The study will analyze whether a personalized physical exercise program, combined with chemotherapy, can improve treatment tolerance and clinical outcomes for patients with newly diagnosed breast cancer. The aim is also to understand the biological changes that could explain the benefits of this intervention.
The project, named ‘Challenging Breast Cancer Metabolism Through Personalized Multicomponent Exercise Prehabilitation’, is jointly led by INCLIVA's research groups in Breast Cancer Biology and Exercise, Nutrition, and Healthy Lifestyle.
Dr. Begoña Bermejo, an oncologist at the Hospital Clínico de València and researcher, explained that the care project aims to improve tolerance to chemotherapy side effects and treatment adherence. It is hoped that this will be a first step towards integrating physical activity throughout the oncological process.
Dr. Mª Teresa Martínez, also an oncologist and researcher, emphasized that exercise should be considered a fundamental part of oncological treatment, on par with chemotherapy sessions.
Breast cancer represents a significant challenge, with relapses occurring in approximately 20% of patients. The main challenges are reducing these relapses, increasing treatment efficacy, minimizing drug side effects, and improving quality of life.
Dr. Mª Carmen Gómez Cabrera detailed that the program is based on multicomponent exercise, focusing on strength training and cardiorespiratory fitness, adapted to each patient's functional status. Sessions are held three days a week for six months.
Eighty women with localized breast cancer will participate, divided into a control group and an intervention group receiving the supervised exercise program. Parameters for strength, endurance, quality of life, and metabolic indicators will be analyzed.
INCLIVA has equipped a specific oncology prehabilitation space opposite the Hospital Clínico de València, designed as a safe and welcoming environment for functional assessment and supervised training.
The project is currently in the implementation phase and has already enrolled its first patient. Recruitment will continue over the coming months, with a multidisciplinary team including oncology and research professionals.
