Prehabilitation & Education for Breast Cancer
(B-PREPed Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial explores whether physical therapy and improved patient education before breast cancer treatment can help manage side effects such as joint pain, muscle weakness, and fatigue. Participants will either receive a new program called MOve-ABC, which includes personalized exercise plans and educational support, or enhanced usual care, which may include treatments like Duphalac or Kristalose, with regular check-ins. The goal is to determine if these approaches ease the physical challenges of cancer treatment. Women newly diagnosed with breast cancer, who can stay active and receive text messages, are suitable candidates for this study. As an unphased trial, this study provides an opportunity to contribute to innovative methods for managing cancer treatment side effects.
Do I need to stop my current medications to join the trial?
The trial protocol does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with your healthcare provider.
What prior data suggests that this protocol is safe for breast cancer patients?
A previous study found that patients who did physical therapy before starting breast cancer treatment reported fewer side effects, such as joint pain and muscle weakness. These therapies were manageable, with no new safety issues identified. This finding suggests that starting physical therapy early could help manage or reduce some physical challenges associated with cancer treatment.
For the MOve-ABC program specifically, no direct safety data from past research exists. However, since the trial involves physical therapy and education, which are generally safe, the risk of side effects is likely low. This trial is in a "Not Applicable" phase, meaning it is still exploring practicality and effectiveness, but such activities have a history of being safe. Always consult healthcare providers to ensure it suits individual health needs.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about the trial for "Prehabilitation & Education for Breast Cancer" because it explores innovative ways to support recovery and improve outcomes for patients. Unlike the usual care, which typically focuses on post-surgery recovery, the MOve-ABC intervention emphasizes prehabilitation. This means preparing patients physically and mentally before surgery, which could potentially enhance recovery and overall well-being. By incorporating this proactive approach, the trial aims to determine if addressing health and fitness before surgery leads to better outcomes than standard post-treatment care alone.
What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for breast cancer?
Research has shown that physical therapy before cancer treatment can help manage side effects like joint pain and muscle weakness. Studies indicate that starting early enables people to better handle these side effects themselves. In this trial, participants in the intervention arm will receive the "Moving On After Breast Cancer" (MOve-ABC) program, which combines physical therapy with education to give patients more control. Early results suggest this method may improve physical abilities and quality of life during and after breast cancer treatment. By offering personalized exercise plans and ongoing support, MOve-ABC aims to boost recovery and overall well-being. Meanwhile, participants in the other arm will receive Enhanced Usual Care (EUC) only.23567
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for English-speaking women over 18 with newly diagnosed Breast Cancer (stages 0-4) who are set to receive treatment aimed at curing the disease. They must be able to sign consent, have a mobile phone, and an ECOG score of 0-2. Excluded are those with prior cancers (except skin), certain medical conditions like lymphedema or diabetes, current physical therapy, severe brain metastasis effects, or pregnancy.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Pre-habilitation
Participants receive physical therapy and enhanced patient education before breast cancer treatment to help with early identification and self-management of physical and functional side effects.
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for physical function and self-efficacy through monthly surveys and assessments.
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Enhanced Usual Care
- MOve-ABC
Enhanced Usual Care is already approved in United States, European Union, China for the following indications:
- Hepatic encephalopathy
- Constipation
- Hepatic encephalopathy
- Constipation
- Hepatic encephalopathy
- Constipation
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Northwestern University
Lead Sponsor
Northwestern Medicine
Collaborator