Multiple myeloma and physical activity: a scoping review

Area of Science:

• Hematological Oncology
• Exercise Science
• Cancer Survivorship

Background:

• Multiple myeloma is the second most common hematological cancer.
• Emerging literature suggests physical activity impacts multiple myeloma across all stages.
• No comprehensive review exists on this topic.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline existing knowledge on physical activity in multiple myeloma.
• To map the literature concerning physical activity and multiple myeloma.
• To identify future research directions in this field.

Main Methods:

• A scoping review was conducted.
• Searches were performed in May 2015 across PubMed, Web of Science, SPORTdiscus, and MEDLINE.
• Included studies reported original data on physical activity or its correlates in relation to multiple myeloma or smouldering multiple myeloma.

Main Results:

• A total of 19 papers were screened, with 5 excluded.
• Three articles focused on physical activity in multiple myeloma prevention.
• Nine papers addressed physical activity in treatment, and two on smouldering multiple myeloma.

Conclusions:

• The literature on physical activity and multiple myeloma is scarce.
• Future research should assess physical activity's role in multiple myeloma onset and progression.
• There is a need for gender- and treatment-specific physical activity interventions and more randomized controlled trials in survivors.