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The Effects of Physical Activity and Low-Dose Ibuprofen on Cognitive Function in Cancer Patients

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University of Rochester

Status and phase

Completed
Phase 2

Conditions

Cancer-related Cognitive Difficulties

Treatments

Drug: Ibuprofen
Drug: Placebo
Behavioral: Home-Based Exercise

Study type

Interventional

Funder types

Other
NIH

Identifiers

NCT01238120
K07CA168886 (U.S. NIH Grant/Contract)
31416

Details and patient eligibility

About

This research seeks to determine if a combination of low-dose ibuprofen along with a structured home-based walking and progressive resistance exercise program, EXCAP, will be effective in reducing cognitive difficulties among cancer patients receiving chemotherapy.

Full description

To conduct a feasibility pilot to assess preliminary efficacy of a 6 week course of ibuprofen (200 mg BID with does 8 hours apart) and a structured home based walking/progressive resistance program, EXCAP, alone or together, on cognitive function and levels of inflammatory molecules among cancer patients receiving chemotherapy (beginning at cycle 2). If these interventions prove to be useful and have potential benefit, they could have a substantial impact on treating cognitive difficulties experienced by cancer patients as well as improve quality of life. Moreover, if there is an effect of these interventions on cognitive functioning and inflammation, we will gain more knowledge of a possible mechanism of chemotherapy-related cognitive difficulties.

Enrollment

110 patients

Sex

All

Ages

18+ years old

Volunteers

No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

  • Must report cognitive difficulties of 3 or higher on a 0-10 scale
  • Must provide informed consent
  • Be able to read English
  • Have a primary diagnosis of cancer
  • Be able to swallow medication
  • Women of child-bearing potential must not be pregnant or become pregnant during the 6 week study
  • Agree not to take NSAIDs during the 6 week intervention period
  • Be scheduled to receive at least 2 additional cycles of oral or IV chemotherapy over the 42-day study period.
  • Must have the approval of their treating physician to begin the exercise program and receive the ibuprofen
  • Must be over 18 years of age

Exclusion criteria

  • Currently taking a consistent dosage of a NSAID at least 3 days a week for the last 3 months that is over 400mg daily
  • Have an allergy to ibuprofen
  • Be identified as in active or maintenance stage of exercise behavior as assessed by the single-item exercise stages of change short form
  • have physical limitations that contraindicate participation in sub-maximal physiological fitness testing or a low to moderate home-based walking and progressive resistance program
  • have a history of peptic ulcer disease within the last 12 months
  • Diagnosed with a neurodegenerative disease
  • Had a myocardial infraction within the past 6 months
  • Patients with a neutropenic episode during the first cycle of chemotherapy or at high risk for a neutropenic episode during future chemotherapy cycles at the treating physicians discretion
  • Have confirmed metastatic disease to the central nervous system
  • Have been hospitalized for a major psychiatric illness within the last 5 years

Trial design

Primary purpose

Treatment

Allocation

Randomized

Interventional model

Factorial Assignment

Masking

Double Blind

110 participants in 4 patient groups, including a placebo group

Placebo and Home-Based Exercise
Active Comparator group
Description:
200mg placebo (taken twice a day at least 8 hours apart) for a period of 6 weeks and a progressive walking and resistance band exercise program called Exercise for Cancer Patient (EXCAP) for a period of 6 weeks.
Treatment:
Behavioral: Home-Based Exercise
Drug: Placebo
Ibuprofen 200mg BID, Home-Based Exercise
Active Comparator group
Description:
200mg ibuprofen (taken twice a day at least 8 hours apart) and a progressive walking and resistance band exercise program called Exercise for Cancer Patient (EXCAP) for a period of 6 weeks.
Treatment:
Behavioral: Home-Based Exercise
Drug: Ibuprofen
Placebo
Placebo Comparator group
Description:
200mg placebo (taken twice a day at least 8 hours apart) for a period of 6 weeks.
Treatment:
Drug: Placebo
Ibuprofen 200 mg BID
Active Comparator group
Description:
200mg ibuprofen (taken twice a day at least 8 hours apart) for a period of 6 weeks.
Treatment:
Drug: Ibuprofen

Trial documents
1

Trial contacts and locations

1

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Data sourced from clinicaltrials.gov

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