Personalized Exercise Program for Survivors of Breast Cancer, STEPS-BC Trial

Study Summary

This clinical trial studies whether a healthy living intervention (HLI), with or without a physical activity intervention (PAI), helps maintain the ability to exercise, heart health, and quality of life in breast cancer patients who are scheduled to receive chemotherapy treatment. Early detection and enhanced therapies for breast cancer have improved 5-year cancer-related survival rates. Unfortunately, many breast cancer survivors are at high risk for long-term exercise intolerance, decreased heart health, and lower quality of life following chemotherapy. Currently, there are no effective therapies to help patients maintain these areas throughout chemotherapy. The HLI in this study includes virtual health education classes, which provide useful information on topics like proper nutrition, managing stress, and sleep practices. This may help patients understand the importance of living a healthy lifestyle during chemotherapy. The PAI in this study consists of virtual exercise sessions personalized to the needs of the patient, which may make it easier for patients to stay active during chemotherapy. HLI with PAI may be a more effective way to help maintain ability to exercise, heart health, and quality of life in breast cancer patients who are scheduled to receive chemotherapy treatment.

Primary Outcome

Will be assessed using cardiopulmonary exercise testing. VO2max, the maximum rate of oxygen consumption measured during incremental exercise, is the gold standard measure of aerobic fitness. It is expressed in milliliters of oxygen consumed per minute per kilogram of body weight (ml/kg/min). Higher VO2max measurements show better function, as it allows one to produce more energy, thereby performing more work.

Interventions

• PROCEDURE Biospecimen Collection
• PROCEDURE Magnetic Resonance Imaging
• OTHER Exercise Intervention
• OTHER Supportive Care
• OTHER Educational Intervention