Cardiac rehabilitation program for women with breast cancer

A Single Arm Intervention Study to Assess the Role of Structured Cardio-Oncology Rehabilitation Exercise to Improve Cardiovascular Health in Early Stage Breast Cancer Survivors (CORE Study)

Observational University of Toronto · NCT05522959

This study is testing a 16-week heart health program for women with early-stage breast cancer to see if it helps improve their overall health and well-being.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment100 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexFemale
SponsorUniversity of Toronto Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy, radiation
Locations1 site (Toronto, Ontario)
Trial IDNCT05522959 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study invites women with early-stage breast cancer to participate in a 16-week multimodal cardiac rehabilitation program at the Toronto Rehabilitation Institute. Participants will undergo assessments before and after the program to evaluate improvements in cardiometabolic health, including changes in VO₂peak measured by Cardiopulmonary Exercise Test (CPET). The study will also examine traditional cardiac risk factors, lifestyle behaviors, exercise adherence, health-related quality of life, and fatigue levels.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are women with early-stage breast cancer who are currently receiving or have completed adjuvant therapy.

Not a fit: Patients with metastatic breast cancer or those unable to complete a cardiopulmonary exercise test may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly improve the cardiovascular health and overall quality of life for women recovering from breast cancer.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown positive outcomes with similar cardiac rehabilitation approaches in cancer patients, indicating potential for success.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* History of early-stage breast cancer (I-III)
* Currently receiving or have completed adjuvant therapy (i.e. chemotherapy, surgery, radiation, targeted therapies)
* Able to communicate in English

Exclusion Criteria:

* Pregnancy
* Metastatic disease (Stage IV)
* Unable or unwilling to complete cardiopulmonary exercise test

Where this trial is running

Toronto, Ontario

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 CancerCardiac RehabilitationCardio-oncologyCardiometabolic HealthCardiovascular Disease Risk
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.