A randomized phase II dose–response exercise trial among colon cancer survivors: Purpose, study design, methods, and recruitment results

Justin C. Brown, Andrea B. Troxel, Bonnie Ky, Nevena Damjanov, Babette S. Zemel, Michael R. Rickels, Andrew D. Rhim, Anil K. Rustgi, Kerry S. Courneya, Kathryn H. Schmitz

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

23 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background Observational studies indicate that higher volumes of physical activity are associated with improved disease outcomes among colon cancer survivors. The aim of this report is to describe the purpose, study design, methods, and recruitment results of the COURAGE trial, a National Cancer Institute (NCI) sponsored, phase II, randomized, dose–response exercise trial among colon cancer survivors. Methods/results The primary objective of the COURAGE trial is to quantify the feasibility, safety, and physiologic effects of low-dose (150 min·week1) and high-dose (300 min·week1) moderate-intensity aerobic exercise compared to usual-care control group over six months. The exercise groups are provided with in-home treadmills and heart rate monitors. Between January and July 2015, 1433 letters were mailed using a population-based state cancer registry; 126 colon cancer survivors inquired about participation, and 39 were randomized onto the study protocol. Age was associated with inquiry about study participation (P < 0.001) and randomization onto the study protocol (P < 0.001). No other demographic, clinical, or geographic characteristics were associated with study inquiry or randomization. The final trial participant was randomized in August 2015. Six month endpoint data collection was completed in February 2016. Discussion The recruitment of colon cancer survivors into an exercise trial is feasible. The findings from this trial will inform key design aspects for future phase 2 and phase 3 randomized controlled trials to examine the efficacy of exercise to improve clinical outcomes among colon cancer survivors.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)366-375
Number of pages10
JournalContemporary Clinical Trials
Volume47
DOIs
StatePublished - 2016

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Pharmacology (medical)

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