Physical Activity for Chemobrain in Breast Cancer
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial aims to determine if a walking program, referred to as a Physical Activity Program, can improve memory and attention in Hispanic women diagnosed with stage I-IIIa breast cancer. Participants will either join a walking program or receive health education to compare effects on cognitive functions like memory and attention. The trial seeks Hispanic women aged 50 or older who completed breast cancer treatment 3-36 months ago and haven't been exercising regularly. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to research that may enhance cognitive health after cancer treatment.
Do I need to stop my current medications to join the trial?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.
What prior data suggests that this physical activity program is safe for improving cognitive function in breast cancer patients?
Research shows that physical activity is generally safe and well-tolerated for breast cancer survivors. Studies have found that exercise can boost mental abilities, particularly in self-reported thinking skills, planning, and decision-making. Moderate exercise has been linked to a better quality of life for those undergoing chemotherapy.
In short, physical activity programs, such as walking, are not only safe but also enhance mental sharpness and overall well-being during cancer treatment.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about this trial because it explores how physical activity might help with "chemobrain," a condition many breast cancer patients experience, characterized by cognitive difficulties following chemotherapy. Unlike current treatments that mainly focus on cognitive rehabilitation or medication, this approach uses a structured walking program to boost cognitive function. The potential benefit of this method lies in its simplicity and accessibility, offering a non-pharmaceutical option with few side effects. Additionally, by including health education as a comparator, the trial may also shed light on how lifestyle changes can support brain health in cancer survivors.
What evidence suggests that this physical activity program is effective for improving memory and attention in Hispanic women with breast cancer?
Research has shown that exercise can improve thinking and memory in breast cancer survivors. This trial will compare two approaches: a structured exercise program and a health education program. Studies have found that exercise offers an affordable way to address memory and thinking problems in these individuals. Participants in the exercise arm will engage in a walking program, as moderate to vigorous aerobic exercise has been linked to better thinking skills for those who have undergone breast cancer treatment. Meanwhile, participants in the health education arm will receive educational materials and classes. The trial aims to determine if a structured exercise program might be more effective than health education alone in improving memory and attention in Hispanic women with breast cancer.12367
Who Is on the Research Team?
Diane K. Ehlers, PhD
Principal Investigator
Mayo Clinic
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
Hispanic women aged 50 or older with a first-time diagnosis of stage I-IIIa breast cancer. Participants should be post-surgery, have completed primary adjuvant treatment within the past 3-36 months, lead a sedentary lifestyle with no more than 90 minutes of moderate exercise per week in the last six months, and able to complete assessments.Inclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants engage in either a physical activity program or a health education program. The physical activity program involves walking sessions with increasing duration over 24 weeks, while the health education program includes monthly classes/webinars and informational materials.
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for changes in cognitive function and brain health using various cognitive tasks and MRI scans.
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Physical Activity Program
Trial Overview
The trial compares an aerobic exercise program against a health education program to see which is better for improving memory and attention in Hispanic women who've recently been diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer. It aims to address cognitive decline often reported by breast cancer survivors.
How Is the Trial Designed?
2
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Active Control
Patients participate in walking sessions over 60-75 minutes per week in weeks 1-2, 70-90 minutes per week in weeks 3-4, 90-120 minutes per week in weeks 5-8, 120-135 minutes per week in weeks 9-12, 135-150 minutes per week in weeks 13-16, and 150+ minutes per week in weeks 17-24. Patients also undergo fMRI throughout the trial.
Patients receive health education including monthly classes/webinars for up to 9 sessions and informational materials (PDFs, videos, podcasts, and/or subscription to Mayo Clinic Health Letter). Patients also undergo fMRI throughout the trial.
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Mayo Clinic
Lead Sponsor
Citations
Effects of physical exercise on cognitive function of breast ...
Physical exercise can improve cognitive function for breast cancer survivors, particularly in self-reported cognitive function, and executive function.
Study: Physical activity may prevent chemotherapy-related ...
This clinical trial evaluates the impact of a tailored physical activity program on physical activity in patients with metastatic breast cancer.
3.
journals.lww.com
journals.lww.com/ajpmr/fulltext/2024/09000/comparative_effects_of_exercise_interventions_and.3.aspxComparative Effects of Exercise Interventions and...
Exercise is a low-cost intervention, which has been shown to positively impact cognitive impairment in breast cancer survivors with minimal risk to patients.
Exercise during chemotherapy to prevent breast cancer ...
The purpose of this study is to pilot test a home-based prehabilitation physical activity intervention aimed at preventing cognitive decline ...
Physical Activity, Aerobic Exercise Programs Show ...
Research suggests moderate to vigorous physical activity may help improve cognitive function in breast cancer survivors who have undergone ...
6.
acsjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com
acsjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/cncr.35540Aerobic exercise and CogniTIVe functioning in women with ...
Among women initiating chemotherapy for breast cancer, aerobic exercise did not result in significant differences in objective cognitive ...
Smartphone-Based Physical Activity Program to Reduce ...
Cancer survivors with T2DM might thus have a higher CICI risk than those without T2DM. Physical activity (PA) counteracts CICI's and T2DM's ...
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