AHN's High-Dose Protein Clinical Trial: A Stronger Tomorrow for Cancer Patients

The AHN Cancer Institute is redefining supportive care in breast cancer treatment. A groundbreaking clinical trial led by AHN board-certified Radiation Oncologist Colin Champ, MD, CSCS, is investigating how a high-dose protein diet with structured resistance training prior to surgery can improve strength, body composition, and treatment tolerance — potentially reducing recurrence and treatment-related side effects.

Building strength in chemotherapy

Research shows that many breast cancer patients lose muscle mass and gain on average 20-25 pounds of fat during chemotherapy, due to the body’s inability to properly metabolize proteins during treatment.

The ongoing study at AHN follows women during their six-month course of neoadjuvant chemotherapy, seeking to combat these effects and improve overall outcomes by implementing a vigorous exercise routine paired with a high dose of protein to better prepare their body for surgery.

Study design and early outcomes

Participants complete three one-hour group sessions weekly, performing high intensity, resistance-based exercises including squats, deadlifts, medicine ball smashes, sled pushes, and more. Each session emphasizes hypertrophy training, targeting muscle fibers through heavy weightlifting with minimal rest between sets to maximize cardiovascular benefits.

Post workout, participants receive a randomized 20-gram or 60-gram protein supplement. By meeting the body’s increased nitrogen demand, the intervention promotes muscle gain rather than catabolism, which may correlate with improved cure rates and lower recurrence risk.

Preliminary results show participants gain approximately two pounds of muscle mass and reduce body fat, even among those previously inactive. Patients also demonstrate improved strength and conditioning prior to surgery, contributing to better recovery trajectories.

“We’re looking at this program like a prescription for cancer patients,” said Dr. Champ. “This trial is significant for the future of breast cancer treatment, suggesting that targeted nutrition and high-intensity exercise during chemotherapy is not only safe, but can substantially improve outcomes.”

Providing more than physical results

Beyond physical outcomes, patients benefit from group support. The group-based design fosters accountability and community through in-person workouts and nutrition education sessions. Patients report increased motivation and confidence within the cohort setting.

“The transformation we’re seeing in our patients is truly remarkable,” said Dr. Champ. “Not only are we helping them in their physical fight against cancer, but we’re also seeing their confidence grow and their drive to get stronger increase each day.”

Learn more

Dr. Champ has led additional studies on the correlation between resistance training and lymphedema prevalence in breast cancer patients. To learn more about AHN Cancer Institute's pioneering research or to refer patients to AHN’s Breast Cancer Center of Excellence, call 412-578-HOPE 412-578-4673.