Breast Cancer Survivors Research Study
Researchers from UTMB Galveston are conducting a study on resistance training and creatine supplementation for breast cancer survivors.
Fast Facts
Finished Chemotherapy For Breast Cancer Within The Past 6 Months
18-75 Years Old
Compensation Provided
Conducted in Galveston, TX
Study Background
Exercise may improve recovery after chemotherapy, and we’re exploring whether creatine can help speed up those benefits.
Breast cancer survivors often experience a decline in physical function and quality of life following chemotherapy. While research has shown that exercise can significantly improve strength, endurance, and overall well-being in cancer survivors, scientists are now investigating ways to enhance these exercise-related benefits.
This study, called THRIVE, is the first of its kind to evaluate whether creatine—a safe, naturally occurring compound found in the body and used as a supplement—can help breast cancer survivors respond more effectively to a home-based, virtual resistance training program. The goal is to see if combining creatine with exercise leads to better strength, endurance, and body composition outcomes over a 12-week period.
Study Background
Exercise may improve recovery after chemotherapy, and we’re exploring whether creatine can help speed up those benefits.
Breast cancer survivors often experience a decline in physical function and quality of life following chemotherapy. While research has shown that exercise can significantly improve strength, endurance, and overall well-being in cancer survivors, scientists are now investigating ways to enhance these exercise-related benefits.
This study, called THRIVE, is the first of its kind to evaluate whether creatine—a safe, naturally occurring compound found in the body and used as a supplement—can help breast cancer survivors respond more effectively to a home-based, virtual resistance training program. The goal is to see if combining creatine with exercise leads to better strength, endurance, and body composition outcomes over a 12-week period.
Additional Information
This study is being done to determine whether taking creatine while participating in a virtual resistance training program can enhance strength and physical recovery in breast cancer survivors who have recently completed chemotherapy.
You may qualify for this study if you meet the following criteria.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Women ages 18-75
- Finished chemotherapy for breast cancer within the past 6 months
- Willing and able to participate in 3 virtual exercise sessions/week for 12 weeks
- Good kidney function (eGFR >30 ml/min/1.72m2)
- Able to take oral medications
Exclusion Criteria:
- Uncontrolled hypertension (>160/95)
- Tobacco use in the past 6 months
- Moderate to severe heart or lung disease
- Currently using anabolic steroids
- Taken corticosteroid or other appetite stimulant use in past month
- Currently taking creatine
- Pregnant or planning to become pregnant
You’ll take part in a 12-week, home-based resistance training program delivered via Zoom, with 3 sessions per week. You’ll be asked to attend 5-8 in-person visits at UTMB Galveston for testing, including strength, physical function, and quality of life assessments. You’ll be randomly assigned to either take a daily creatine supplement or not. All participants will receive a Fitbit and resistance bands to keep.
Participants can receive up to $205 (creatine group) or $185 (non-creatine group), depending on their level of participation. Compensation is provided for each study visit and completed week of exercise.
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.