POET - mCRC

Post-Operative Exercise Training in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer

The POET-mCRC project aims to test whether exercise can improve the physical condition and quality of life of patients with colorectal cancer and liver metastases (CRLM).
The project’s results will generate evidence about the need to add exercise as supportive care in cancer treatment.

Objectives

Improve overall fitness level and strength of CRLM patients who undergo treatment

Improve the immune system of CRLM patients

Help CRLM patients tolerate the cancer treatment

Prevent or delay appearance of new tumours

Why this Research Matters

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancer worldwide and remains a major cause of cancer-related deaths. Many patients—about one in four—develop liver tumours as the disease progresses and even after treated, more than half of the patients will see new liver tumours appear within just two years.

Because of the repeated rounds of surgery and chemotherapy, these patients often face significant side effects, including fatigue, chronic pain, a weakened immune system and weight loss.

Regular exercise can play an important role in improving these side effects of people with several types of cancer. However, very little is known about how exercise can affect the health of CRLM patients. Thus, the POET-mCRC project will provide solid evidence on the role of exercise as supportive care for these patients.

Impact

clinically relevant evidence about the beneficial effect of exercise on patient health outcomes for patients with CRLM

Improve overall physical fitness and quality of life of patients with CRLM.

Provide recommendations for implementation of exercise in the treatment trajectory of patients with CRLM.