NCT07216495 · M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
Pilot Study of Aerobic Exercise During Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy in Early-Stage TNBC
What this study is about
To learn if participating in a supervised exercise program can help participants with early-stage TNBC who are receiving ICI therapy before undergoing breast surgery.
View original scientific description
To learn if participating in a supervised exercise program can help participants with early-stage TNBC who are receiving ICI therapy before undergoing breast surgery.
Interventions
OTHER
Exercise
Cardiorespiratory training via treadmill walking for 30 minutes; participants will be supervised by a trained exercise physiologist.
Primary outcome measures
Adherence
Time frame: Approximately 8 weeks
Feasibility will be measured by adherence to both exercise frequency and time (duration/intensity) at the supervised sessions.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- female and male participants 18 years or older and willing to provide Informed Consent
- clinical stage 2 or 3 TNBC (estrogen receptor and progesterone receptor ≤ 10% by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and human epidermal growth factor-2 (HER2) negative (IHC 0, IHC1+, or IHC 2+ with negative fluorescence in situ hybridization))
- Physically able to walk independently without assistive device and able to march in place for 30 seconds without assistive device
- Eastern Co-Operative Oncology Group (ECOG) Performance Status 0-1
- Planned receipt of neoadjuvant chemoICI therapy (carboplatin/taxane in combination with pembrolizumab; taxane options are weekly paclitaxel or every 3 week docetaxel)
- clearance to participate in the study by the patient's medical oncologist
- normal bone marrow function
- able to read/complete study forms/assessments and understand instructions in English
Exclusion criteria
- a) Any physical condition which hinders the ability to safely participate in exercise including: uncontrolled or symptomatic cardiac/respiratory disease (e.g. uncontrolled angina, unusual shortness of breath, congestive heart failure, symptomatic peripheral vascular disease), stroke/myocardial infarction in the past year, fragility fracture, recent or planned orthopedic surgery, or any comorbid condition precluding exercise per the treating physician b) receipt of medications known to influence immune function including corticosteroids (\>10 mg prednisone equivalent), other immune-suppressive medication, or beta blockers47 c) Any infection or vaccination within the last 4 weeks d) e) Known HIV-positive participants on combination antiretroviral therapy f) concurrent participation in a therapeutic clinical trial or other exercise program g) pregnant h) medically advised to not exercise i) Unable to walk on a motor-driven treadmill for \~30 minutes at study enrollment j) Adults unable to consent k) No external catheters/drains (e.g., nephrostomy tube, foley catheter). A colostomy or Ileostomy is acceptable. l) Prior or concurrent non-breast malignancy. Those with prior cancers treated with curative intent are eligible. Participants with known (or history) of hepatitis B positive, or hepatitis C positive infection
Where
- Houston, Texas
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Apr 15, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations