NCT07655934 · Abramson Cancer Center at Penn Medicine
A Mixed-Methods Metabolomics Investigation of Lifestyle and Energy Balance During Breast Cancer Survivorship
(MILES)
What this study is about
The MILES Study is a longitudinal, mixed-methods investigation of urinary biomarkers, energy balance, and lifestyle modifications in diverse women during early breast cancer treatment.
View original scientific description
The MILES Study is a longitudinal, mixed-methods investigation of urinary biomarkers, energy balance, and lifestyle modifications in diverse women during early breast cancer treatment. The study's overarching goal is to assess dietary quality and physical activity changes over time using reliable, scalable tools suitable for clinical or population settings, supporting newly diagnosed patients in adopting and maintaining healthy behaviors through treatment and survivorship.
Interventions
OTHER
Survey completion
Surveys will evaluate dietary quality, physical activity, tobacco use, demographic and socio-economic/occupation factors and perspectives about participation in biomedical/biospecimen research.
OTHER
Urine specimen banking
The study team will collect the first urine of the day from these volunteers on the same day that they complete the lifestyle questionnaires. The urine will be used for metabolomics testing via Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and will be correlated with the survey data.
OTHER
Qualitative interviews
After the survey and urine specimen have been received, participants will be scheduled for online or in-person semi-structured interviews. Semi-structured interviews will be conducted at baseline (either before or after surgery, but not both for the same individual) and at follow up.
Primary outcome measures
Change in lifestyle behavior score based
Time frame: Baseline, 1 month, 6 months
A composite score for lifestyle behavior change consistent with the 2020 American Cancer Society (ACS) nutrition and physical activity guidelines for cancer survivors. Individual guideline components are measured as follows: Diet and alcohol intake are measured with the ASA24 dietary recall screener (a gold standard instrument) and a novel dietary screener (English/Spanish versions) instruments. Physical activity is evaluated using the Modified Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ). Obesity is evaluated using self-reported height and weight and derived from clinical records. The composite lifestyle score will range from 0 to 8, with higher scores indicated greater adherence to the ACS lifestyle guidelines for cancer prevention.
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
- Adult women (age 18 years or older)
- Able to read English or Spanish
- Newly diagnosed with primary stage 0, I, II, or III breast cancer
- Pathological diagnosis within the previous 60 days
- Scheduled to have surgery with a Penn Medicine surgeon
Exclusion criteria
- Women age less than 18 years
- Women without a new primary breast cancer diagnosis
- Women who are pregnant
Where
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Collaborators
Penn State University
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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 Jun 24, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations