NCT05327608 · Thomas Jefferson University
Neoadjuvant Breast Cancer Time Restricted Eating
What this study is about
A phase II study to evaluate an innovative approach of following time restricted eating (TRE) in patients with HER2- negative breast cancer who will start neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NCT) for a new diagnosis of stage I-III breast cancer. Participants at baseline will have a body mass index (BMI) of (25-40) and engage in a TRE 16:8 schedule which includes 16 hours of fasting and 8 hours of eating.
View original scientific description
A phase II study to evaluate an innovative approach of following time restricted eating (TRE) in patients with HER2- negative breast cancer who will start neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NCT) for a new diagnosis of stage I-III breast cancer. Participants at baseline will have a body mass index (BMI) of (25-40) and engage in a TRE 16:8 schedule which includes 16 hours of fasting and 8 hours of eating. Patients will continue TRE for 16 weeks while receiving NCT. For patients who report at the time of the 2-3 week clinic visit that they are finding it challenging to adhere to the 16:8 TRE, instructions will be provided about alternative measures such as changing the time of the day they fast, dietary modifications and finally changing to a 14:10 schedule if other measures fail. For patients requiring NCT for longer than 16 weeks, they will be encouraged to continue TRE. Adherence calculation for the primary endpoint will include data for the first 16 weeks, and then monitored separately for any additional optional fasting beyond the first 16 weeks. Adherence to TRE will be self-reported by patients daily through electronic surveys through RedCap and approximately every 2-3 weeks (+/- 5 days) by the research team during their clinic visit.
Interventions
OTHER
Time Restricted Eating
Undergo intermittent fasting
Primary outcome measures
1. Proportion of patients who can adhere to time restricted eating (TRE) >= 70% of days
Time frame: While undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy
A patient's adherence will be measured as the percent (%) of days where a patient reports on the survey that they were able to complete at least 14 or more hours of fasting per 24 hours (each day) during 16 weeks (112 days) of neoadjuvant chemotherapy. A patient will be considered adherent to TRE if percent (%) of days where a patient reports on the survey that they were able to complete at least 14 or more hours of fasting per 24 hours (each day) during 16 weeks is 70% or higher. For patients who complete \< 16 weeks of chemotherapy from the date of starting TRE, adherence will be computed based on number of days of chemotherapy cycles received. If the proportion of days with confirmed TRE adherence is 70% or greater, then the patient is considered to have achieved overall TRE adherence.
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
- Criterion Individuals must meet all of the following inclusion criteria in order to be eligible to participate in the study:
- Patient must be ≥ 18 years of age at time of consent and must be able to understand and provide informed consent.
- BMI 25-40 at time of enrollment.
- Patients must have an ECOG performance status of 0 or 1.
- Patient must have a recent diagnosis of histologically confirmed primary invasive breast carcinoma.
- Multifocal or contralateral DCIS or invasive breast cancers are allowed if the breast cancers meet the same eligibility criteria for ER/PR and HER2.
- Oligometastatic disease is allowed if treating physician recommends standard neoadjuvant chemotherapy.
- Tumor status must be HER2 negative per ASCO/CAP guidelines (determined by local testing).
- Patients must have clinical stage I-III (utilizing TNM criterion) at diagnosis.
- Clinical T size must be ≥ 1.5cm if there is no radiographic or clinical evidence of axillary lymph node involvement. Any size tumor is allowed if axillary lymph nodes appear to be involved.
- Patient must be willing and able (have no contraindication) to receive recommended standard neoadjuvant therapy consisting of at least 16 weeks of planned neoadjuvant chemotherapy. a. Acceptable regimen includes doxorubicin and cytoxan followed by a taxane The schedule will be determined by treating physician. Carboplatin and pembrolizumab can also be added to the neoadjuvant chemotherapy regimen if determined to be appropriate by treating physician.
- Patients must have organ and marrow function adequate for initiating neoadjuvant chemotherapy as determined by their treating physician.
- Patient must be willing and able (have no contraindication) to participate in TRE consisting of 16 weeks
- Women of childbearing potential and sexually active males must use accepted and effective method(s) of contraception or abstain from sexual intercourse for the duration of their participation in the study and for 6 months after the last study intervention.
- Patient must have a personal email address, an internet-capable device, and the ability/ willingness to read and reply to email every day for the duration of the study.
Exclusion criteria
- An individual who meets any of the following criteria will be excluded from participation in this study:
- Clinical T4 and/or N3 disease, including inflammatory breast cancer.
- Any prior treatment for the current breast cancer diagnosis, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or experimental therapy.
- Women must not be pregnant or breast-feeding due to the potential harm to an unborn fetus and possible risk for adverse events in nursing infants with the treatment regimens being used. Patients must also not expect to conceive from the time of registration, while on study treatment, and until at least 6 months after the last study intervention.
- Patients with type 1 diabetes, or type 2 diabetes treated with insulin.
- Patients with a history of eating disorder or taking weight loss medications
- Patients who actively smoke
- Patients who work night shifts or on a rotating shift schedule.
- Patients must not have impaired decision-making capacity.
- Patients who are not English speaking as study staff is only able to provide the study intervention measurement tool.
- Patients that are \>2 weeks into starting neoadjuvant chemotherapy regimen.
Where
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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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 Aug 1, 2025 · Source of record for eligibility and locations