Increasing exercise for people with metastatic breast cancer using the Get Real and Heel program
Official title: Feasibility of Symptom Management for Patients With Metastatic Breast Cancer to Increase Exercise
Run by UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center · NCT07313306 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project will try offering the Get Real and Heel (GRH) exercise program to people with metastatic breast cancer at UNC to see if it increases physical activity and improves symptoms and quality of life.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Chapel Hill, North Carolina) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | December 15, 2025 |
| Main results expected | July 1, 2028 |
| Study ends | July 1, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | January 20, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07313306 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults (over 18) with a diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer within the past two years who are medically cleared for moderate-intensity exercise, receive ongoing cancer care at UNC, and can participate in English-language programming are ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who are bed-bound, on hospice, have contraindications to exercise, or who have already participated in GRH since their metastatic diagnosis may not benefit or be eligible.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This single-center feasibility intervention will invite adults with metastatic breast cancer receiving care at UNC to participate in 16 weeks of free, expert-led GRH classes that include aerobic, strength, balance, and flexibility training tailored to participants. Feasibility is defined as attending at least 24 of the 32 offered sessions, with electronic patient-reported outcomes collected at baseline and 16 weeks. Outcomes include FACT-B for breast cancer quality of life, PROMIS Physical Function and Social Isolation measures, and a modified Medical Outcomes Social Support Survey to capture social support and isolation. The study targets unmet exercise needs and uses existing UNC community resources to reduce barriers to participation and referral.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could help people with metastatic breast cancer become more active, improve physical function and quality of life, reduce fatigue, and lower social isolation.
How similar studies have gone: Exercise interventions in metastatic breast cancer have generally been safe and associated with improvements in function and quality of life, but community-based programs like GRH have been underused and not widely tested specifically in this population.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
In order to participate in this study a subject must meet all of the eligibility criteria outlined below. Inclusion Criteria: * Written informed consent obtained to participate in the study and HIPAA authorization for release of personal health information. * Subjects are willing and able to comply with study procedures based on the judgement of the investigator or protocol designee. * Age \> 18 years at the time of consent. * Diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer within two years of consent date * Receives medical clearance from clinical team for moderate intensity exercise programming * Indicates intent to receive ongoing cancer care at the enrolling institution * English Speaking - program and measures are in English and not practicably translatable for a study this size. Exclusion Criteria: * Currently on hospice. * Bed-bound status or other contraindication to exercise * Participation in GRH since their diagnosis with MBC
Where it's running
-
Lineberger Comphrehensive Cancer Center at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Sasha Knowlton, MD — UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center
- Study coordinator: Kristen Jarman
- Email: jkristen@email.unc.edu
- Phone: 919-984-0000
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
PRT13722 in advanced HR+/HER2- breast cancer
This early study tests PRT13722, by itself and with standard therapies, to see if it is safe and has any signs of activity in adults with HR+/HER2- breast cancer who have progressed on prior treatments.
-
Entinostat with Pyrotinib and Endocrine Therapy in HER2-positive, HR-positive Advanced Breast Cancer after Trastuzumab Failure
This study tests whether adding entinostat to pyrotinib and hormone therapy is safe and helps patients with advanced HR+/HER2+ breast cancer who progressed after trastuzumab.
-
UGT1A1 gene and side effects from certain antibody-drug treatments for advanced breast cancer
This project will test whether common UGT1A1 gene variants explain who gets worse side effects from antibody-drug conjugates (sacituzumab-govitecan, trastuzumab-deruxtecan, or datopotamab-deruxtecan) in adults with advanced breast cancer.
-
Generative AI Education Tool for Breast Cancer Care
Researchers are testing an AI-powered teaching tool to help adults with breast cancer understand their care while receiving treatment from UCSF physicians.
-
Pulsed Electric Field Ablation for Metastatic Breast Cancer
This trial tests a one-time pulsed electric field ablation to treat superficial metastatic breast cancer lesions in adults, guided by imaging.
-
Adaptive biomarker-driven therapies for metastatic breast cancer
This trial tests whether matching targeted drug combinations to tumor biomarkers helps people with ER+/HER2- or triple-negative metastatic breast cancer who are starting second-line treatment.
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.