Exercise-based Pre-habilitation in Bladder Cancer Patients Prior to Radical Cystectomy: a Feasibility Study

Exercise-based Pre-habilitation in Bladder Cancer Patients Prior to Radical Cystectomy: a Feasibility Study

The purpose of this study is to explore the feasibility and efficacy of a 12-week, home-based exercise program in bladder cancer patients undergoing curative intent neoadjuvant chemotherapy and RC.

The investigators will seek to recruit 20 patients diagnosed with muscle invasive localized urothelial carcinoma of the bladder who are scheduled to receive neo-adjuvant chemotherapy prior to RC from the Queen Elizabeth Health Sciences center in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Participants will be randomly allocated to standard of care treatment versus standard of care plus a multimodal, home-based program including strength and endurance exercises. Outcomes measured will include feasibility data, patient outcomes, and post-surgical complications.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. confirmed diagnosis of localized muscle invasive urothelial carcinoma of the bladder (clinical stages cT2-4a, N0-1, M0);
2. treatment plan includes the administration of cisplatin-based systemic neoadjuvant chemotherapy prior to anticipated RC (typically four, 3-week cycles of cisplatin-based chemotherapy);
3. English fluency;
4. physician approval; and
5. participant willingness to participate in a 12-week, home-based exercise intervention.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. unstable or symptomatic cardiac or pulmonary disease, musculoskeletal injury or co-morbid disease that precludes ability to exercise; and
2. significant cognitive limitations.