Exercise as a diagnostic and therapeutic tool for preventing cardiovascular morbidity in breast cancer patients- the BReast cancer EXercise InTervention (BREXIT) trial protocol.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Anthracycline chemotherapy (AC) is an efficacious (neo) adjuvant treatment for early-stage breast cancer (BCa), but is associated with an increased risk of cardiac dysfunction and functional disability. Observations suggest that regular exercise may be a useful therapy for the prevention of cardiovascular morbidity but it is yet to be interrogated in a large randomised trial. The primary aims of this study are to: 1) determine if 12-months of ET commenced at the onset of AC can reduce the proportion of BCa patients with functional disability (peak VO₂, MethodsOne hundred women with early-stage BCa (40-75?years) scheduled for AC will be randomized to 12-months of structured exercise training (n?=?50) or a usual care control group (n?=?50). Participants will be assessed at baseline, 4-weeks following completion of AC (4-months) and at 12-months for all measures.

Discussion

Women diagnosed with early-stage BCa have increased cardiac mortality. More sensitive strategies for diagnosing and preventing AC-induced cardiovascular impairment are critical for reducing cardiovascular morbidity and improving long-term health outcomes in BCa survivors.

Trial registration

Australia & New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR), ID: 12617001408370 . Registered on 5th of October 2017.

SUBMITTER: Foulkes SJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7362469 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature