The ECHO Trial

Ovarian cancer is the most common cause of gynaecological cancer death, with an overall 5 year relative survival of only 43%.  Treatment for ovarian cancer typically involves extensive surgery and high-dose chemotherapy with adverse side effects impacting physical wellbeing, function and quality of life.

This randomised controlled trial will identify whether incorporation of an exercise program into the current standard of care for women undergoing chemotherapy for primary ovarian cancer is an effective and cost effective way to improve medium and longer term health outcomes.

The study will recruit women who are 18 years of age and over, newly diagnosed with ovarian cancer, and scheduled for chemotherapy. The exercise intervention, to be delivered by accredited exercise physiologists, will span the duration of chemotherapy (approximately 18 weeks) and involve the individual prescription of aerobic- and resistance-based exercise at moderate-intensity, accumulating 150+ minutes per week.

The primary outcome is to determine physical wellbeing at 6 and 12 months post-diagnosis.

For further information about the study and participation, please contact the ECHO research team at echo@griffith.edu.au