Using telehealth to help older women with breast cancer maintain their treatment
Official title: TeleHealth Resistance exercise Intervention to preserve dose intensity and Vitality in Elder breast cancer patients (THRIVE)
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11180507 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking for older women with breast cancer to try a friendly online exercise program that helps them stay strong during chemotherapy, making it easier to handle treatment side effects and improve their overall health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | December 19, 2022 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $1,211,647 |
| NIH project number | 5U01CA271277-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11180507 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are women aged 65 and older who are undergoing treatment for breast cancer.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger than 65 or those not currently receiving treatment for breast cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on older women diagnosed with breast cancer, aiming to improve their treatment outcomes through a telehealth-based resistance exercise program. The program is designed to help these patients maintain their prescribed chemotherapy dose intensity, which is crucial for reducing the risk of cancer recurrence. By addressing factors such as physical function and mental health, the intervention seeks to mitigate the side effects of treatment that often lead to under-treatment in this age group. Participants will engage in guided exercise sessions remotely, allowing for personalized support while managing their cancer treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better treatment adherence and improved outcomes for older women with breast cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that exercise interventions can significantly improve treatment outcomes for cancer patients, suggesting a promising approach in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schmitz, Kathryn H. — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Schmitz, Kathryn H.
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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.