Commercially available lifestyle modification program: randomized controlled trial addressing heart and bone health in BRCA1/2+breast cancer survivors after risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy

Purpose The goal of this RCT was to examine the efficacy and safety of a web-based program to improve cardiovascular and bone health outcomes, among 35 BRCA1/2+ breast cancer survivors who underwent prophylactic oophorectomy and thus experienced premature surgical menopause. Methods A 12-month commercially available web-based lifestyle modification program (Precision Nutrition Coaching) was utilized. Cardiovascular fitness, dietary intake, leisure time activity, body composition, bone mineral density, bone structure, and muscle strength were assessed. Results Average adherence to all program components was 74.8 %. Women in the intervention group maintained their cardiovascular fitness level over the 12 months (1.1 +/- 7.9 %), while the control group significantly decreased fitness capacity (-4.0 +/- 7.5 %). There was a significant difference between groups in percent change of whole body bone area (-0.8 +/- 2.5 control and 0.5 +/- 1.30 intervention). We also observed decreased BMI (-4.7 +/- 6.2 %) and fat mass (-8.6 +/- 12.7 %) in the intervention group due to significant concomitant decreases in caloric intake and increases in caloric expenditure. The control group demonstrated decreased caloric intake and decreased lean tissue mass. Conclusions In this population at high risk for detrimental cardiovascular and bone outcomes, a commercially available lifestyle intervention program mitigated a decline in cardiovascular health, improved bone health, and decreased weight through fat loss.