Supervised, structured and individualized exercise in metastatic breast cancer: a randomized controlled trial

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Exercise Science
• Quality of Life Research

Background:

• Physical exercise benefits cancer patients undergoing treatment.
• Limited evidence exists for exercise interventions in metastatic cancer.
• Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) is a critical concern for patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC).

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the effects of a supervised exercise program on physical fatigue and HRQOL in patients with MBC.
• To evaluate exercise as a supportive care intervention for MBC patients.

Main Methods:

• The multinational randomized controlled PREFERABLE-EFFECT trial involved 357 MBC patients.
• Participants were randomized to either usual care or a 9-month supervised exercise program.
• Outcomes included physical fatigue (EORTC QLQ-FA12) and HRQOL (EORTC QLQ-C30) assessed at 3, 6, and 9 months.

Main Results:

• Exercise significantly reduced physical fatigue at 6 months (P=0.027).
• HRQOL significantly improved in the exercise group compared to the control group at 6 months (P=0.0003).
• No exercise-related bone fractures were reported.

Conclusions:

• Supervised exercise is effective in reducing physical fatigue and enhancing HRQOL for patients with MBC.
• Exercise should be considered a recommended component of supportive care for MBC patients.
• The PREFERABLE-EFFECT trial provides strong evidence for exercise interventions in this population.