Exercise regimens after breast cancer treatment for muscle growth and conditioning
EXERT-BCHC: Prospective Study of EXErcise Regimens After Treatment for Breast Cancer for Hypertrophy and Conditioning
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 |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 15 (estimated) |
| Ages | 20 Years to 89 Years |
| Sex | Female |
| 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) |
| Trial ID | NCT07023887 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
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.
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.
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 performed: 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.
Eligibility criteria
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 this trial is running
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- 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
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.