Feasibility evaluation of a virtual lifestyle intervention for early-stage breast cancer survivors undergoing chemotherapy
Mené sur 60 patientes atteintes d'un cancer du sein de stade précoce, cet essai randomisé de phase II évalue la faisabilité et l'efficacité, pour améliorer la santé pendant la chimiothérapie, d'une intervention virtuelle comportant des exercices physiques supervisés et des conseils pédagogiques sur l'alimentation
Background: Weight gain and physical inactivity during chemotherapy for early-stage breast cancer patients are common.
Aim: To investigate the feasibility of a virtual lifestyle (exercise and diet) intervention for breast cancer survivors (BCS) during chemotherapy.
Methods: This single-arm phase II trial delivered 12 weekly 1-hour telehealth sessions of supervised exercise and diet education to BCS (stage I-III) starting (neo)adjuvant chemotherapy. Screening, recruitment, intervention, and study assessments completed at baseline (T0), immediately post-intervention (T1), 3-months post-intervention (T2) were conducted via telehealth in 2022-2023. Primary outcome: ≥60% participants achieved 50% of pre-determined exercise and/or dietary goals. Secondary outcomes: acceptability (participation, attendance, completion), physical health, and lifestyle outcomes.
Results: Of 73 referrals, 60 were eligible, 58 (97%) consented, 51 (85%) commenced intervention, and 34 completed ≥1 post-intervention assessment (completion rate 67%). Mean age 51 years (SD8.8), 50% neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Attendance was lower for exercise than diet sessions (44% vs 62% attended ≥75% sessions). At T1, 36% of participants adhered to ≥ 50% pre-set goals, improving at T2 (62.5%). Weight was not significantly different T0-T1 (p = .199) but significantly increased at T2 (p = .018). Average waist circumference reduced at T1 (-1.9 cm, p = .014) and T2 (-3.3 cm, p < .001). Weekly exercise time increased by 38.5mins T0–T1 (p = .038) and the proportion meeting exercise guidelines improved from 6% (T0) to 41% (T2).
Conclusion: Our primary outcome was not achieved immediately post-intervention but was observed 3-months later. Those completing the intervention attended at least half the diet and exercise sessions during chemotherapy. Results will inform design of a phase III study.
JNCI Cancer Spectrum , résumé, 2026