Fit2ThriveMB: A digital activity program to help people with metastatic breast cancer feel better and stay active
Official title: Fit2ThriveMB: Optimization of a Physical Activity Promotion Intervention for Metastatic Breast Cancer Patients
Funded at Northwestern University · NIH-11445597 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A digital, at-home physical activity program designed for people with metastatic breast cancer to improve quality of life and daily functioning.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | June 15, 2026 |
| Project end | May 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $663,998 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA305818-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11445597 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with metastatic breast cancer who can engage in light physical activity and have access to digital devices for remote monitoring.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who cannot participate in any form of physical activity or who lack access to digital tools may derive little or no benefit.
What this research studies
If you have metastatic breast cancer, this project tests a fully-powered digital activity program that helps you increase light physical activity, reduce sitting time, and monitor progress remotely. The study uses wearable devices and online support to tailor activities to your needs, aiming to reduce treatment side effects and improve well-being. Participants would engage with the digital program over time, with remote check-ins and safety monitoring to ensure suitability and adjust goals. The researchers hope that a scalable, home-based approach can help more patients stay active and hopeful during treatment and survivorship.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could experience better quality of life and potentially slower health decline through a safe, accessible home-based program.
How similar studies have gone: Previous small trials in earlier-stage breast cancer showed benefits from physical activity, but this is a fully powered study focused on metastatic disease.
Where this research is happening
-
Northwestern University
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Phillips, Siobhan Marie — Northwestern University
- Study coordinator: Phillips, Siobhan Marie
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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.