Aerobic Exercise for Cardiovascular Protection in Breast Cancer Patients
(EXACT2 Trial)
Trial Summary
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 trial coordinators or your doctor.
What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Aerobic Exercise for Cardiovascular Protection in Breast Cancer Patients?
Is aerobic exercise safe for breast cancer patients?
How is aerobic exercise different from other treatments for breast cancer patients?
What is the purpose of this trial?
Although great progress has been made in treating breast cancer, long-term health may be impaired by cancer therapy. For example, some chemotherapy drugs (e.g., anthracyclines) are known to cause declines in heart health. While the impact can vary, some will experience substantial heart damage that may lead to heart failure and death. As these treatments are highly effective, there is a need to find ways to reduce the damaging effects while not interfering with its anticancer potential. As it is well-known that regular exercise can improve heart health, the purpose of this study is to explore the role of exercise as a heart protective therapy for breast cancer patients receiving heart damaging chemotherapy.
Eligibility Criteria
The EXACT2 trial is for adults over 18 with stages I-III breast cancer who are about to start chemotherapy that can harm the heart. Participants must be cleared by a cardiologist and able to do a 12-week home-based aerobic exercise program. It's not for those with cognitive issues or conditions that make exercise unsafe.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive anthracycline-based chemotherapy and are randomly assigned to either a control group or an exercise group with a 12-week home-based aerobic exercise program
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment, including cardiac function and quality of life assessments
Open-label extension (optional)
Participants in the control group may opt into the home-based aerobic exercise program after the follow-up period
Treatment Details
Interventions
- Aerobic exercise
Aerobic exercise is already approved in United States, European Union, Canada for the following indications:
- Rehabilitation after stroke
- Improvement of physical function
- Enhancement of cognitive function
- Reduction of depression
- Cardiovascular rehabilitation
- Improvement of physical function
- Enhancement of cognitive function
- Rehabilitation after stroke
- Improvement of physical function
- Enhancement of cognitive function
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Nova Scotia Health Authority
Lead Sponsor
Canadian Cancer Society (CCS)
Collaborator
Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)
Collaborator