Aerobic training for women undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer

Phase 2 Trial of Adaptive Versus Standard Dosing of Aerobic Training in Patients Receiving Chemotherapy for Primary Breast Cance

Phase 2 Interventional Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center · NCT05716893

This study tests whether standard or adjustable aerobic training helps women undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer improve their fitness levels.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 2
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment140 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexFemale
SponsorMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy
Locations7 sites (Basking Ridge, New Jersey and 6 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05716893 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study compares standard aerobic training with adaptive aerobic training for women receiving chemotherapy for breast cancer. Standard aerobic training involves a fixed amount of walking each week, while adaptive training adjusts the exercise level based on participants' responses. The goal is to evaluate how these different training approaches impact cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) in participants. The study aims to determine which method is more effective in improving fitness during chemotherapy.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are women aged 18 and older who have been diagnosed with primary breast cancer and are scheduled to receive chemotherapy.

Not a fit: Patients who are already engaging in more than 90 minutes of moderate- or strenuous-intensity exercise per week may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance the physical fitness and overall well-being of women undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown positive outcomes with aerobic training in cancer patients, suggesting this approach may be beneficial.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Aged ≥18 years
* Female
* Diagnosed with primary breast cancer as defined by one of the following:

  * Histological confirmation
  * As per standard of care imaging
* Scheduled to receive neoadjuvant/adjuvant chemotherapy
* Performing ≤90 minutes of moderate- and/or strenuous-intensity exercise per week, as evaluated by self-report
* Willingness to comply with all study-related procedures
* Able to achieve an acceptable peak baseline CPET, as defined by any of the following criteria:

  1. Achieving a plateau in oxygen consumption, concurrent with an increase in power output;
  2. A respiratory exchange ratio ≥ 1.10;
  3. Attainment of maximal predicted heart rate (HRmax) (i.e., within 10 bpm of age-predicted HRmax \[HRmax = 220-Age\[years\]);
  4. Volitional exhaustion, as measured by a rating of perceived exertion (RPE) ≥ 18 on the BORG scale.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Enrollment onto any other interventional investigational study, except interventions determined by the PI not to confound study outcomes
* Receiving treatment for any other diagnosis of invasive cancer
* Distant metastatic malignancy of any kind
* Mental impairment leading to inability to cooperate
* Any of the following contraindications to cardiopulmonary exercise testing:

  i. Acute myocardial infarction within 3-5 days of any planned study procedures; ii. Unstable angina; iii. Uncontrolled arrhythmia causing symptoms or hemodynamic compromise; iv. Recurrent syncope; v. Active endocarditis; vi. Acute myocarditis or pericarditis; vii. Symptomatic severe aortic stenosis; viii. Uncontrolled heart failure; ix. Acute pulmonary embolus or pulmonary infarction within 3 months of any planned study procedures; x. Thrombosis of lower extremities; xi. Suspected dissecting aneurysm; xii. Uncontrolled asthma; xiii. Pulmonary edema; xiv. Respiratory failure; xv. Acute non-cardiopulmonary disorders that may affect exercise performance or be aggravated by exercise (i.e., infection, renal failure, thyrotoxicosis) xvi. Room air desaturation at rest ≤ 85%
* Any other condition or intercurrent illness that, in the opinion of the investigator, makes the subject a poor candidate for study participation

Where this trial is running

Basking Ridge, New Jersey and 6 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Breast CancerBreast CarcinomaBreast cancerBreast carcinomaPrimary breast cancerAerobic Training22-364Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
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.