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.