Exercise program to boost muscle mass in breast cancer survivors
Official title: EXERT-BCH: Prospective Study of EXErcise Regimens After Treatment for Breast Cancer to Improve Hypertrophy
Run by Allegheny Singer Research Institute (also known as Allegheny Health Network Research Institute) · NCT06115486 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing two group exercise programs to see if they can help women who have finished breast cancer treatment build more muscle.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 20 Years to 89 Years |
| Sex | Women only |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Allegheny Singer Research Institute (also known as Allegheny Health Network Research Institute) Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation |
| Locations | 1 site (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | January 9, 2024 |
| Main results expected | January 2027 |
| Study ends | January 2027 |
| Registry record updated | February 4, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06115486 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are women aged 20-89 who have been treated for breast cancer and are not currently undergoing cytotoxic chemotherapy.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients currently receiving cytotoxic chemotherapy or those with severe health conditions that prevent safe participation in resistance training will 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 research evaluates the effectiveness of two monitored group exercise regimens aimed at increasing muscle mass in women who have completed treatment for breast cancer. Participants will undergo a fitness evaluation to tailor their exercise program, which consists of small group training sessions held three times a week for 12 weeks. The exercise regimens include high-load resistance training and are designed to improve hypertrophy in women diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ or invasive breast carcinoma. All sessions will be supervised by certified specialists to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly enhance muscle mass and overall physical resilience in women recovering from breast cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown positive outcomes with exercise interventions for cancer survivors, indicating that this approach is supported by existing evidence.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Age 20-89 years * Women with a biopsy proven diagnosis of ductal carcinoma in situ or invasive carcinoma of the breast * Women must have undergone treatment for breast cancer, including one or more of the following: surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or hormonal therapy. Women undergoing active chemotherapy are not allowed on study. Immunotherapy or targeted agent usage is allowed. Exclusion Criteria: * Any current treatment with cytotoxic chemotherapy for breast cancer * Inability to safely engage in group sessions of resistance training as deemed by study PI * Severe arthritic, joint, cardiovascular, or musculoskeletal condition deemed by PI to be unsafe to engage in resistance training
Where it's running
-
Allegheny General Hospital
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Colin Champ, MD, CSCS — Radiation Oncologist
- Study coordinator: Clinical Trials Contact
- Email: clinicaltrials@ahn.org
- Phone: 4123306151
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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.