CompletedNot Applicable

Resistance Exercise and Creatine in Colorectal Cancer

United States27 participantsStarted 2023-09-01

Plain-language summary

Low skeletal muscle mass and function, is prevalent in up to 60% of colorectal cancer patients. This condition arises from a combination of factors such as aging, inactivity, treatment side effects, malnutrition, tumor burden, and inflammation. Given this complexity, singular interventions may not be sufficient to address low muscle mass in this group. Creatine monohydrate, a compound vital for energy during exercise, has been extensively researched and proven safe and effective across various demographics, including older adults and clinical populations. Studies show that creatine enhances benefits from resistance training, indicating potential to counter muscle mass and function decline post-cancer treatment. This study aims to assess the feasibilty of combining creatine supplementation with resistance training versus resistance training alone in colorectal cancer survivors treated with chemotherapy. A randomized controlled pilot trial will compare a 10-week program of resistance exercise plus creatine (EXSUPP) with resistance exercise alone (EXPLA), each with 20 participants.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Exclusion criteria

. are receiving active treatment for their cancer;
. had a musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, neurological, or psychological condition that precluded participation in RET;
. had been participating in structured RET two or more times per week for the past 6 months
. are currently taking supplements containing creatine for 4 weeks prior to the start of the RCT, or
. are receiving medications that might alter body composition (metformin, corticosteroids etc.).

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Recruitment

Timeframe: 10-weeks

Retention

Timeframe: 10-weeks

Supplementation Adherence

Timeframe: 10-weeks

Exercise Adherence

Timeframe: 10-weeks

Trial details

NCT IDNCT06420726

SponsorUniversity of South Carolina

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2025-09-15

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Colorectal Cancer trials

Plain-language summary

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Exclusion criteria

. are receiving active treatment for their cancer;
. had a musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, neurological, or psychological condition that precluded participation in RET;
. had been participating in structured RET two or more times per week for the past 6 months
. are currently taking supplements containing creatine for 4 weeks prior to the start of the RCT, or
. are receiving medications that might alter body composition (metformin, corticosteroids etc.).