Potential Benefits from Physical Exercise in Advanced Cancer Patients Undergoing Systemic Therapy? A Narrative Review
1Freelance Surgeon Oncologist, Residenza Querce, Milanodue, 20054 Segrate, Italy.
Current Oncology (Toronto, Ont.)
|December 27, 2024
Summary
Physical exercise benefits cancer patients undergoing treatment, improving physical function and quality of life, regardless of nutritional status. Adherence is high, though optimal regimens require further study.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Exercise Science
- Clinical Nutrition
Background:
- Cancer patients undergoing medical oncologic treatment often experience physical decline.
- Nutritional status (well-nourished vs. malnourished) is a key consideration in managing cancer patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the literature on the effects of physical exercise in cancer patients undergoing medical oncologic treatment.
- To compare outcomes between well-nourished and malnourished cancer patients engaging in physical exercise.
Main Methods:
- Review of 15 reviews/meta-analyses and 35 randomized controlled trials (RCTs).
- Distinction between well-nourished and malnourished patient populations.
- Analysis of physical function, quality of life, and lean body mass (LBM) outcomes.
Main Results:
- Physical exercise showed benefits in physical function and quality of life for both well-nourished and malnourished patients.
- Lean body mass (LBM) benefits were more pronounced in malnourished, particularly weight-losing, patients.
- Compliance with physical exercise was reported in approximately 70% of studies, with no major differences between nutritional groups.
Conclusions:
- Physical exercise is beneficial for cancer patients undergoing treatment, irrespective of their nutritional status.
- While benefits are observed, optimal exercise regimens and settings (e.g., home vs. supervised) require further investigation.
- Further research is needed to clarify the association between different exercise outcomes and to define ideal exercise protocols.
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