Effects of high-intensity interval training on vascular function in breast cancer survivors undergoing anthracycline chemotherapy: design of a pilot study

Abstract

IntroductionCardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality is higher among breast cancer survivors (BCS) who receive chemotherapy compared with those not receiving chemotherapy. Anthracycline chemotherapy is of particular concern due to anthracycline-related impairment of vascular endothelial cells and dysregulation of the extracellular matrix. One strategy proven to offset these impairments is a form of exercise known as high-intensity interval training (HIIT). HIIT improves endothelial function in non-cancer populations by decreasing oxidative stress, the main contributor to anthracycline-induced vascular dysfunction. The purpose of this pilot study is to assess the feasibility of an 8-week HIIT, as well as the HIIT effects on endothelial function and extracellular matrix remodelling, in BCS undergoing anthracycline chemotherapy.Methods and analysisThirty BCS are randomised to either HIIT, an 8-week HIIT intervention occurring three times per week (seven alternating bouts of 90% of peak power output followed by 10% peak power output), or delayed group (DEL). Feasibility of HIIT is assessed by (1) the percentage of completed exercise sessions and (2) the number of minutes of exercise completed over the course of the study. Vascular function is assessed using brachial artery flow-mediated dilation and carotid intima media thickness. Extracellular matrix remodelling is assessed by the level of matrix metalloproteinases in the plasma. A repeated-measures analysis of covariance model will be performed with group (HIIT and DEL group) and time (pre/post assessment) as independent factors. We hypothesise that HIIT will be feasible in BCS undergoing anthracycline chemotherapy, and that HIIT will improve endothelial function and extracellular matrix remodelling, compared with the DEL group. Success of this study will provide evidence of feasibility and efficacy to support a larger definitive trial which will impact cancer survivorship by decreasing anthracycline-induced vascular dysfunction, thereby benefiting cardiovascular markers that are related to CVD risk.Ethics and disseminationThis trial was approved by the University of Southern California Institutional Review Board (HS-15–00227).Trial registration numberNCT02454777.

High‐intensity interval training improves metabolic syndrome in women with breast cancer receiving Anthracyclines

“…Detailed study methods have been previously published elsewhere 12 . In short, this was a single‐center, pilot randomized controlled trial for which University of Southern California (USC) Institutional Review Board (HS‐1500227) gave ethical approval, registered (http://clinicaltrials.gov: NCT02454777; date of registration: May 27, 2015).…”

“…Detailed study methods have been previously published elsewhere. 12 In short, this was a single-center, pilot randomized controlled trial for which University of Southern California (USC) Institutional Review Board (HS-1500227) gave ethical approval, registered (Clini calTr ials.gov: NCT02454777; date of registration: May 27, 2015). Written informed consent was obtained from patients, who were recruited from breast cancer clinics at the USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center (NCCC) and the Los Angeles County Medical Center The Clinical Investigation Support Office at the NCCC randomized patients in a 1:1 ratio of allocation (computer-generated, investigator-blinded randomization assignments, stratified by neoadjuvant vs adjuvant anthracycline chemotherapy treatment) to the HIIT intervention group or the control group.…”