Impact of exercise on brain function in breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy

Cardiorespiratory Fitness, Inflammatory Biomarkers, and Cognitive Function Patterns During Treatment for Breast Cancer: a Prospective Cohort Study

Observational University of Toronto · NCT04616300

This study is trying to see if being physically fit helps breast cancer patients think better during and after chemotherapy.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment50 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexFemale
SponsorUniversity of Toronto Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy, radiation
Locations1 site (Toronto, Ontario)
Trial IDNCT04616300 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to explore the relationship between cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and cognitive function in breast cancer patients before and after chemotherapy. It will involve a prospective cohort of 50 women who will be assessed for cognitive abilities, physical activity levels, and cancer biomarkers at baseline and three months post-chemotherapy. The study hypothesizes that higher CRF at baseline will correlate with improved cognitive outcomes, specifically in attention, executive function, and memory. Additionally, it will investigate how lifestyle factors and biological markers influence cognitive decline in this population.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are women aged 18-65 with histologically-confirmed stage I-III breast cancer who have not yet started chemotherapy.

Not a fit: Patients who have received neoadjuvant chemotherapy or are scheduled for concurrent radiation therapy may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved cognitive outcomes for breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy through targeted lifestyle interventions.

How similar studies have performed: While there is growing evidence on the impact of lifestyle factors on cancer outcomes, this specific approach examining CRF and cognitive function in breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* 18-65 years old
* histologically-confirmed stage I-III breast cancer, but prior to the initiation of chemotherapy (\<1 cycle of adjuvant therapy or neoadjuvant therapy)
* no diagnosed major cognitive disorders and uncontrolled comorbidities.

Exclusion Criteria:

* received neoadjuvant chemotherapy and scheduled to receive adjuvant chemotherapy
* scheduled to receive concurrent radiation therapy with chemotherapy.

Where this trial is running

Toronto, Ontario

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 Breast Cancercardiorespiratory fitnesscognitive functionphysical activitychemotherapy treatmentcancer biomarkers
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.