Improving radiation therapy for left-sided breast cancer with breathing and relaxation techniques
Respiratory Training and Relaxation Techniques to Improve Adjuvant Radiation Therapy in DIBH in Breast Cancer Patients - B-REST-Study
This study is testing whether breathing and relaxation techniques can help women with left-sided breast cancer during radiation therapy to protect their heart and improve their overall experience.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 108 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | Female |
| Sponsor | Technical University of Munich Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | radiation |
| Locations | 1 site (Munich) |
| Trial ID | NCT05975190 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial aims to enhance patient compliance and performance during deep inspiration breath hold (DIBH) in women undergoing adjuvant radiotherapy for left-sided breast cancer. It involves a pre-treatment program that combines respiratory training and relaxation techniques to reduce cardiac exposure to radiation. Participants will be randomly assigned to either receive the training or standard care, with the goal of assessing the impact on heart dose and overall patient quality of life. The study seeks to address the challenges of minimizing heart dose during radiotherapy while improving patient satisfaction and cooperation.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are female patients with left-sided breast cancer who have undergone surgery and are scheduled for adjuvant radiotherapy.
Not a fit: Patients with metastatic breast cancer, severe lung disease, or those who have had previous thoracic radiation may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce cardiac risks associated with radiation therapy in breast cancer patients.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with similar respiratory training techniques in reducing radiation exposure, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Female breast cancer patients * Left sided breast cancer * Treated with surgery prior to radiotherapy * Age \>18 years at time of inclusion * WHO performance status 0-1 * Planned for radiotherapy alone to the breast, the chest wall and/or the lymph node areas * Radiotherapy based on planning-CT scan using either 3D-CRT, IMRT, or VMAT/RapidArc * Written Informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Age \<18 years * Pregnancy, Breastfeeding * Previous thoracic or mediastinal radiation * Bilateral breast cancer * Partial breast irradiation * M1 disease (metastatic breast cancer) * Severe lung disease
Where this trial is running
Munich
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Technical University of Munich — Munich, Germany (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Stephanie Combs, MD — Department of Radiation Oncology, Technical University of Munich
- Study coordinator: Kai Borm, MD
- Email: kai.borm@mri.tum.de
- Phone: 0049-89-4140-4501
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.