Pre-post feasibility trial of a telephone-delivered exercise intervention for patients during chemotherapy for recurrent ovarian cancer: the ECHO-R trial protocol

Sep 21, 2026

Uploaded by Jiven

The ECHO-R trial protocol evaluates feasibility and safety of a home-based, telephone-delivered exercise intervention for women receiving chemotherapy for recurrent ovarian cancer, addressing uncertainty about whether oncology exercise recommendations apply to this high-need population. The single-arm phase II pre/post design delivers 12 telephoned sessions over 6 months, with limited face-to-face supplementation. Outcomes include baseline and follow-up fitness and function tests at 6 and 9 months, plus feasibility and safety data recorded each session.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

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Pages9

Reading Time23 min

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Abstract

Introduction

Methods and analysis

Ethics and dissemination

Strengths and limitations of this study

Trial registration

Open access Protocol Pre-post feasibility trial of a telephone delivered exercise intervention for patients during chemotherapy for recurrent ovarian cancer: the ECHO-R trial protocol Sandra C Hayes ,1 Rosalind R Spence ,1 Monika Janda ,2 Elizabeth Eakin,3 Catherine Shannon,4 Jeffrey Goh,4 Vanessa L Beesley ,5 Dimitrios Vagenas,6 Penny Webb,5 Jermaine Coward,7 Louisa G Gordon ,5 Helene O’Neill,4 Merran Williams,4 Sheree Rye ,1 Melissa J Newton,1 Sara Baniahmadi,4 Marcelo Nascimento,8 James Nicklin,9 Andrea Garret,4 Andreas Obermair4 To cite: Hayes SC, Spence RR, Janda M, et al. Pre-post feasibility trial of a telephone-delivered exercise intervention for patients during chemotherapy for recurrent ovarian cancer: the ECHO-R trial protocol. BMJ Open 2024;14:e077158 . doi:10 . 1136/ bmjopen-2023-077158 ► Prepublication history and additional supplemental material for this paper are available online. To view these files, please visit the journal online ([http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/](http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/)[ ](http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/)[bmjopen-2023-077158](bmjopen-2023-077158)) . Received 27 June 2023 Accepted 11 December 2023 © Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2024. Re-use permitted under CC BY-NC. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ. For numbered affiliations see end of article. Correspondence to Professor Sandra C Hayes; [sandi.hayes@griffith.edu.au](sandi.hayes@griffith.edu.au) ABSTRACT Introduction The benefits of exercise in reducing treatment-related morbidity and improving quality of life following a primary diagnosis of cancer have been well documented and have led to exercise being recommended by oncology societies for all people with a cancer diagnosis. However, these recommendations are derived from research typically involving cohorts with more common cancers and relatively good prognosis, such as breast and prostate. Evidence from these cancers may not apply to women with recurrent ovarian cancer. Therefore, the primary objective of this trial is to evaluate the feasibility and safety of a home-based, telephonedelivered exercise intervention for women undergoing chemotherapy for recurrent ovarian cancer. Methods and analysis The Exercise During Chemotherapy for Recurrent Ovarian Cancer (ECHO-R) trial is a single-arm, phase II, pre/postintervention trial of a 6-month, telephone-delivered exercise intervention (consistent with recommended exercise oncology prescription) . The target sample size is 80 women who are currently undergoing (or are scheduled to receive) chemotherapy for recurrent ovarian cancer. Recruitment is through participating hospital sites in Queensland, Australia, or via self-referral. The exercise intervention comprises 12 telephone sessions over a 6-month period delivered by trial-trained exercise professionals and supplemented (where feasible) by five sessions face to face. Exercise prescription is individualised and works towards an overall goal of achieving a weekly target of 150 min of moderate-intensity, mixed-mode exercise. Assessments via self-administered survey and physical fitness and function tests occur at baseline and then at 6 and 9 months postbaseline. Data to inform feasibility and safety are recorded as case notes by the exercise professional during each session. Ethics and dissemination Ethics approval for the ECHO-R trial was granted by the Metro North Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC/2020/QRBW/67223) on 6 November 2020. Findings from the trial are planned STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS OF THIS STUDY ⇒ Involves a cancer cohort with high unmet needs. ⇒ Delivery of exercise therapy using a wide-reach, equitable mode (specifically telehealth delivery) that facilitates trial participation, irrespective of where someone lives. ⇒ Involves a pragmatic and individualised application of exercise oncology guidelines to ensure the intervention can accommodate individual circumstances and preferences, and to o

FAQs

What is the main objective of the ECHO-R trial?

To evaluate the feasibility and safety of a home-based, telephone-delivered exercise intervention for women undergoing chemotherapy for recurrent ovarian cancer.

How is the exercise intervention delivered and structured?

It includes 12 telephone sessions over 6 months delivered by trial-trained exercise professionals, with up to five additional face-to-face sessions when feasible.

What outcomes and timing are used to assess feasibility and safety?

Assessments include self-administered surveys and physical fitness and function tests at baseline and then at 6 and 9 months postbaseline. Feasibility and safety data are recorded as case notes by the exercise professional during each session.

Sep 21, 2026

Uploaded by Jiven