Physical activity and exercise in liver cancer

Area of Science:

• Hepatology and Oncology
• Exercise Physiology

Background:

• Liver cancer patients often experience sarcopenia and physical deconditioning due to inactivity and poor nutrition.
• These conditions contribute to frailty, reduced physical fitness, and increased mortality rates in liver cancer.
• Cardiopulmonary endurance is often compromised, impacting overall patient health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the impact of physical exercise on liver cancer.
• To present evidence on optimal exercise types for different liver cancer stages.
• To discuss molecular mechanisms linking exercise, metabolism, and immune function in liver cancer.

Main Methods:

• Review of current scientific literature on exercise interventions in liver cancer.
• Analysis of evidence regarding exercise's effects on patient health parameters.
• Exploration of molecular pathways influenced by physical activity in cancer.

Main Results:

• Exercise intervention significantly improves metabolic syndrome, muscle wasting, and cardiorespiratory endurance in liver cancer patients.
• Physical activity enhances health-related quality of life and can reduce the hepatic venous pressure gradient.
• Exercise positively impacts systemic immune function and tumor metabolism.

Conclusions:

• Physical exercise is an underutilized but vital intervention for liver cancer patients.
• Exercise should be integrated into the prevention and treatment strategies for liver cancer and its complications.
• Tailored exercise programs can mitigate sarcopenia and improve outcomes.