Effects of exercise on respiratory issues caused by a cancer drug

Doxorubicin-induced respiratory dysfunction and the protective effects of exercise

NIH-funded research University of Florida · NIH-10641895

This study is looking at how the cancer drug doxorubicin might cause breathing issues and problems with the diaphragm muscle, and it wants to see if doing endurance exercise before treatment can help protect against these side effects, making life a little easier for patients during their cancer journey.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Florida NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Gainesville, United States)
Project IDNIH-10641895 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how the cancer drug doxorubicin can lead to respiratory problems and diaphragm muscle dysfunction in patients. It aims to understand the mechanisms behind these side effects and explore whether endurance exercise training before treatment can reduce the harmful accumulation of the drug in the diaphragm. By focusing on mitochondrial health, the study seeks to find ways to protect patients from the debilitating effects of doxorubicin, potentially improving their quality of life during cancer treatment.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are cancer patients who are prescribed doxorubicin and may experience respiratory dysfunction.

Not a fit: Patients who are not receiving doxorubicin or those with pre-existing severe respiratory conditions may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could help reduce respiratory complications in cancer patients undergoing treatment with doxorubicin.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that exercise can mitigate some side effects of cancer treatments, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Where this research is happening

Gainesville, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Anti-Cancer AgentsCancer DrugNeoplastic Disease Chemotherapeutic Agentsanti-cancer druganticancer agent
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.