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Resistance Exercise and Protein Supplementation for Pancreatic Cancer

This study, called the RE-BUILD Trial, is looking at whether combining resistance exercise (like lifting weights) with protein supplements can help people with pancreatic cancer who are starting chemotherapy. Researchers want to see if this combination can improve muscle mass, which can sometimes decrease during chemotherapy. You would be randomly assigned to one of three groups: resistance exercise plus protein supplements, resistance exercise alone, or a stretching group. The study will measure how well participants attend exercise sessions and take supplements. This study is for people with non-metastatic pancreatic cancer (cancer that hasn't spread) who are at least 18 years old, speak English or Spanish, and can get a doctor's approval for exercise. The current status of the study is unclear.

Study design
This is a randomized controlled trial with about 45 participants. You would be randomly assigned to one of three groups.
What's involved
You would undergo extensive evaluations including CT scans, blood tests, fitness and strength assessments, and surveys at the start, middle, and end of the intervention. The study is expected to last up to 4 months.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
The primary endpoints are measured at baseline, mid-intervention, and post-intervention (up to 16 weeks).

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.

NCT05356117

Resistance Exercise Combined With Protein Supplementation in People With Pancreatic Cancer: The RE-BUILD Trial

Recruiting
NAAges 18+InterventionalScreening
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
~45 participants
Updated 2026-02-19 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:Resistance Training (RT) and Protein Supplementation (PS)Resistance Training (RT)Attention Control (AC

At a glance

Recruiting sites
1 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Exercise Session Attendance Rate
Measured over Evaluating change between baseline, mid-intervention, and post-intervention (up to 16 weeks)
+1 more outcome measured

Conditions

Pancreatic Cancer

Explore related trials

Pancreatic Carcinoma

Where it's being run

1 sites across 1 states
Massachusetts1

Study leadership

  • Christina M Dieli-Conwright, PhD, MPH · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

Who to contact

Christina M Dieli-Conwright, PhD, MPH
[email protected]
617-582-8321
Email the study team

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Do you actually qualify for this trial?

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

Non-metastatic pancreatic cancer patients initiating neoadjuvant chemotherapy.
Ability to understand and the willingness to sign a written informed consent document.
Over the age of 18 years; children under the age of 18 will be excluded due to rarity of disease.
Speak English or Spanish.
Able to provide physician clearance to participate in the exercise program.
Able to initiate a supervised exercise program (free from any cardiovascular, respiratory or musculoskeletal disease or joint problems that preclude moderate physical activity).
Currently participate in less than or equal to 60 minutes of structured moderate or vigorous exercise/week.
Does not smoke (no smoking during previous 12 months).
Willing to travel to DFCI for assessments.

Exclusion

Patients should not have any uncontrolled illness including ongoing or active infection, uncontrolled diabetes, hypertension or thyroid disease.
Patients may not be receiving any other investigational agents.
Patients with other active malignancies are ineligible for this study.
Patients with metastatic disease.
History of any musculoskeletal, cardiorespiratory or neurological diseases that preclude the participation in exercise.
Patients expected to receive other cancer directed treatments during the study and assessment period.
Participates in more than 60 minutes of structured moderate or vigorous exercise/week.
Currently smokes.
Subjects, who in the opinion of the investigator, may not be able to comply with the safety monitoring requirements of the study.
Is unable to travel to DFCI for assessments.
Patients who are pregnant due to the unknown effects of exercise on the developing fetus.

What this trial measures

  • Exercise Session Attendance RateEvaluating change between baseline, mid-intervention, and post-intervention (up to 16 weeks)

    The primary outcome is feasibility. Feasibility of the resistance exercise (RE) +protein supplementation (PS) intervention will be defined as the proportion of exercise sessions attended and consumption of the PS. The intervention is considered feasible if the proportion of enrolled participants who complete the exercise sessions and daily PS is ≥70%, respectively.

  • Protein Supplementation (PS) RateEvaluating change between baseline, mid-intervention, and post-intervention (up to 16 weeks)

    The primary outcome is feasibility. Feasibility of the resistance exercise (RE) +protein supplementation (PS) intervention will be defined as the proportion of exercise sessions attended and consumption of the PS. The intervention is considered feasible if the proportion of enrolled participants who complete the exercise sessions and daily PS is ≥70%, respectively.