Premium
Endocrine‐related quality of life in a randomized trial of exercise on aromatase inhibitor–induced arthralgias in breast cancer survivors
Author(s) -
Baglia Michelle L.,
Lin IHsin,
Cartmel Brenda,
Sanft Tara,
Ligibel Jennifer,
Hershman Dawn L.,
Harrigan Maura,
Ferrucci Leah M.,
Li FangYong,
Irwin Melinda L.
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
cancer
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.052
H-Index - 304
eISSN - 1097-0142
pISSN - 0008-543X
DOI - 10.1002/cncr.32051
Subject(s) - medicine , breast cancer , quality of life (healthcare) , randomized controlled trial , aromatase inhibitor , physical therapy , adverse effect , aerobic exercise , cancer , cancer related fatigue , aromatase , nursing
Background The objective of this study was to evaluate the role of a 12‐month exercise intervention on endocrine‐related quality of life (QOL) and overall QOL among breast cancer survivors with aromatase inhibitor (AI)‐induced arthralgia in the Hormones and Physical Exercise (HOPE) Study. Methods This was a randomized controlled trial of 121 breast cancer survivors who were currently receiving AIs and experiencing at least mild arthralgia. QOL was assessed using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy (FACT) questionnaires and the 36‐Item Short Form Survey (SF‐36) at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months. Participants were randomized to either a 1‐year gym‐based, supervised exercise intervention group (150 minutes of aerobic exercise and 2 strength‐training sessions each week) or a usual care group. Effects of the intervention on QOL were assessed using mixed‐model, repeated‐measures analysis. Results At 12 months, the exercise group had greater improvement in the overall QOL measures as well as the breast cancer‐specific (scores, 2.2 vs 0.7; P = .02), endocrine‐specific (scores, 5.6 vs 1.6; P < .001), and fatigue‐specific (score, 5.8 vs 0.5; P < .001) subscales compared with the usual care group. The results indicated a stronger effect at 12 months versus 6 months after the intervention. Conclusions Combined aerobic and resistance exercise, such as treadmill walking and strength training, improved endocrine‐related and overall QOL among breast cancer survivors who were experiencing adverse side effects from AIs. Because adverse side effects associated with AI use are quite common and this is the main reason for treatment discontinuation, this nonpharmacologic intervention could benefit many breast cancer survivors and increase successful adherence to AIs in breast cancer treatment.