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Prospective study of exercise intervention in prostate cancer patients on androgen deprivation therapy
Author(s) -
Beydoun Nadine,
Bucci Joseph A.,
Chin Yaw S.,
Spry Nigel,
Newton Robert,
Galvão Daniel A.
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
journal of medical imaging and radiation oncology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.31
H-Index - 43
eISSN - 1754-9485
pISSN - 1754-9477
DOI - 10.1111/1754-9485.12115
Subject(s) - medicine , cardiorespiratory fitness , prostate cancer , androgen deprivation therapy , physical therapy , discontinuation , physical fitness , quality of life (healthcare) , aerobic exercise , cancer , nursing
Abstract Introduction Androgen deprivation therapy ( ADT ) is an important component of modern prostate cancer treatment. Survival benefits from neo‐adjuvant and adjuvant hormones may take years to manifest, and balancing this with potential morbidity of therapy can be challenging. This study aimed to assess whether education and short‐term combined aerobic and resistance exercises could help to ameliorate the adverse side effects of ADT . Methods Eight hundred fifty‐nine patients with relapsed or metastatic prostate cancer on leuprorelin acetate were allocated to three interventional streams based on patient preference and medical fitness: supervised group (Face‐to‐Face) exercise sessions, home‐based (At Home) exercise or a support programme for those incapable of exercising (Support). Patients enrolled onto Face to Face underwent measurement of body composition and cardiorespiratory fitness variables at baseline and programme completion. Patients in the exercise streams were surveyed to determine the programme's impact on physical fitness and well‐being. Results Statistically significant improvements ( p < 0.001) were seen in all measured cardiorespiratory fitness and strength variables. Programme attrition rates were low (75/859; 8.7%), the primary reason for withdrawal being discontinuation of hormones (70%). Programme satisfaction was high, with 98% of surveyed patients reporting a positive impact on fitness and 97% planning to continue exercising after programme completion. At 6 months, improved physical and emotional well‐being was reported by 93 and 79% of patients, respectively. Conclusions A short‐term structured exercise intervention results in high compliance and significant improvements in muscle strength and cardiorespiratory fitness in prostate cancer patients on ADT .