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Published on: November 30, 2016
Muscle-Tumor Crosstalk in Exercise Oncology: Exercise-Induced Myokines and Cancer Cachexia
Amirhossein Ahmadi Hekmatikar1, Francesco Bettariga2,3, Álvaro López Llorente4
1Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Faculty of Humanities, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran 10600, Iran.
Cancers
|July 28, 2026
Summary
Regular moderate-intensity exercise positively impacts exercise-induced myokines (muscle-derived factors) within the tumor microenvironment. This may enhance immune surveillance and reduce inflammation, offering potential benefits for cancer management.
Area of Science:
- Exercise oncology
- Cancer immunology
- Molecular exercise physiology
Background:
- Exercise-induced myokines, including IL-6, irisin, and myostatin, are key mediators of systemic adaptations and tumor progression.
- The tumor microenvironment (TME) is significantly influenced by the myokine network.
- Understanding exercise's role in modulating the TME is crucial for cancer management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current evidence on how regular moderate-intensity exercise influences the myokine network within the TME of solid tumors.
- To synthesize findings regarding the effects of structured exercise on beneficial myokine expression.
- To explore the potential therapeutic implications of exercise-induced myokine alterations in cancer.
Main Methods:
- Narrative review of 86 studies.
- Analysis of evidence on structured exercise (aerobic: 45-65% VO2 max; resistance: 45-70% 1RM).
- Synthesis of data on myokine expression (IL-6, irisin, myostatin) and their effects within the TME.
Main Results:
- Structured exercise enhances beneficial myokines that support immune surveillance and reduce inflammation.
- IL-6 exhibits dual effects on inflammation and immunity; irisin promotes tumor apoptosis.
- Myostatin downregulation by exercise aids muscle integrity and metabolic balance, influencing angiogenesis and immune infiltration.
Conclusions:
- Tailored exercise regimens are a promising non-pharmacological strategy to optimize myokine signaling in cancer.
- Exercise-induced myokine modulation may influence tumor biology, angiogenesis, and immune infiltration.
- Further clinical studies are needed to confirm causality and establish optimal exercise protocols for cancer patients.
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