OBJECTIVES:
* Determine the ability to recruit survivors of estrogen receptor/progesterone receptor (ER/PR)-negative stage I-III breast cancer to participate in a 3-month, soy-based, meal-replacement (Almased®) weight loss intervention.
* Assess the patient's ability to adhere to this intervention protocol.
* Measure changes in anthropometrics (body weight, bioelectrical impedance, waist circumference) and biomarkers (serum levels of glucose, insulin, highly specific C-reactive protein, insulin-like growth factor, insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3, lipids).
* Measure changes in health-related quality of life.
OUTLINE: This is a prospective, longitudinal, pilot study.
Patients undergo goal-oriented, cognitive-behavioral therapy comprising group counseling weekly for 3 weeks and individual counseling once a month. Weight loss interventions include behavioral techniques, dietary modification (using a portion-controlled diet and soy-based meal-replacement \[Almased®\] once or twice daily), physical activity (≥ 15 minutes per day, 6 days a week), and social support. Weight loss is monitored weekly and patients complete daily logs of dietary intake and physical activity. Therapy continues for 12 weeks.
Health-related quality of life is assessed at baseline and then weekly for 12 weeks.
Patients undergo blood draws at baseline and at 12 weeks for analysis of C-reactive protein, glucose, insulin, insulin-like growth factor (ILGF), and ILGF-binding protein-3.
PROJECTED ACCRUAL: A total of 25 patients will be accrued for this study.
