NCT07474090 · Wake Forest University Health Sciences
Personalized Exercise Program for Survivors of Breast Cancer, STEPS-BC Trial
(STEPS-BC)
What this study is about
This clinical trial studies whether a healthy living intervention (HLI), with or without a physical activity intervention (PAI), helps maintain the ability to exercise, heart health, and quality of life in breast cancer patients who are scheduled to receive chemotherapy treatment. Early detection and enhanced therapies for breast cancer have improved 5-year cancer-related survival rates.
View original scientific description
This clinical trial studies whether a healthy living intervention (HLI), with or without a physical activity intervention (PAI), helps maintain the ability to exercise, heart health, and quality of life in breast cancer patients who are scheduled to receive chemotherapy treatment. Early detection and enhanced therapies for breast cancer have improved 5-year cancer-related survival rates. Unfortunately, many breast cancer survivors are at high risk for long-term exercise intolerance, decreased heart health, and lower quality of life following chemotherapy. Currently, there are no effective therapies to help patients maintain these areas throughout chemotherapy. The HLI in this study includes virtual health education classes, which provide useful information on topics like proper nutrition, managing stress, and sleep practices. This may help patients understand the importance of living a healthy lifestyle during chemotherapy. The PAI in this study consists of virtual exercise sessions personalized to the needs of the patient, which may make it easier for patients to stay active during chemotherapy. HLI with PAI may be a more effective way to help maintain ability to exercise, heart health, and quality of life in breast cancer patients who are scheduled to receive chemotherapy treatment.
Interventions
OTHER
Exercise Intervention
Attend virtual personalized exercise sessions
OTHER
Educational Intervention
Attend organized health workshops
OTHER
Supportive Care
Receive Fitbit device, resistance bands, and/or loaner tablet
PROCEDURE
Biospecimen Collection
Undergo blood sample collection
PROCEDURE
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Undergo CMR
PROCEDURE
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Undergo ExeCMR
OTHER
Questionnaire Administration
Ancillary studies
PROCEDURE
Accelerometry
Ancillary Studies
OTHER
Electronic Health Record Review
Ancillary Studies
OTHER
Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing
Undergo CPET
Primary outcome measures
Peak oxygen consumption (VO2)
Time frame: At baseline and 24 weeks
Will be assessed using cardiopulmonary exercise testing. VO2max, the maximum rate of oxygen consumption measured during incremental exercise, is the gold standard measure of aerobic fitness. It is expressed in milliliters of oxygen consumed per minute per kilogram of body weight (ml/kg/min). Higher VO2max measurements show better function, as it allows one to produce more energy, thereby performing more work.
Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF)
Time frame: At baseline and 24 weeks
Will be assessed using cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR). Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) typically refers to the left side of the heart. It shows how much oxygen-rich blood is pumped out of the left ventricle to most of the body's organs with each contraction. It a percentage, ranging from 0-100%. LVEF helps determine the severity of dysfunction on the left side of the heart. Higher values of LVEF represent better heart function.
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
- Stage I-III breast cancer (including inflammatory and newly diagnosed, or locally recurrent \[if prior treatment received ≥ 2 years prior\] but not metastatic breast cancer being treated with curative intent). All molecular subtypes (estrogen receptor \[ER\], progesterone receptor \[PR\], human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 \[HER2\], etc.) are acceptable
- Scheduled to receive neoadjuvant or adjuvant cytotoxic chemotherapy. Patient must be enrolled ≤ 3 weeks from start of cytotoxic chemotherapy
- Age 18 to 85 years at enrollment. The upper age cut-off is due to the increased risk of injury in the older population during the CPET, which uses stationary bicycle exercise testing, outweighing the benefit of including this age group
- Must be able to complete a stationary bicycle exercise test where you pedal against some resistance on a stationary bike with supervisors at your side per patient self-report
- Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status ≤ 2
- Able to walk at least 2 blocks without chest pain, dyspnea, shortness of breath or fainting per patient self-report
- Able to hold breath for 8 seconds
- Must be able to read and understand English language
- Must have access to a device that allows teleconferencing (e.g., Zoom calls) or be willing to participate in the Tablet Lending Program
- Must be willing to download and use the Trainerize application to their personal device or be willing to participate in the Tablet Lending Program
- Must have a working email address to participate in teleconferencing (e.g., Zoom calls). Local National Cancer Institute Community Oncology Research Program (NCORP) site staff may assist in setting up a new email address, if needed
Exclusion criteria
- At enrollment, the following diagnosis and/or conditions may not be present (i.e., documented in the medical record or by patient self-report):
- Symptomatic claustrophobia
- Pregnancy or breast-feeding
- Ferromagnetic cerebral aneurysm clips or other intraorbital/intracranial metal; pacemakers, defibrillators, functioning neurostimulator devices or other implanted non-compatible MRI devices, such as tissue expanders
- Uncontrolled hypertension (systolic blood pressure \> 190 mm Hg or diastolic blood pressure \> 100 mm Hg)
- Inflammatory conditions such as lupus or inflammatory bowel disease, or another medical condition that might compromise safety or successful completion, as determined by the treating physician
- Significant ventricular arrhythmias (\> 20 premature ventricular contractions \[PVCs\]/min)
- Atrial fibrillation with uncontrolled ventricular response (\> 130 beats per minute \[bpm\])
- Unstable or stable angina (cardiac chest pain)
- Severe pulmonary hypertension
- Left main coronary artery disease
- Symptomatic heart failure
- Severe valvular heart disease
- Aortic aneurysm (\> 45 mm diameter) or aortic dissection
- Uncontrolled slow or fast heart rhythm causing symptoms or hemodynamic compromise
- Hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy
- Acute myocardial infarction within 28 days of enrollment
- Acute pulmonary embolus and/or deep vein thrombosis within 24 weeks prior to enrollment
- Plans to relocate within 6 months of enrollment and unable to participate in study procedures
- May not be on a simultaneous interventional supportive care (non-therapeutic) clinical trial
- May not be undergoing simultaneous treatment for a concurrent second primary cancer (patients with historical cancer will not be excluded if chemotherapy was received ≥ 2 years prior)
- May not be currently engaged in ≥ 300 minutes of moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity per week as determined by self-report on the International Physical Activity Questionnaire -Short Form (IPAQ-SF). Site should use the IPAQ-SF screener in the REDCap WF-2401 STEPS-BC screening project to assist in this determination
Where
- Winston-Salem, North Carolina
- Richmond, Virginia
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 Oct 6, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations