.
Diet Behaviour: PG-SGA
Time Frame: At baseline (diagnosis), each week during radiation treatment (6.5 weeks in duration), and 3, 6, 9, 12 months post diagnosis
The PG-SGA assessment tool has been show to improve treatment outcomes, decrease side-effects, and improve weight-management in cancer patients, and therefore will be used weekly to assess and identify malnutrition among patients (McMahon et al., 2000; Doyle et al., 2006).
At baseline (diagnosis), each week during radiation treatment (6.5 weeks in duration), and 3, 6, 9, 12 months post diagnosis
Health related Fitness Measures - Resting Heart Rate
Time Frame: At baseline (diagnosis), and 3, 6, 9, 12 months post diagnosis.
Resting heart rate will be measured by palpating the radial artery and taking a 15 second count as per the CPAFLA protocol (CPAFLA, 2003).
At baseline (diagnosis), and 3, 6, 9, 12 months post diagnosis.
Health Related Fitness Outcome - Blood Pressure
Time Frame: At baseline (diagnosis), and 3, 6, 9, 12 months post diagnosis.
A resting blood pressure (mmHg) will be measured in duplicate on the left arm using a sphygmomanometer and stethoscope using standardized procedures (CPAFLA, 2003).
At baseline (diagnosis), and 3, 6, 9, 12 months post diagnosis.
Health Related Fitness Outcome - 6 minute walk test
Time Frame: At baseline (diagnosis), and 3, 6, 9, 12 months post diagnosis.
The six-minute walk test (6MWT) will be used to assess changes in functional aerobic capacity. Using the standardized protocol, participants will be asked to walk as far as they can around a 400-meter track for six minutes [43]. The point reached at 6 minutes will be marked and measured to the nearest 0.5 meter. Rating of perceived exertion (Borg scale) will be completed immediately after completion of the functional aerobic capacity test.
At baseline (diagnosis), and 3, 6, 9, 12 months post diagnosis.
Health Related Fitness Outcome - Grip Strength
Time Frame: At baseline (diagnosis) and 3, 6, 9, and 12 months post diagnosis.
Muscular strength will be assessed using a combined grip strength of the right and left hands will also be assessed using a hand dynamometer. A sum will be determined in kilograms from the best score of 2 trials recorded for each hand according to the CPAFLA protocol.
At baseline (diagnosis) and 3, 6, 9, and 12 months post diagnosis.
Health Related Fitness Outcome - Lower Body Strength
Time Frame: At baseline (diagnosis), and 3, 6, 9, and 12 months post diagnosis
Lower body strength will be assessed using a 30-second sit to stand test. The number of times participants can stand from a seated position in 30-second will be examined.
At baseline (diagnosis), and 3, 6, 9, and 12 months post diagnosis
Health Related Fitness Outcome - Flexibility
Time Frame: At baseline (diagnosis) and 3, 6, 9, and 12 months post diagnosis
Flexibility will be assessed by a trunk forward flexion sit-and-reach test using a Wells-Dillon flexometer. The test will follow a standard protocol, with two trials allowed and the highest score to the nearest 0.5 cm recorded.
At baseline (diagnosis) and 3, 6, 9, and 12 months post diagnosis
Health Related Fitness Outcome - Balance
Time Frame: At baseline (diagnosis), and 3, 6, 9, and 12 months post diagnosis.
Balance will be assessed using a static balance test. The test requires the participant to balance on one foot and then the other as long as they can (length of time to a maximum of 45 seconds) while standing on a 2.54 by 2.54 by 30.5 cm base using a standardized protocol, reported by Fleishman.
At baseline (diagnosis), and 3, 6, 9, and 12 months post diagnosis.

Collaborators and Investigators

This is where you will find people and organizations involved with this study.

Sponsor

Sponsor

The organization or person who initiates the study and who has authority and control over the study.
University of Calgary

Collaborators

Collaborators

An organization other than the sponsor that provides support for a clinical study. This support may include activities related to funding, design, implementation, data analysis, or reporting.
Alberta Cancer Foundation

Investigators

Investigators

A researcher involved in a clinical study. Related terms include site principal investigator, site sub-investigator, study chair, study director, and study principal investigator.
  • Study Director: Lauren C Capozzi, PhD Student, University Of Calgary
  • Principal Investigator: Harold Lau, MD, Tom Baker Cancer Centre, University of Calgary
  • Principal Investigator: Raylene Reimer, PhD, University Of Calgary

Publications and helpful links

The person responsible for entering information about the study voluntarily provides these publications. These may be about anything related to the study.

General Publications

Study record dates

These dates track the progress of study record and summary results submissions to ClinicalTrials.gov. Study records and reported results are reviewed by the National Library of Medicine (NLM) to make sure they meet specific quality control standards before being posted on the public website.

Study Major Dates

Study Start

Study Start

The actual date on which the first participant was enrolled in a clinical study. The "anticipated" study start date is the date that the researchers think will be the study start date.
June 1, 2012

Primary Completion (Actual)

Primary Completion

The date on which the last participant in a clinical study was examined or received an intervention to collect final data for the primary outcome measure. Whether the clinical study ended according to the protocol or was terminated does not affect this date. For clinical studies with more than one primary outcome measure with different completion dates, this term refers to the date on which data collection is completed for all the primary outcome measures. The "anticipated" primary completion date is the date that the researchers think will be the primary completion date for the study.
August 1, 2014

Study Completion (Actual)

Study Completion

The date on which the last participant in a clinical study was examined or received an intervention/treatment to collect final data for the primary outcome measures, secondary outcome measures, and adverse events (that is, the last participant's last visit). The "anticipated" study completion date is the date that the researchers think will be the study completion date.
December 1, 2014

Study Registration Dates

First Submitted

First Submitted

The date on which the study sponsor or investigator first submitted a study record to ClinicalTrials.gov. There is typically a delay of a few days between the first submitted date and the record's availability on ClinicalTrials.gov (the first posted date).
August 31, 2012

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

The date on which the study sponsor or investigator first submits a study record that is consistent with National Library of Medicine (NLM) quality control (QC) review criteria. The sponsor or investigator may need to revise and submit a study record one or more times before NLM's QC review criteria are met. It is the responsibility of the sponsor or investigator to ensure that the study record is consistent with the NLM QC review criteria.
September 5, 2012

First Posted (Estimate)

First Posted

The date on which the study record was first available on ClinicalTrials.gov after National Library of Medicine (NLM) quality control (QC) review has concluded. There is typically a delay of a few days between the date the study sponsor or investigator submitted the study record and the first posted date.
September 10, 2012

Study Record Updates

Last Update Posted (Estimate)

Last Update Posted

The most recent date on which changes to a study record were made available on ClinicalTrials.gov. There may be a delay between when the changes were submitted to ClinicalTrials.gov by the study's sponsor or investigator (the last update submitted date) and the last update posted date.
October 26, 2016

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

The most recent date on which the study sponsor or investigator submitted changes to a study record that are consistent with National Library of Medicine (NLM) quality control (QC) review criteria. It is the responsibility of the sponsor or investigator to ensure that the study record is consistent with the NLM QC review criteria.
October 24, 2016

Last Verified

Last Verified

The most recent date on which the study sponsor or investigator confirmed the information about a clinical study on ClinicalTrials.gov as accurate and current. If a study with a recruitment status of recruiting; not yet recruiting; or active, not recruiting has not been confirmed within the past 2 years, the study's recruitment status is shown as unknown.
October 1, 2016

More Information

Terms related to this study

Keywords

Additional Relevant MeSH Terms

Other Study ID Numbers

Other Study ID Numbers

Identifiers or ID numbers other than the NCT number that are assigned to a clinical study by the study's sponsor, funders, or others. These numbers may include unique identifiers from other trial registries and National Institutes of Health grant numbers.
  • ENHANCE10001991

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