Study of Memantine and Exercise to Improve Thinking and Brain Health During Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating memantine combined with the University of Carolinas Get Real & Heel cancer exercise program MEMEX to address cognitive impairment related to breast cancer and its treatment. This randomized, placebo-controlled phase 2 trial focuses on women with stage I to III breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy, aiming to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and early effects of these interventions on cognitive function and biological markers like brain-derived neurotrophic factor BDNF and inflammation. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups MEMEX memantine plus guided exercise sessions, memantine alone with access to pre-recorded exercise sessions, or placebo with access to pre-recorded exercise sessions. Exercise sessions include aerobic and strength training delivered remotely three times per week under supervision. The trial evaluates recruitment, retention, adherence, and acceptability during chemotherapy and up to one year of follow-up. During the study, participants undergo assessments of cognitive function, patient-reported cognition, biomarker levels related to cognitive decline, and frailty at baseline and throughout the year. Researchers closely monitor adherence to medications and exercise, retention rates, and the overall acceptability of the interventions. This study aims to provide important data for future trials targeting cognitive decline in breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy.

Memantine and Exercise to Improve Cognitive Function and Modulate Biological Pathways of Cognitive Decline During Chemotherapy in Breast Cancer