Exercise Program in Cancer and Cognition

Influence of Exercise on Neurocognitive Function in Breast Cancer

This randomized control trial will examine whether a well-controlled and monitored exercise intervention improves cognitive function in postmenopausal women with early-stage breast cancer and will explore whether neuroimaging metrics of brain health, pro-inflammatory biomarkers and symptoms (fatigue, sleep problems, depression, anxiety) mediate the effects of exercise on cognitive function. Furthermore, the study will explore whether the magnitude of the improvements in cognitive function are modified by estradiol levels.

The specific aims include:

1. Compared to usual care, examine whether the 6-month exercise intervention improves cognitive function in postmenopausal women with early stage breast cancer.

   Hypothesis 1. Exercise will improve cognitive function in women in a domain specific fashion such that attention, executive and memory functions will be influenced more than other domains.

2. Compared to usual care, examine the direct effects of exercise on neuroimaging metrics of brain health including regional gray matter volume, white matter architecture and functional dynamics of the brain and the pro-inflammatory biomarkers (IL-6 as primary outcomes; TNF-α as secondary), and explore the direct effects of exercise on symptoms (fatigue, sleep problems, depression, anxiety).

   Hypothesis 2. Exercise will improve neuroimaging metrics of brain health and pro-inflammatory biomarkers.

3. Compared to usual care, explore whether the effects of exercise on cognitive function are mediated by a) neuroimaging metrics of cognitive function, b) IL-6 and TNF-α levels and c) symptoms (fatigue, sleep problems, depression, anxiety), and moderated by E2 levels.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Postmenopausal female
2. Maximum age 80 years
3. Able to speak and read English
4. Minimum completion of 8 years of education
5. Diagnosed with Stage 0, 1, 2 or 3a Breast Cancer
6. Within 2 years post-completion of primary treatment
7. At least two weeks post-breast conserving surgery or three weeks post-breast conserving surgery with sentinel lymph node biopsy or four weeks post-mastectomy

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Prior treatment with cancer chemotherapy, central nervous system radiation, or intrathecal therapy 2. Clinical evidence of distant metastases 3. Self-report of hospitalization for psychiatric illness within the last two years 4. History of neurologic illness 5. Any of the following breast cancer surgery complications unless approved by the participant's health care provider: persistent seroma requiring aspiration, wound dehiscence, infection, prolonged drain output, lymphedema 6. Reconstructive surgery unless approved by the participant's health care provider 7. Any significant medical condition that would preclude them from exercising (e.g., uncontrolled diabetes, congestive heart failure, angina, uncontrolled arrhythmia or other symptoms that indicate increased risk for an acute cardiovascular or respiratory event) If necessary, we will verify this information with a participant's health care provider 8. Eating disorders or a history of substance abuse 10. Any use of an assisted walking device 11. Recent history of falls or balance problems

Additional Exclusion Criteria for Neuroimaging subgroup:

1. Presence of metal implants (i.e., pacemaker, some stents)