The AREVA Corporate Foundation is funding a new project led by the ARCAD Foundation, which provides support and research on digestive cancer. Founded in late 2006, the ARCAD Foundation is the only public interest foundation devoted solely to fighting digestive cancers in France.

The goal is to assess the effects of adapted physical activity (APA) on fatigue and quality of life in patients with inoperable pancreatic cancer.
The benefits for pain management, depression, nutrition and chemotherapy tolerance will be assessed.
During the period of physical activity, each patient will be assisted by a coach chosen from among his/her family and friends to practice at least one of the exercise sessions per week.

The project is promoted by Gercor (a multidisciplinary cooperative group on cancer) and in partnership with V@si company (Health and adapted physical activity). In practice:

• 200 patients in the program
• Period of research: 3½ years, including 15 months of inclusion and 24 months of follow-up
• Patient participation: 24 months, including 16 weeks of APA
• 16 participants sites: Bordeaux, Brest, Clichy, Créteil, Dijon, La Roche-sur-Yon, Lyon (2 centers), Marseilles, Montbéliard, Mont-de-Marsan, Nancy, Paris (2 centers), Reims and Suresnes.

Adapted physical activity (APA) allows people to move who are otherwise unable to practice a normal physical activity due to their physical, mental or social condition.
APA is based on concepts of health, physical education, wellbeing, development, and maintaining independence and quality of life.
It is led by professionals especially training in adapted sports and physical activities designed to meet health objectives.