NCT04458532 · Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Exercise Therapy to Improve Cardiovascular Health in Post-Menopausal Women After Treatment for Early Stage Breast Cancer
What this study is about
This study will compare the effects on cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) of aerobic exercise in different amounts (number of minutes/session) over different periods of time (number of weeks). Aerobic exercise is physical activity of light-to-moderate intensity that uses the large muscle groups (muscles in your legs, buttocks, back, and chest) and can be performed for at least 10 minutes.
View original scientific description
This study will compare the effects on cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) of aerobic exercise in different amounts (number of minutes/session) over different periods of time (number of weeks). Aerobic exercise is physical activity of light-to-moderate intensity that uses the large muscle groups (muscles in your legs, buttocks, back, and chest) and can be performed for at least 10 minutes. The researchers will study the effects of different exercise programs on how well the study participants' bodies use oxygen, how well their heart pumps blood, how well their lungs function, and how healthy their blood vessels are.
Interventions
OTHER
Aerobic Training
300 min/wk for 16 weeks
OTHER
Aerobic Training
150 min/wk for 32 weeks
OTHER
Aerobic Training
300 min/wk for 32 weeks
OTHER
Aerobic Training
150 min/wk for 16 weeks
Primary outcome measures
peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak; ml O2.kg-1.min) response rate
Time frame: 32 weeks
A CRF change ≥1.32 ml O2.kg-1.min-1 will be considered a response; a change \<1.32 ml O2.kg-1.min-1 will be considered a non-response.
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
- Aged 21-80 years
- Surgically resected early stage (I-III) primary breast cancer
- Post-menopausal, defined as one of the following:
- Age ≥ 45 with no menses for at least 2 years
- Chemically and/or surgically induced menopause through ovarian suppression, as determined by the primary oncologist
- Estradiol level of ≤30 pg/mL
- An interval of at least one year, but no more than five years, following the full completion of definitive therapy for malignant disease. Definitive therapy is defined as:
- Surgery plus radiation
- Surgery plus chemotherapy
- Surgery plus trastuzumab
- Exercise intolerance (i.e., patients must have a VO2peak below the predicted for active age and sex-matched individuals. (+/- the technical error of 1.32 mL/kg/min)\]. Note: Normative values are available up to 80 years of age)
- Able to complete an acceptable baseline CPET, in the absence of high-risk ECG findings or other inappropriate response to exercise as determined by the PI, as defined by any of the following criteria:
- Achieving a plateau in oxygen consumption, concurrent with an increase in power output;
- A respiratory exchange ratio ≥ 1.10;
- Attainment of maximal predicted heart rate (HRmax) (i.e., within 10 bpm of age-predicted HRmax \[HRmax = 220-Age\[years\]);
- Volitional exhaustion, as measured by a rating of perceived exertion (RPE) ≥ 18 on the BORG scale
- Willingness to comply with all study-related procedures.
Exclusion criteria
- Any of the following absolute contraindications to cardiopulmonary exercise testing:
- Acute myocardial infarction within 3-5 days of any planned study procedures
- Unstable angina
- Uncontrolled arrhythmia causing symptoms or hemodynamic compromise
- Recurrent syncope
- Active endocarditis
- Acute myocarditis or pericarditis
- Symptomatic severe aortic stenosis
- Uncontrolled heart failure
- Acute pulmonary embolus or pulmonary infarction within 3 months of any planned study procedures
- Thrombosis of lower extremities
- Suspected dissecting aneurysm
- Uncontrolled asthma
- Pulmonary edema
- Respiratory failure
- Acute non-cardiopulmonary disorders that may affect exercise performance or be aggravated by exercise (e.g., infection, renal failure, thyrotoxicosis)
- Presence of any other concurrent, actively treated malignancy
- History of any other malignancy treated within the past 3 years (other than non-melanoma skin cancer)
- Presence of distant metastatic disease (i.e., stage IV)
- Room air desaturation at rest ≤ 85%
- Mental impairment leading to inability to cooperate.
- Any other condition or intercurrent illness that, in the opinion of the investigator, makes the participant a poor candidate for the trial.
Where
- Hartford, Connecticut
- New York, New York
Collaborators
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
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 Jul 9, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations