ECHO Trial

Ovarian cancer is the second-most commonly diagnosed gynaecological cancer.  During treatment, chemotherapy-related adverse effects are common and contribute to a decline in physical wellbeing and quality of life. Only 32 per cent of Australian women treated with chemotherapy for ovarian cancer actually complete the standard chemotherapy without dose restrictions or delay.

ECHO is a study for ovarian cancer patients to showing whether there is an association between participation in exercise and greater adherence to chemotherapy. Participating in exercise during chemotherapy for other cancer types has been shown to reduce the number and severity of physical and psychosocial treatment-related side effects and improve quality of life. There is also preliminary evidence in the breast cancer setting showing an association between participation in exercise and greater adherence to chemotherapy. 

The ECHO trial is recruiting from the RBWH, Mater, Greenslopes, St Andrew's and Wesley. 238 patients have been recruited in Queensland to the trial to date.