Exercise training as a novel primary treatment for localised prostate cancer: a multi-site randomised controlled...

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Exercise Physiology
• Public Health

Background:

• Alternative management strategies are needed for localized prostate cancer to minimize morbidity and overtreatment.
• Exercise training (ET) with behavioral support is being explored as a primary therapy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility, safety, and acceptability of ET as a primary therapy for low/intermediate risk localized prostate cancer.
• To assess disease progression, quality of life, and cardiovascular health in men undergoing ET compared to usual care.

Main Methods:

• A multi-site, open-label, randomized controlled trial (RCT) comparing 12 months of ET with usual care and physical activity advice (UCwA).
• Participants (n=50) were randomized to ET (n=25) or UCwA (n=25).
• Feasibility metrics included acceptability, recruitment, retention, adherence, adverse events, and disease progression.

Main Results:

• 92% of participants completed 12-month assessments.
• Only three men progressed to invasive therapy (two in the UCwA group).
• The ET group showed significant improvements in body mass, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and quality of life, with no serious adverse events.

Conclusions:

• Exercise training is a feasible and acceptable primary treatment option for men with low/intermediate risk localized prostate cancer.
• ET demonstrates a low progression rate to radical treatment and positive impacts on key health markers.
• Further research is warranted to explore these clinically relevant findings in prostate cancer management.