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Sandy Srinivas, MD
Sandy Srinivas, MD
Posted: Wednesday, September 21, 2022
Supportive exercise programs may improve physical function and quality of life for patients with prostate cancer who are undergoing androgen-deprivation theory, according to Robert U. Newton, PhD, DSc, of Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Australia, and colleagues. In fact, men with prostate cancer being treated with an androgen inhibitor exhibited improvements in overall well-being and physical health following participation in a nationwide group fitness program. The findings of this study were published in the journal JCO Oncology Practice.
“To improve patient outcomes and well-being, we recommend that oncologists assess, advise, and refer patients to an appropriately qualified allied health professional for tailored and targeted exercise prescription and/or enrollment in a structured and supervised exercise medicine program,” stated the study investigators.
Patients participated in The Man Plan, an exercise program designed for men with locally advanced, relapsed, or metastatic prostate cancer who were being treated with leuprorelin acetate (n = 760). Group sessions consisted of supervised moderate- to vigorous-intensity aerobic training and resistance training once or twice a week for 10 to 18 weeks. Exertion requirements were tailored as needed by an accredited exercise physiologist to maintain a level of 65% to 85% of maximum heart rate. Preintervention assessments were compared with postintervention outcomes.
Upon completion of the exercise program, patients maintained their initial body weight (–0.1 kg, P = .331) but exhibited a slight decrease in waist circumference (–0.9 cm, P < .001). Cardiovascular fitness and muscle strength were found to be generally improved, and systolic and diastolic blood pressures were reduced by –3.7 mm Hg and –1.7 mm Hg, respectively (P < .001 for all). Participants also reported higher levels of well-being and increased motivation to continue participating in group exercise sessions. Of note, men with lower preintervention scores exhibited the highest changes and benefits postintervention.
Disclosure: For full disclosures of the study authors, visit ascopubs.org.
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