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The Impact of a Physical Activity Program on Biomarkers of Aging During Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer

Completed
Conditions
Breast Cancer
Aging
Interventions
Behavioral: Walk With Ease
Registration Number
NCT02167932
Lead Sponsor
UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center
Brief Summary

This study will look at whether or not participating in a physical activity intervention during chemotherapy for breast cancer can prevent a marker of aging called p16 from having a large increase after chemotherapy.

Detailed Description

Our research team has determined that p16INK4a - a biomarker of aging -- increases dramatically during chemotherapy and that p16 levels among patients of similar age are lower among those who exercise. We hypothesize that engagement in physical activity during chemotherapy will have a moderating effect on increases in p16 levels during chemotherapy. To test this hypothesis, we propose to enroll 48 patients age 21-64 with a Stage I-III breast cancer diagnosis who are about to start adjuvant or neoadjuvant chemotherapy in a physical activity intervention program. Our primary objective is to compare the change in p16 from baseline to end of chemotherapy for participants in this study (who are engaged in a physical activity intervention) to the mean change in p16 seen in a previous study of similar patients who did not participate in a physical activity intervention. As secondary objectives, we propose to evaluate (1) changes in treatment-related toxicity, physical function, fatigue, and quality of life between baseline, end of chemotherapy and 6 months post-chemotherapy, (2) the association of changes in p16 levels with changes in measures of treatment-related toxicity, physical function, fatigue, and quality of life, and (3) the association of changes in physical activity levels with changes in measures of treatment-related toxicity, physical function, fatigue, and quality of life.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
COMPLETED
Sex
Female
Target Recruitment
127
Inclusion Criteria
  • 21 to 59 years of age, female (A similar trial LCCC 1226 explores physical activity in women 60 years and older and is now in progress.
  • Histologically confirmed Stage I, II or III breast cancer (if the patient has had more than one breast cancer, then the most recent diagnosis)
  • Scheduled to begin an appropriate adjuvant or neo-adjuvant chemotherapy regimen as defined by NCCN guidelines (www.nccn.org). Patients receiving anti-HER-2 therapy are eligible but the intervention will only be tested during the chemotherapy portion of the regimen.
  • English speaking
  • IRB approved, signed written informed consent
  • Approval from their treating physician to engage in moderate-intensity physical activity
  • Patient-assessed ability to walk and engage in moderate physical activity
  • Willing and able to meet all study requirements.
Exclusion Criteria
  • One or more significant medical conditions that in the physician's judgment preclude participation in the walking or strength training intervention.
  • Unable to walk or engage in moderate-intensity physical activity.

Study & Design

Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Study Design
Not specified
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
Breast Cancer PatientsWalk With EaseBreast Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy will participate in the Walk with Ease program during their treatment.
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Compare the change in p16 from baseline to the end of chemotherapy for patients receiving a physical activity intervention to the historical value seen in a previous studyOne Year

Mean change in p16 levels measured between baseline to end of chemotherapy, as compared to the historical value seen in a previous study (LCCC810) of similar patients who did not participate in a physical activity intervention

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Measure the association of change in physical activity levels with changes in physical function, fatigue, and quality of life measuresOne year

Changes will be measured over the course of the study

Compare changes in p16 between patients who do and do not experience any grade 3/4 toxicitiesOne year

Information obtained through physician and patient reported surveys.

Predict changes in physical function, fatigue, and quality of life overOne year

This objective will use the surveys that measure physical function, fatigue and quality of life to see if they can make any predictions about how these domains may change over the course of chemotherapy.

Measure the association of change in p16 levels with changes in physical function, fatigue, and quality of life measuresOne year

Changes will be measured over the course of chemotherapy

Measure the association of change in physical activity levels with change in with p16 levels from baseline to end of chemo and baseline to 6-months post.One year

Information obtained through patient-reported surveys and p16 levels obtained from blood samples between baseline to 6 month post-chemotherapy

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

University of North Carolina

🇺🇸

Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States

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