The role of resistance training in mitigating cancer-induced cachexia: A systematic review

Cancer induced cachexia, the involuntary loss of lean body mass and adipose tissue, is a debilitating syndrome experienced in up to 80% of all cancer patients. Cachexia is associated with poor treatment outcomes including decreased quality of life, increased risk of infection, disease progression, and mortality. Recent research suggests that exercise interventions may improve cachexia; however, there is a need for comprehensive and systematic review of the literature to evaluate the role of specific interventions on cancer-induced cachexia.

We conducted a systematic review examining the efficacy of physical activity interventions, particularly resistance training, on cancer-induced cachexia outcomes. We searched seven electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, EBSCO, SCOPUS, Web of Science, PsychINFO, Cochrane) for articles published up to September 2023, yielding 7 eligible studies.

Sample sizes ranged from 20 to 190 participants per study. Studies included pancreatic (n ​= ​3), head & neck (n ​= ​3), and Gastrointestinal (n ​= ​1) cancers. Mean age ranged from 51.90 to 67.1 years old and females comprised 51% of the participants. Most studies implemented resistance training interventions (73%), ranging from 3 months to 6 months in duration. Although the patterns of outcomes indicate promising results, the effect sizes for all models were small and not statistically significant.

The science of exercise interventions to improve outcomes in those with cancer-related cachexia is still emerging although progressive resistance training appears to be the most promising countermeasure. Authors encourage the development of high-quality, fully powered randomized controlled trials (RCTs) examining physical exercise interventions aimed at mitigating cancer-induced cachexia.