A New Clinical Trial in Italy: Does Supervised Exercise Improve Outcomes in Oncogene Addicted Lung Cancer?
For those diagnosed with advanced lung cancer, there is often the question of how lifestyle changes can improve the prognosis. A unique study in Italy called EXcellenT will measure how supervised exercise affects outcomes. Those who have a positive biomarker, like ALK, can participate if they are on their first or second tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI). Participants will be randomly divided into two groups, the experimental group and control group. The experimental group will be assigned a home-based exercise program that is directed and monitored by entries in a smartphone app. The exercise sessions at weeks 4,6,8,10, and 12 will be partially supervised by the oncologist and an exercise expert. The control group will receive exercise counseling without supervision or monitoring.
Here’s where the study really gets interesting. They will compare the two groups on measures of quality of life, depression, modulation of T-lymphocytes, and overall survival. We may get an answer as to whether prescribed and supervised exercise can make you feel better during treatment. We may also learn if this prescribed exercise can prolong life in biomarker-positive lung cancers. Click Here more information about this trial.
OTHER CLINICAL TRIAL INFORMATION
Below you can find a link to the ALK Positive Support Group Clinical Trials Spreadsheet. This is a list of trials accumulated by searches of ClinicalTrials.gov and input from support group members. The trials are categorized by prior lines of treatment. There are tabs that filter the trials by regions of the world. There are also tabs for “not yet recruiting” trials along with studies for those with ALK-positive cancers that do not involve the lung. If you are interested in a clinical trial, you can consult the spreadsheet and discuss any applicable trials with your doctor. You can also contact the study coordinator directly using the link in the spreadsheet. The Clinical Trials Spreadsheet is a patient-directed opportunity to advocate for yourself and get cutting edge treatment.
GO2 Foundation for Lung Cancer:
Lungevity Clinical Trial Finder
ALK CLINICAL TRIALS INFO SHEET
As of June 2022, there are at least 50 clinical trials that are recruiting specifically for people with ALK-positive lung cancer. Many of these trials have multiple sites worldwide. Since ALK-positive lung cancer is a rare disease, it is difficult for any one oncologist to be aware of all the trials available. You can advocate for yourself and find a clinical trial that may be a good fit for you at any juncture in treatment.
*The ALK Positive Clinical Trials Spreadsheet was developed by the ALK Positive Medical Committee. The database is updated monthly. Disclaimer: these trials have been consolidated by volunteers and should not be considered exhaustive. Listing of these trials is not an endorsement, and ALK Positive does not recommend one trial over another. Please talk with your doctor about these or any trials you are interested in.
Author: Ellee Urban