Internet of things-based lifestyle intervention for prostate cancer patients on androgen deprivation therapy: a...

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Digital Health
• Exercise Physiology

Background:

• Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for prostate cancer (PCa) is associated with adverse effects like loss of libido, osteoporosis, and metabolic complications.
• Effective management strategies are needed to mitigate these side effects and improve patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of the Smart After-Care (SAC) service, an Internet of Things (IoT)-based lifestyle intervention, on clinical outcomes in PCa patients receiving ADT.
• To compare the efficacy of a digital lifestyle intervention against standard care for managing ADT-related side effects.

Main Methods:

• A prospective, multicenter, randomized trial involving 172 PCa patients on ADT.
• The intervention group received a smartphone app with personalized exercise, activity monitoring, and diet counseling (SAC group).
• The control group received standard education via a paper brochure. Primary endpoint: cardiorespiratory endurance (2-minute walking test). Secondary endpoints: muscle strength, physical performance, body composition, and quality of life.

Main Results:

• Both groups improved in the 2-minute walking test (2MWT) and 30-second chair stand test after 12 weeks.
• The SAC group showed significantly greater improvement in 2MWT compared to the control group.
• While both groups had increased body fat, only the control group experienced decreased skeletal muscle mass; the SAC group showed marginal muscle mass improvement.

Conclusions:

• The SAC service effectively improved cardiorespiratory endurance and health-related quality of life in PCa patients on ADT.
• SAC demonstrated a positive impact on mitigating sarcopenic obesity and enhancing social functioning compared to standard care.
• IoT-based lifestyle interventions represent a promising approach for comprehensive management of patients undergoing ADT.