Whole-food, plant-based eating program for metastatic breast cancer patients
Official title: Whole Food Plant-Based Lifestyle Adaptation for Nutrition Therapy in Patients with Metastatic Breast Cancer: The PLANT-MBC Study in NCORP
Funded at University of Rochester · NIH-11368956 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A remote 26-week plant-based eating program is being tested to improve quality of life and reduce treatment-related symptoms for women with metastatic breast cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $276,407 |
| NIH project number | 1U34CA304677-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11368956 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Women with metastatic breast cancer and BMI ≥25 kg/m² who can access NCORP sites and participate in remote dietary programming.
✕Less likely to help
Patients unable to participate in a remote or meal-delivery program or with BMI <25 may not experience the same benefits.
What this research studies
Patients with metastatic breast cancer may experience fatigue, cognitive issues, and weight changes that affect daily life. The study will pilot a remotely delivered WFPB diet, starting with prepared meals and moving toward groceries and self-management with structured support. It will enroll about 80 participants from diverse backgrounds across NCORP sites, focusing on those with BMI ≥25. The team previously showed in a smaller trial that this diet can improve well-being and some disease-related biomarkers, and this grant plans to assess feasibility, sustainability, and early signals of benefit to plan a larger trial.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients may experience better quality of life and symptom control while potentially influencing biomarkers related to cancer progression.
How similar studies have gone: A prior eight-week pilot trial showed improved quality of life and reduced symptoms with a WFPB plan in this population.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Rochester
Rochester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Peppone, Luke Joseph — University of Rochester
- Study coordinator: Peppone, Luke Joseph
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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.