A study looking at lifestyle after treatment for myeloma
Please note - this trial is no longer recruiting patients. We hope to add results when they are available.
Cancer type:
Status:
Phase:
This study is looking at lifestyle and physical health in people who have had treatment for myeloma.
More about this trial
Most people with myeloma have chemotherapy and very often this gets rid of any sign of active disease. This is called being in 
.
But even when in remission, many people continue to feel tired and lacking in both energy and confidence. They may also feel anxious and low in mood. All of these things can stop them returning to a normal lifestyle.
Also, because myeloma can affect your bones, people are often unsure how much physical activity or exercise they can do. And some people still have pain or discomfort from bone damage they’ve had in the past.
It is possible that taking part in physical activity may play an important role in how people feel physically and psychologically when they are in remission from myeloma. In this study, the researchers want to get a better understanding of the relationship between lifestyle and possible improvements in general fitness, energy levels, mood and self confidence.
They hope that the information they get from this study will help them to design better rehabilitation programmes for people who have had treatment for myeloma.
Who can enter
You may be invited to join study if you have had treatment for myeloma at either University College London or St Bartholomew’s hospital and you
- Are now in
remission and your myeloma hasn’t shown any sign of getting worse for at least 6 weeks - Aren’t currently having any treatment for myeloma apart from consolidation or maintenance treatment (your doctor can confirm this)
- Are well enough to be up and about for at least half the day (performance status 0, 1 or 2)
- Are well enough to take regular exercise
You can’t take part in the study if any of the following apply
- You have had surgery to your spine or to other bones in the last 4 weeks
- The healthcare professionals looking after you think your spine isn’t stable or that you have a particularly high risk of breaking a bone
- You have a problem with your bones or muscles that limits your mobility
- You have an abnormal heart trace (
ECG ) or have chest pain due to a lack of oxygen reaching your heart muscle (unstable angina) - You are already taking part in an exercise programme as part of another study
- You wouldn’t be able to complete questionnaires due to problems with your memory or concentration (cognitive impairment)
Trial design
The researchers need about 138 people to join this study.
The study team will assess your physical fitness, muscle strength and bone health. They will also look at how well your immune system is working and what you are physically able to do.
They will ask you to fill out questionnaires and to keep a simple diary of the physical activity you do during the study. They will also ask you to wear a small device on your waist or wrist. You wear the device for 1 week. You will be asked to wear it at the following times during the study
- When you join
- 3 months
- 6 months
- 12 months
This monitors your activity level and is similar to wearing a watch.
The study team will test the balance between fat and water in your body and they will test your muscle strength by asking to do exercises measuring your hand grip and leg strength. They will also ask you to use a stationary bicycle while they measure the amount of oxygen you use during exercise.
They will carry out these assessments when you join the study and then at
- 3 months
- 6 months
- 12 months
Hospital visits
If you agree to take part in the study, you have a physical examination and blood tests. If your doctor thinks it is necessary, you may also have a heart trace (), X-rays, a CT scan or an MRI scan.
You then have hospital visits and a blood test at
- 3 months
- 6 months
- 12 months
It is important that you let the study team know if you can’t attend these study visits.
Side effects
There are no side effects from taking part in this study.
Recruitment start:
Recruitment end:
How to join a clinical trial
Please note: In order to join a trial you will need to discuss it with your doctor, unless otherwise specified.
Chief Investigator
Professor Kwee Yong
Supported by
Cancer Development Fund
Cancer Research UK
Celgene
NIHR Clinical Research Network: Cancer
University College London Cancer Centre
If you have questions about the trial please contact our cancer information nurses
Freephone 0808 800 4040
