Exercise regimens after breast cancer treatment for muscle growth and conditioning
Official title: EXERT-BCHC: Prospective Study of EXErcise Regimens After Treatment for Breast Cancer for Hypertrophy and Conditioning
Run by Allegheny Singer Research Institute (also known as Allegheny Health Network Research Institute) · NCT07023887 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests four supervised resistance-training programs to see which best improves fitness and muscle mass in women who have completed breast cancer treatment.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 20 Years to 89 Years |
| Sex | Women only |
| Enrollment | 15 (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 | May 21, 2025 |
| Main results expected | May 3, 2027 |
| Study ends | May 3, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | September 30, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07023887 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Women aged 20–89 with biopsy-proven DCIS or invasive breast cancer who have completed treatment (not on active cytotoxic chemotherapy), have been prescribed exercise as standard of care, and have ≥6 months supervised resistance-training experience are ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients on active cytotoxic chemotherapy, those unable to safely perform group resistance training due to severe cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, or joint conditions, men, and pregnant women are unlikely to benefit from or be eligible for this protocol.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This prospective observational study compares two conditioning regimens (6-12-25 and 8x8) and two hypertrophy regimens (5/5/5 cluster sets and double training) in women previously treated for breast cancer. Participants will join monitored group resistance-training sessions and undergo measurements of VO2 max, muscle mass, and fat mass to track changes over time. Women receiving active cytotoxic chemotherapy are excluded, and participants must have at least six months of resistance training experience under a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist. The primary aim is to determine how different standard-of-care resistance protocols affect conditioning and hypertrophy outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the results could identify resistance programs that improve cardiorespiratory fitness and increase muscle mass for breast cancer survivors.
How similar studies have gone: Exercise programs have previously improved fitness and quality of life in breast cancer survivors, but direct head-to-head comparisons of these specific resistance regimens for hypertrophy versus conditioning are limited.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Age 20-89 years 2. Women prescribed exercise as a Standard of Care 3. Women with a biopsy proven diagnosis of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) or invasive carcinoma of the breast 4. Women must have undergone treatment for breast cancer, including one or more of the following: surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or hormonal therapy. 5. Women undergoing active chemotherapy are not allowed on study. Immunotherapy or targeted agent usage is allowed. 6. Women with \> 6 months of resistance training experience under expert guidance by a CSCS Exclusion Criteria: 1. Any current treatment with cytotoxic chemotherapy for breast cancer 2. Inability to safely engage in group sessions of resistance training as deemed by study Pl 3. Severe arthritic, joint, cardiovascular, or musculoskeletal condition deemed by Pl to be unsafe to engage in resistance training 4. Beta blocker or GLP-1 inhibitor medications 5. Pregnant women 6. Males
Where it's running
-
Allegheny General Hospital
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Colin Champ — AHN Radiation Oncology
- Study coordinator: Clinical Trials Contact
- Email: ctgov@ahn.org
- Phone: 412-330-6151
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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.