Coaching on diaphragmatic breathing to improve breath hold during radiation therapy

Impact of Diaphragmatic Breathing Coaching on Deep Inspiration Breath Hold Reproducibility and Organ Protection

Observational M.D. Anderson Cancer Center · NCT06747533

This study tests if teaching breast cancer patients how to breathe better can help them hold their breath more consistently during radiation therapy and reduce their anxiety.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment40 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexFemale
SponsorM.D. Anderson Cancer Center Academic / other
Drugs / interventionsradiation
Locations1 site (Houston, Texas)
Trial IDNCT06747533 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to evaluate the effects of diaphragmatic breathing coaching on participants undergoing radiation therapy for breast cancer. It compares the breath hold reproducibility and anxiety levels between participants receiving specialized breathing coaching and those receiving standard patient education. The primary objective is to assess the average daily shift in treatment outcomes for both groups. Participants will be coached to achieve larger, more consistent breaths, potentially enhancing their treatment experience.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults over 18 years old with left-sided breast cancer requiring whole breast radiation or treatment of regional nodes.

Not a fit: Patients with underlying lung conditions that limit their ability to achieve an ideal breath hold or those who are actively pregnant may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to improved treatment outcomes and reduced anxiety for breast cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy.

How similar studies have performed: While this approach is innovative, similar studies focusing on breathing techniques have shown promise in improving patient outcomes in radiation therapy.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age \> 18
* Left sided breast cancer planned for whole breast radiation or any breast cancer requiring treatment of the regional nodes
* Treatment planned at the MDACC Mays Breast Radiation Oncology clinic

Exclusion Criteria:

* Underlying lung issues that may limit ability to achieve ideal breath hold (COPD on oxygen, etc)
* Active pregnancy

Where this trial is running

Houston, Texas

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 Breathing, Mouth
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.