Supervised exercise program during lung cancer radiotherapy and chemotherapy
Tests a supervised exercise program during treatment in adults with lung cancer.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: Concomitant Use of Radiotherapy and Integrated Exercise - Lung Cancer
Key facts
- Where
- Barcelona and Pamplona, SpainSee the 2 sites
Where in Spain
- Hospital Clinic de BarcelonaBarcelona, SpainTaking people
- Hospital Universitario de NavarraPamplona, SpainTaking people
Questions to ask the study team
- How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
- Are travel costs paid?
- Can I keep my own doctor?
- What happens if I want to stop?
Trial details
- Who runs it
- University of Deusto
- Trial code
- NCT07489391
- Record updated
- 6 May 2026
- Original description
Study objective and proceduresRead full original descriptionShow less
Effect of an Integrated Exercise Program Concomitant With Radiotherapy on Functional Capacity in Patients With Lung Cancer
Study objective and procedures
The objective of CURIE-LC is to evaluate the feasibility (i.e., whether it is possible and safe) of carrying out a comprehensive exercise program during combined radiotherapy and chemotherapy in patients with lung cancer. The study will assess whether patients can adhere to the exercise program while receiving oncologic treatment and will explore its effects on physical fitness and quality of life.
What does participation involve?
If participants choose to take part, they will join a supervised exercise program conducted throughout the chemoradiotherapy treatment. The program includes three main components, tailored to the individuals' abilities:
Inspiratory breathing exercise: training with a specialized device to strengthen the breathing muscles and improve lung capacity.
Aerobic exercise: moderate-intensity aerobic activity (e.g., treadmill walking or stationary cycling) several days per week to improve endurance and cardiovascular health.
Strength training: muscle-strengthening exercises (e.g., light weights or resistance bands) twice per week to maintain or increase arm and leg strength.
A physiotherapist or other trained professional will guide the participant at all times to ensure exercises are performed safely and appropriately. Sessions will last approximately 20 to 60 minutes and will be coordinated with the radiotherapy/chemotherapy schedule so as not to interfere with the treatment.
In addition to the exercise sessions, participants will undergo physical assessments and complete questionnaires at several time points. Before starting and at the end of the program, the investigagtors will measure functional capacity using the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) and assess respiratory muscle strength using maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressures (PImax and PEmax). Handgrip strength will also be measured. Participants will complete questionnaires about health status, fatigue, mood, and quality of life. These evaluations will help determine the impact of exercise during treatment.
The exercise program will last for the duration of the treatment, approximately 7 to 9 weeks, with a short-term follow-up after treatment ends. Overall, participation involves attending the scheduled weekly exercise sessions during treatment, plus several evaluation visits (before, during, at the end of the program, and a few months later). Exact timing and frequency will be explained and planned according to the individual situation, aiming to minimize disruption to daily routine.
Inclusion: Histological diagnosis of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) at stage II-III (locally advanced), unresectable/inoperable; Candidate for radical radiotherapy with concomitant chemotherapy, with or without maintenance Durvalumab; ECOG performance status ≤2 (or Karnofsky index ≥60); Ability to communicate adequately with the research team and to complete questionnaires and functional tests; Signed written informed consent after receiving detailed information about the study.
Exclusion: Absolute medical contraindications to inspiratory muscle training: unresolved pneumothorax, recent thoracic surgery (<4 weeks), or active hemoptysis; Decompensated cardiorespiratory comorbidities that contraindicate moderate-intensity physical exercise:; New York Heart Association (NYHA) class III-IV congestive heart failure or unstable angina; Recent myocardial infarction (<6 months) or uncontrolled arrhythmias; Very severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) GOLD IV with recent exacerbations, permanent home oxygen therapy, or severe pulmonary hypertension; Refusal or inability to understand/follow the program instructions (e.g., severe cognitive impairment, insurmountable language barrier); Severe physical or neurological limitations that prevent exercise.