Physical Activity Intervention in Patients with Metastatic Breast Cancer During Active Treatment: Quality of Life and Function

Background: In this study, we explore recruitment, retention, and potential quality of life (QoL) and function benefits from a self-directed, home-based walking intervention in women during active treatment for metastatic breast cancer (MBC). Methods: In this single-arm pilot study, women with stage IV BC wore an activity tracker (FitbitTM) to measure steps per week throughout the intervention study. Participants were asked to walk 150 min per week at a comfortable and safe pace. Patient-reported outcome measures (PRO) were collected at baseline and follow-up. Results: Target recruitment of 60 patients was achieved. In 52 patients who completed all baseline measures, mean age was 55 (SD 11.1), 23% were pre-menopausal, and 19% non-White. Forty patients (77%) were retained at 3 months and 29 (56%) at 6 months. Baseline walking was the strongest predictor of retention at 3 months (P = .02). For 24 patients (46%) with analyzable Fitbit data at 3 months, mean steps/week rose from 19,175 to 31,306. Higher number of steps correlated with larger improvements FACT-G General well-being (FACT-G, rho = 0.55, P = .01), FACT-G Physical well-being (rho = 0.48, P = .03), and PROMIS Mental Health (rho = 0.55, P = .01). Conclusion: Recruitment into a walking intervention is feasible (a priory target of N = 60) in women during treatment for MBC, but retention at 3 months follow-up fell short (77% versus a priori 80%), yet there were potential benefits in general and physical well-being and mental health.