~0 spots leftby Jun 2025

Aerobic Exercise for Cardiovascular Protection in Breast Cancer Patients

(EXACT2 Trial)

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)
+1 other location
Age: 18+
Sex: Female
Travel: May Be Covered
Time Reimbursement: Varies
Trial Phase: Academic
Waitlist Available
Sponsor: Nova Scotia Health Authority
No Placebo Group
Approved in 3 Jurisdictions

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?Although great progress has been made in treating breast cancer, long-term health may be impaired by cancer therapy. For example, some chemotherapy drugs (e.g., anthracyclines) are known to cause declines in heart health. While the impact can vary, some will experience substantial heart damage that may lead to heart failure and death. As these treatments are highly effective, there is a need to find ways to reduce the damaging effects while not interfering with its anticancer potential. As it is well-known that regular exercise can improve heart health, the purpose of this study is to explore the role of exercise as a heart protective therapy for breast cancer patients receiving heart damaging chemotherapy.

Eligibility Criteria

The EXACT2 trial is for adults over 18 with stages I-III breast cancer who are about to start chemotherapy that can harm the heart. Participants must be cleared by a cardiologist and able to do a 12-week home-based aerobic exercise program. It's not for those with cognitive issues or conditions that make exercise unsafe.

Inclusion Criteria

have medical clearance from a cardiologist (e.g. based on stress test results) to participate in the study.
You must be set to get a specific type of chemotherapy called AC-based chemotherapy with a certain minimum dose.
You must be at least 18 years old to participate in this study.
+7 more

Exclusion Criteria

You have major problems with thinking and understanding.
You have a medical condition that would make it unsafe for you to do aerobic exercise.

Participant Groups

This study tests if regular aerobic exercise can protect the hearts of breast cancer patients from damage caused by anthracycline-based chemotherapy, which is known to potentially lead to heart failure.
2Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Active Control
Group I: ExerciseExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
Participants will receive standard of care treatment for their breast cancer plus be given a 12-week home based aerobic exercise program.
Group II: ControlActive Control1 Intervention
Participants will receive standard of care treatment for their breast cancer.

Aerobic exercise is already approved in United States, European Union, Canada for the following indications:

πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ Approved in United States as Aerobic Exercise for:
  • Rehabilitation after stroke
  • Improvement of physical function
  • Enhancement of cognitive function
  • Reduction of depression
πŸ‡ͺπŸ‡Ί Approved in European Union as Aerobic Exercise for:
  • Cardiovascular rehabilitation
  • Improvement of physical function
  • Enhancement of cognitive function
πŸ‡¨πŸ‡¦ Approved in Canada as Aerobic Exercise for:
  • Rehabilitation after stroke
  • Improvement of physical function
  • Enhancement of cognitive function

Find a Clinic Near You

Research Locations NearbySelect from list below to view details:
St. Boniface HospitalWinnipeg, Canada
QEII Health Sciences CentreHalifax, Canada
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Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Nova Scotia Health AuthorityLead Sponsor
Canadian Cancer Society (CCS)Collaborator
Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)Collaborator

References