Exercise Training to Combat Symptoms of Fatigue During Radiation Therapy for Breast Cancer

Breast cancer (mammary carcinoma) is a malignant disease of the mammary gland tissue characterized by uncontrolled proliferation of mammary gland cells. Treatment of the disease depends on numerous factors, such as the patient’s general health, the stage of the disease, as well as certain biological characteristics of the tumor, such as the growth rate (Ki-67 index), detectable hormone receptors, and the increased presence of HER2 receptors on the cells.

Treatment for early-stage breast cancer (stages 1–2) typically involves breast-conserving surgery with the goal of complete recovery. In many cases, and depending on certain risk factors, further treatment (adjuvant therapy) may be administered after surgery to reduce the risk of residual disease or recurrence. Radiation therapy is one treatment option in this context. The goal is to damage the cancer cells using high-energy radiation. A common side effect of radiation therapy is so-called fatigue—a persistent physical and mental exhaustion that is not alleviated by sleep or rest.

The aim of this study is to investigate whether targeted physical exercise, supported by a fitness tracker, can alleviate this fatigue. The idea behind this is that regular exercise improves energy balance, strengthens the immune system, and thus enhances quality of life during cancer treatment. As part of the study, patients will be randomly assigned to three groups. Group 1 will receive a fitness tracker, a guidance booklet, and personalized counseling on exercise therapy. Each week, a new step goal will be set, working toward a daily average of 6,000 steps. Group 2 also receives the tracker and the guidance booklet and records their daily steps themselves, but without step goals or weekly feedback. Group 3 receives only the introductory booklet and a consultation, but no tracker. The study’s primary focus is on assessing feelings of fatigue during exercise therapy. This is measured using a recognized questionnaire (FACIT-F) three months after the completion of radiation therapy.

Eligible participants are women aged 18 and older with breast cancer who have undergone breast-conserving surgery or complete mastectomy and are scheduled to receive radiation therapy afterward. Patients must not have any severe cardiovascular diseases or movement disorders. Participation is also excluded if the patient is currently enrolled in other studies or is pregnant.