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Targeting Muscle-Bone Crosstalk Through Physical Therapy in Cancer Cachexia
Sponsor: Pharos University in Alexandria
Summary
This study investigates the role of a structured physical therapy (PT) program in managing cancer-induced cachexia (CIC) by targeting muscle-bone crosstalk. Cancer-induced cachexia leads to severe muscle wasting, systemic inflammation, and functional decline, which often limits treatment tolerance and quality of life. While exercise is known to attenuate protein breakdown and modulate muscle-derived cytokines (myokines), its specific impact on muscle-bone signaling in non-metastatic cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy remains underexplored. In this randomized controlled trial (RCT), patients aged 40 to 60 receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy are assigned to either a control group receiving standard chemotherapy and nutritional counseling, or an experimental group receiving a progressive 3-month exercise program (combining aerobic treadmill training and resistance exercises) alongside standard care. The study aims to evaluate changes in biomarker levels (such as myokines and osteokines) and functional physical outcomes to determine whether targeted exercise can effectively attenuate cachexia and improve rehabilitation outcomes prior to surgery
Official title: Targeting Muscle-Bone Crosstalk: The Potential of Physical Therapy in Managing Cancer-Induced Cachexia
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - Any
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
40
Start Date
2026-10-29
Completion Date
2027-02-02
Last Updated
2026-09-08
Healthy Volunteers
No
Conditions
Interventions
Structured Physical Therapy Exercise Program
Experimental Group): A 3-month progressive physical therapy program consisting of aerobic exercise (treadmill walking 3-5 times per week, 150 min/week total, at 40%-85% HRmax) and resistance exercise (2-3 times per week, 2 sets of 8-10 repetitions at 50%-70% 1RM) combined with standard neoadjuvant chemotherapy and nutritional support Standard care comprising neoadjuvant chemotherapy protocols along with routine clinical nutritional support provided upon cachexia diagnosis, with no formal exercise intervention.