Coaching on diaphragmatic breathing to improve breath hold during radiation therapy
Official title: Impact of Diaphragmatic Breathing Coaching on Deep Inspiration Breath Hold Reproducibility and Organ Protection
Run by M.D. Anderson Cancer Center · NCT06747533 · Data updated 2026-05-14
This study is no longer in our active list. It may have stopped recruiting or finished. The details below are as of 2026-05-14 and are kept for reference. Check ClinicalTrials.gov for its current status, or see similar studies below.
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 type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | Women only |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | M.D. Anderson Cancer Center Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | radiation |
| Locations | 1 site (Houston, Texas) |
| Trial ID | NCT06747533 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults over 18 years old with left-sided breast cancer requiring whole breast radiation or treatment of regional nodes.
✕Probably 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.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: While this approach is innovative, similar studies focusing on breathing techniques have shown promise in improving patient outcomes in radiation therapy.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
-
MD Anderson Cancer Center
Houston, Texas, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Melissa P Mitchell, MD,PHD
- Email: mpmitchell@mdanderson.org
- Phone: 713-794-4892
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Combined acupressure to reduce post-thoracotomy pain and improve lung volume
This trial will try combined acupressure on patients after thoracotomy to see if it reduces postoperative pain and helps restore lung volume.
-
Evaluating breathing difficulties using exercise testing and oscillometry
This study is trying to see if measuring airway resistance during breathing tests can help understand the causes of shortness of breath in people who have been referred for exercise testing.
-
Pranayamic Breathing and Tongue Exercises for Kids’ Mouth Health
This study tests whether breathing techniques and tongue exercises can change the oral microbiota in children aged 7–12, comparing those who breathe through the mouth with those who breathe through the nose.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.