Prehabilitation Based on Resistance-exercise Training in Women With Breast Cancer Undergoing Neoadjuvant Therapy: From Molecular Mechanism to Clinical Benefits

What this Trial Is About

Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women globally, with the highest incidence of any cancer. Treatment choices depend on cancer stage, subtype, and tumor size. Women with more aggressive types, such as HER2+ and Triple Negative breast cancer, often receive chemotherapy before surgery. These treatments can cause side effects like fatigue, reduced physical ability, and muscle loss, which can increase risks and lower quality of life. Early interventions to prevent muscle loss are important. This research evaluates prehabilitation using resistance-exercise training before surgery in women undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer. Participants are divided into two groups: one receives usual care, including diagnosis confirmation and chemotherapy planning, and the other group undergoes 16 to 20 weeks of full-body resistance training twice weekly along with usual care. Muscle mass and strength are measured before and after the training and four weeks post-surgery using CT scans and strength tests. Additional assessments include blood samples, physical performance tests, quality of life questionnaires, and muscle and tumor tissue sampling at surgery. Participants will be involved for about 20 weeks before surgery and followed for four weeks after surgery. They will attend exercise sessions if in the prehabilitation group and complete evaluations at baseline, after training, and post-surgery. Researchers measure changes in muscle mass, strength, physical function, fatigue, quality of life, clinical outcomes, and molecular markers. These findings aim to improve care strategies to reduce side effects and enhance recovery in breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy before surgery.

Prehabilitation With Resistance-exercise Training for Breast Cancer Neoadjuvant Therapy