Importance of physical activity in patients with haematological malignancies

Physical activity (PA) is a crucial component in the management of cancer survivors. In recent years, a number of quantitative studies on PA among patients with haematological malignancies (HMs) have emerged both domestically and internationally.

The literature search was conducted in the PubMed database. The included study types mainly consist of observational studies, interventional studies, case-control studies, meta-analyses and clinical translational studies. The search period was set from 1 January 2022 to 31 May 2025.

11 related search strategies were created. After applying the screening process, a total of 80 literatures were ultimately included in the review and cited. PA may be closely associated with the risk of developing certain types of HM, but current evidence remains controversial. PA offers benefits for patients with various HMs, including multiple myeloma, lymphoma, acute leukaemia and myeloproliferative neoplasms. However, due to factors such as reduced gait speed, grip strength, weight loss, exhaustion and weakness, these patients often experience limitations in PA, motor function and quality of life. While the role and frequency of PA can be debated in some subtypes of HM, interventions promoting PA are generally essential for most survivors.

Haematological specialists should monitor PA in patients with HM and implement timely, effective and safe interventions within a multidisciplinary framework to support sustained PA engagement.