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 has a total of 520 patients on trial who have been recruited from the following sites:

  • Gold Coast University Hospital, QLD
  • Greenslopes Private Hospital, QLD
  • Mater Private Hospital, QLD
  • Royal Brisbane & Women's Hospital, QLD
  • St Andrew's Private Hospital, QLD
  • The Wesley Hospital, QLD

This trial is now closed to recruitment.