Impact of Hypertrophy-Oriented Resistance Training on Muscle Mass and Quality of Life in Patients with Unresectable Pancreatic Cancer (HY-PANC): Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND

Unresectable pancreatic cancer (PC) is characterized by a high prevalence of sarcopenia and cachexia, which negatively impact survival, treatment toxicity, and quality of life (QoL). Currently, evidence evaluating exercise programs in this vulnerable population is limited.

METHODS

This prospective, two-arm randomized controlled trial (RCT) will recruit patients with unresectable PC undergoing chemotherapy. Participants will be randomized (1:1) to an intervention group (hypertrophy-oriented resistance training twice weekly) or a control group (standard care).

DISCUSSION: The primary outcome is the change in total lean body mass (assessed by DXA) at Week 12. Secondary outcomes include maximal strength, peak power, cardiorespiratory capacity, and patient-reported measures. The HY-PANC protocol presents a replicable resistance training intervention designed specifically for advanced PC.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: The protocol has been submitted for review and approval by the Clinical Research Ethics Committee of the University Hospital of Getafe and registered on ClinicalTrials.com (NCT07470268). © 2026 The Author(s). Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.