Distance-based Exercise to Preserve Function in Breast Cancer Patients
Official title: Distance-based Exercise to preserve Function and prevENt Disability (DEFEND)
Funded at Dana-Farber Cancer Inst · NIH-11400407 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A plan to test a scalable exercise program that helps breast cancer patients stay active and maintain daily function during treatment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Dana-Farber Cancer Inst NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 18, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $336,614 |
| NIH project number | 5U34CA293568-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11400407 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy who are at risk for functional decline and who can participate in a structured exercise program.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who cannot safely participate in exercise due to medical contraindications or who have limited access to supportive care may derive less benefit.
What this research studies
This project outlines creating and testing a technology-enabled exercise program that can be used in both university and community oncology settings. It aims to identify which patients are most likely to benefit from exercise during chemotherapy and to ensure they can enroll, stay in, and complete the program. The work focuses on practical ways to implement the program widely, not just in a single clinic, so that more patients can experience better physical function and fewer treatment-related side effects.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could maintain higher physical function and potentially experience fewer side effects during cancer treatment through a scalable exercise program.
How similar studies have gone: Prior studies show exercise can improve function and reduce side effects in cancer patients, supporting the potential for scalable programs.
Where this research is happening
-
Dana-Farber Cancer Inst
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ligibel, Jennifer a. — Dana-Farber Cancer Inst
- Study coordinator: Ligibel, Jennifer a.
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.