Effect of Exercise on Biomarkers of Colon Cancer Risk

Completed · Phase 2/Phase 3

Conditions studied: Colon Cancer Prevention

In brief

There is strong observational epidemiologic evidence that physical activity is inversely associated with risk of colon cancer occurrence in both men and women. This association has been found in over 30 observational studies, and appears to be independent of effects of diet, body fat mass, and other potential confounding factors. Prior to large-scale recommendations regarding exercise as a means of preventing colon cancer, however, more information is needed regarding the type of exercise, when it must be initiated, and how much must be done, in order to produce a protective effect. Information on the mechanisms and biological pathways through which exercise might protect the colon will aid in developing the answers to these questions. This is a randomized controlled trial of a one-year moderate/vigorous exercise intervention vs. delayed- exercise control on various biomarkers of colon cancer risk in persons that have undergone a colonoscopy within the past 36 months.. The trial is designed to establish the effects of the exercise intervention on colorectal cell proliferation and terminal differentiation, and on factors that may lie in the pathway between exercise and proliferation and apoptosis, in colon and rectal epithelium. It will provide data on: 1) the efficacy of a one-year moderate intensity aerobic exercise program in modulating these processes to a pattern considered low risk for colon cancer, and 2) the mechanisms whereby exercise may lower colon cancer risk in humans. To the investigators' knowledge, this will be the first study of its kind.

Key facts

Study ID: NCT00668161
Run by: Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
People needed: 202
Starts: 2001-01-01
Expected to finish: 2005-02-01
Last updated by the study team: 2012-11-28

Who can join

Age: 40 and older, up to 75. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: accepted.

You may qualify if…

Male or female
Completed a colonoscopy within the past 36 months
Ages 40-75 years at time of identification
Sedentary activity pattern
Gives informed consent, agrees to be randomly assigned
Able to perform all study requirements, able to follow directions and complete forms

You may not qualify if…

Colorectal cancer at any time; any other invasive cancer within the past 10 years (simple basal or squamous cell carcinoma okay)
Plans to leave Western Washington during the follow-up period
Morbidly obese (BMI > 41), weight loss of > 10 pounds in the previous 3 months
Familial polyposis, Gardner's syndrome, or other known familial colorectal cancer syndrome
Ulcerative colitis or short bowel
"Excessive"(> 3 x week) laxative or enema use that might interfere with rectal crypt studies
Current use of certain medications likely to interfere with success of the intervention, or with outcomes measures (for example, anticoagulants because of risk from colorectal biopsy, diet medications within past 6 months)
Diabetes mellitus or fasting glucose > 140
Hemochromatosis- if diagnosed by physician
Abnormal screening labs (hematocrit < 32 or > 48, white blood cells < 3.0 or > 15.0, potassium < 3.5 or > 5.3, fasting glucose > 140, creatinine > 2.0), or abnormalities on screening physical exam judged by study physicians to contraindicate participation in an exercise program
Contraindications for entry into a training program 131 including: unstable angina, uncontrolled hypertension (systolic > 200, diastolic > 100), orthostatic hypotension (>20 mm fall in systolic), moderate/severe aortic stenosis, uncontrolled arrhythmia, uncontrolled congestive heart failure, third degree heart block, pericarditis, myocarditis, pulmonary/systemic embolism within the past 6 months, thrombophlebitis, ST displacement > 3 mm at rest, history of cardiac arrest)
Contraindications for exercise testing 131 including: recent (within 6 months) cardiac event (MI, pulmonary edema, myocarditis, pericarditis), unstable angina, uncontrolled arrhythmia, third degree heart block, left bundle branch block, acute congestive failure, recent (within 6 months) pulmonary/systemic embolus, severe electrolyte abnormality
Meets criteria to stop screening exercise test 131 as decided by overseeing physician
Volunteering in order to lose weight; alcohol or drug abuse, significant mental or emotional problems such as would interfere with compliance (as assessed by study staff impression)

Where it is running

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center — Seattle, Washington, United States

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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