Exercise interventions for individuals with advanced cancer: A systematic review

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Exercise Science
• Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

• Advanced cancer significantly impacts physical function and quality of life (QOL).
• Cancer therapies, while improving survival, can exacerbate physical decline and fatigue.
• Fatigue is a prevalent side effect, further diminishing QOL in cancer patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review the outcomes of exercise interventions in patients with advanced cancer.
• To assess the impact of exercise on physical function, fitness, fatigue, and QOL in this population.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature review of studies including advanced cancer patients and exercise interventions.
• Analysis of reported outcomes related to aerobic capacity, strength, physical function, fatigue, and QOL.

Main Results:

• Exercise interventions improved aerobic capacity (14/19 studies), strength (11/12 studies), and physical function (9/9 studies).
• Improvements in QOL were reported in 10/19 studies (60% of participants), and fatigue reduction in 11/19 studies (45% of participants).
• QOL improvements were more frequently reported than fatigue reduction.

Conclusions:

• Exercise interventions are effective in maintaining or improving fitness and physical function in advanced cancer patients.
• Exercise may mitigate fatigue and enhance QOL, warranting its consideration as a supportive care strategy.
• Incorporating exercise can help prevent further health complications and improve overall well-being in advanced cancer.