Can a stimulant and exercise beat cancer fatigue? new trial aims to find out
NCT ID NCT03525873
First seen Nov 01, 2025 · Last updated Jun 23, 2026 · Updated 33 times
Summary
This phase III trial tests whether the stimulant methylphenidate (Ritalin) combined with physical activity can reduce cancer-related fatigue in 212 people with metastatic cancer who are receiving anti-PD1 immunotherapy. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either methylphenidate or a placebo, plus a physical activity program. The study measures changes in fatigue scores and daily activity levels over time.
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the original study
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Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Contacts and locations
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Locations
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M D Anderson Cancer Center
Houston, Texas, 77030, United States
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
methylphenidate (a central nervous system stimulant) and physical activity (aerobic and resistance exercises)
What this could lead to
If successful, this could provide a proven way to ease severe fatigue in people with advanced cancer, improving their daily quality of life.
What could go wrong
This is a mid-stage trial, so results may not confirm benefit. Fatigue is subjective, and the placebo effect or individual differences could blur outcomes. Methylphenidate may cause side effects like insomnia or appetite loss.
Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.