Exercise for Indolent Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma and Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

This study is looking at how exercise affects the immune system in people with indolent non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Many people with CLL have immune system problems, even if they don't need treatment right away. Researchers want to see if short-term and long-term exercise can improve immune function and reduce side effects. You would undergo an aerobic-based training program, and researchers would collect blood samples, perform cardiopulmonary exercise tests (CPET), and DEXA scans (to measure bone density and body composition) to understand these effects. The study aims to see changes in immune cells before and up to 12 weeks after the exercise program. This study is currently recruiting.

Study design
This interventional study plans to enroll 70 participants aged 18 to 80 years old with indolent non-Hodgkin lymphoma or chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
What's involved
Participants will undergo blood collection, cardiopulmonary exercise testing, DEXA scans, and an aerobic-based training program for up to 12 weeks.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
Immune cell changes will be assessed up to 12 weeks after the exercise intervention.

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NCT05876923

The Effects of Exercise on Immune Phenotype of Indolent Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma and Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Patients

Recruiting
NAAges 18–80InterventionalSupportive care
Mayo Clinic
~70 participants
Updated 2026-04-09 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:Biospecimen CollectionCardiopulmonary Exercise TestingDual X-ray AbsorptiometryElectronic Health Record ReviewExercise InterventionPhysical Examination

At a glance

Recruiting sites
2 of 2 listed sites are recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Assess circulating immune cell abundance and function pre-intervention
Measured over Baseline
+1 more outcome measured
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia/Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma
Indolent Non-hodgkin Lymphoma
2 sites across 2 states
Arizona1
Minnesota1
  • Michael P. Gustafson, PhD · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · Mayo Clinic

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

English speaking
Between the ages of 18-80
Histologically confirmed diagnosis of indolent non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) will be required to participate in Aim 2 (CLL/SLL only), aim 3 and 4 (indolent NHL) and aim 5 (indolent NHL) of this study

Exclusion

Healthy subjects participating in Aim 1 will be excluded if they have known cardiovascular or pulmonary disease (e.g. heart disease, coronary artery disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease \[COPD\], asthma, etc.) an orthopedic or musculoskeletal limitation which would limit ability to exercise or are a current or former smoker
Indolent NHL individuals receiving treatment must have least 8 weeks of planned treatment remaining and those who have already received treatment must be at least 6 months post and have no planned treatments during the 12-week intervention period to be eligible. Individuals that are participating prior to receiving treatment must not have any scheduled treatments during their participation. Individuals will be excluded if they have uncontrolled hypertension, cardiac illness, or are not approved by their oncologist to participate
  • Assess circulating immune cell abundance and function pre-interventionBaseline

    A standardized questionnaire will be administered to assess levels of past and current physical activity. Baseline measurement of pulmonary function (PFT) will be collected and possibly a body composition scan via dual x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). While subjects perform cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET), cardiopulmonary vitals will be assessed and monitored throughout exercise and in recovery. A 40 mL venous blood sample will be drawn at baseline and post exercise (80 mL total), along with finger prick measures of blood lactate at rest and early recovery. Blood samples will be evaluated to determine how circulating immune cell abundance and function (via cell counts \& cytokine profile) of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) patients respond to acute (single bout) maximal exercise and how this differs from the response observed in group of age-matched controls by monitoring cardiopulmonary parameters and mobilization of immune cell phenotypes.

  • Assess circulating immune cell mobilization and function post-interventionUp to 12 weeks

    Each subject will participate in a 12-weeks exercise program (3 times per week) at a moderate to high exercise intensity level based upon the results of their cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET)\]. Upon completion of the program, subjects will return to the laboratory for post testing using the same techniques as used during the baseline. Venous blood samples drawn at rest after the program will be used to determine how circulating immune cell mobilization and function (cell counts and cytokine profile) of CLL patients respond to intervention. Usual descriptive statistics will be performed - means, standard deviations, and ranges. Comparisons within a group over time or pre/post will be performed using paired t-tests, while comparisons between groups will be performed using unpaired t-tests or where necessary using ANOVA. Comparisons will be made based on absolute values as well as changes during a test.