30 Participants Needed

Protein Supplementation for Breast Cancer

(NeoChemoPRT Trial)

CT
Overseen ByClinical Trials Contact
Age: 18+
Sex: Female
Trial Phase: Academic
Sponsor: Allegheny Singer Research Institute (also known as Allegheny Health Network Research Institute)
No Placebo GroupAll trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

In this study, the investigators hypothesize that a high dose of post-workout protein nutrition regimen focused on food quality and an observed exercise regimen utilizing high-load resistance training initiated during or after cancer treatment will improve body composition and functional capacity.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the study team or your doctor.

Is whey protein supplementation safe for humans?

Whey protein supplementation is generally considered safe for humans, as studies have shown it can improve body composition, muscle strength, and reduce postoperative complications in cancer patients. However, more clinical trials are needed to fully understand its safety and effects as an addition to cancer therapy.12345

How does protein supplementation differ from other treatments for breast cancer?

Protein supplementation, specifically with α-lactalbumin (a component of whey protein), is unique because it may delay tumor development and reduce tumor incidence and size in breast cancer, as shown in animal studies. This approach is different from traditional treatments as it focuses on dietary intervention rather than pharmacological methods.23678

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Whey Protein for breast cancer?

Research suggests that whey protein can improve nutritional status, boost immune function, and increase glutathione levels in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, which may help manage side effects and improve overall health. Additionally, higher protein intake has been associated with better breast cancer survival, indicating potential benefits of whey protein supplementation.1291011

Who Is on the Research Team?

CC

Colin Champ, MD

Principal Investigator

AHN Radiation Oncology

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for women aged 20-89 with invasive breast cancer who are undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy before surgery. Participants must be able to perform physical exercises, read and understand English, and consent for themselves. It excludes those with severe health conditions that prevent exercise, lactose intolerance, allergies to cow's milk or whey protein, as well as pregnant women and males.

Inclusion Criteria

Must be able to read and understand English and consent for themselves
I am between 20 and 89 years old.
I have been diagnosed with invasive breast cancer.
See 1 more

Exclusion Criteria

I am male.
I cannot squat or get up from the ground by myself.
Lactose intolerance
See 4 more

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy

Participants receive neoadjuvant chemotherapy as part of the treatment regimen

24 weeks

Exercise and Nutrition Intervention

Participants engage in high-load resistance training and receive post-workout protein supplementation

24 weeks

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

  • Whey Protein
Trial Overview The study tests if high-load resistance training combined with a high dose of post-workout whey protein (either 20 grams or 60 grams) can improve body composition and functional capacity in women receiving chemotherapy for breast cancer.
How Is the Trial Designed?
2Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Group I: 60 grams of proteinExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
Group II: 20 grams of proteinExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

Find a Clinic Near You

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Allegheny Singer Research Institute (also known as Allegheny Health Network Research Institute)

Lead Sponsor

Trials
52
Recruited
13,000+

Published Research Related to This Trial

In a study of 47 colorectal cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, those who consumed whey protein showed a significant increase in lean body mass and a reduction in sarcopenia compared to those on a placebo.
Whey protein intake was associated with a better nutritional status and significantly lower rates of chemotherapy-related toxicity, suggesting it could be a valuable intervention to enhance patient outcomes during treatment.
Clinical Impact of Highly Purified, Whey Proteins in Patients Affected With Colorectal Cancer Undergoing Chemotherapy: Preliminary Results of a Placebo-Controlled Study.Mazzuca, F., Roberto, M., Arrivi, G., et al.[2020]
Whey protein, particularly its subfractions like alpha-lactalbumin and lactoferrin, shows potential anti-cancer effects in laboratory studies, but these benefits have not been clearly observed in clinical practice.
Whey protein supplementation may help manage cancer cachexia syndrome, providing a practical and cost-effective strategy to support muscle health during cancer treatment, though further clinical trials are needed to confirm its efficacy as an adjunct therapy.
Whey protein in cancer therapy: A narrative review.Teixeira, FJ., Santos, HO., Howell, SL., et al.[2020]
In a study of 42 cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, whey protein supplementation significantly improved nutritional status, increasing albumin and immunoglobulin G levels compared to a control group.
The intervention group also experienced a notable increase in glutathione levels, suggesting that whey protein can enhance immune function and help prevent malnutrition during cancer treatment.
Whey Protein Supplementation Improves Nutritional Status, Glutathione Levels, and Immune Function in Cancer Patients: A Randomized, Double-Blind Controlled Trial.Bumrungpert, A., Pavadhgul, P., Nunthanawanich, P., et al.[2018]

Citations

Clinical Impact of Highly Purified, Whey Proteins in Patients Affected With Colorectal Cancer Undergoing Chemotherapy: Preliminary Results of a Placebo-Controlled Study. [2020]
Whey protein in cancer therapy: A narrative review. [2020]
Whey Protein Supplementation Improves Nutritional Status, Glutathione Levels, and Immune Function in Cancer Patients: A Randomized, Double-Blind Controlled Trial. [2018]
In vitro selective modulation of cellular glutathione by a humanized native milk protein isolate in normal cells and rat mammary carcinoma model. [2015]
Protein Intake and Breast Cancer Survival in the Nurses' Health Study. [2019]
Protection Against Dimethylbenz[a] Anthracene-Induced Breast Cancer in Female Rats by α-Lactalbumin. [2021]
Whey protein isolate supplementation improves body composition, muscle strength, and treatment tolerance in malnourished advanced cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. [2021]
Effect of Whey Protein Supplementation on Perioperative Outcomes in Patients with Cancer-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PROSPERO 2020: CRD42020188666). [2022]
Diets containing whey proteins or soy protein isolate protect against 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene-induced mammary tumors in female rats. [2015]
10.United Statespubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Dietary exposure to whey proteins alters rat mammary gland proliferation, apoptosis, and gene expression during postnatal development. [2023]
11.United Statespubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Tp53-associated growth arrest and DNA damage repair gene expression is attenuated in mammary epithelial cells of rats fed whey proteins. [2023]
Unbiased ResultsWe believe in providing patients with all the options.
Your Data Stays Your DataWe only share your information with the clinical trials you're trying to access.
Verified Trials OnlyAll of our trials are run by licensed doctors, researchers, and healthcare companies.
Terms of Service·Privacy Policy·Cookies·Security