TOPS weight-loss program tailored for breast cancer survivors
Official title: Planning Grant for Take off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS) for Breast Cancer Survivors
Funded at Duke University · NIH-11192879 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project adapts the TOPS weight-loss program so breast cancer survivors can start with dietitian-led support and then continue with community TOPS groups to lose weight and stay healthier.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | September 13, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $331,459 |
| NIH project number | 5R34CA293460-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11192879 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are breast cancer survivors who have extra weight, want to lose weight, and can join initial dietitian-led sessions and later participate in community TOPS chapters.
✕Less likely to help
People not seeking weight loss, those with medical reasons that prevent participation in a weight-management program, or those unable to attend the required sessions may not receive benefit.
What this research studies
You would help shape and try a version of the TOPS program that is specifically adapted for people who have had breast cancer. The team will work with breast cancer survivors to modify materials from successful programs (Moving Forward and LEAN) and then run a pilot using electronic health records to find participants. The pilot switches the usual peer-led start to a dietitian-led beginning and then transitions people to community TOPS chapters for long-term maintenance. Results will inform a larger trial to test the program's real-world effectiveness on weight and related health outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this program could help survivors lose and keep off weight, which may reduce risks related to cancer recurrence and heart disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous programs like TOPS, Moving Forward, and LEAN have produced significant weight loss in women and breast cancer survivors, and this work builds on those successful approaches.
Where this research is happening
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Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mitchell, Nia Schwann — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Mitchell, Nia Schwann
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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.