Effect of Resistance Exercise on Acquired Immunocytes in Cancer Survivors: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to elucidate the effect of resistance exercise on skeletal muscle mass-related fitness and acquired immune cell function in ovarian cancer survivors.Methods: Twelve ovarian cancer survivors aged 33–61 years participated voluntarily in this study and were divided into control group (CG, n=6) and exercise group (EG, n=6). They underwent removal of ovarian cancer and received regular care for over one year. Resistance exercise was used as the intervention program conducted 4 days a week for 12 weeks. Skeletal muscle mass, muscle strength, and endurance were assessed at baseline and at week 12. Other dependent variables included adaptive immunocytes related to helper T (Th) cells and immunosuppressors (CD4+ and CD8+).Results: After the intervention, skeletal muscle mass showed positive changes in EG com-pared to CG, although not significantly different. Muscle strength and endurance significantly increased in EG, while there was no significant change in CG. Th1, Th2, and Th1/Th2 ratio were significantly different between both groups. CD4+CD25+T cells and CD4+PD-1+T cells of EG were lower than those of CG. CD8+PD-1+T cells and CD8+TIGIT+T of EG were lower than those of CG. These results can be interpreted as the improved sensitivity of CD4+ and CD8+, which helps the secretion of myokines and cytokines, when cytotoxic substances are injected into the human body.Conclusions: This study suggests that resistance training improves upon desirable changes in adaptive immune cell responses in ovarian cancer survivors by maintaining skeletal muscle mass while developing strength and endurance.

Exercise rehabilitation strategy for the prevention of sarcopenia in cancer populations: 8th in a series of scientific evidence

“…The recommended frequency of exercise is 2–3 days per week, and a rest period of about 24–48 hr after exercise. A recent pilot study used the above exercise regimen, resulting in muscle hypertrophy in cancer survivors and, at the same time, increasing the function of adaptive immune cells ( Lee and Jee, 2021 ). It was found that resistance exercise improved the acquired immune cells, which can help kill cancer cells by increasing the strength and muscle mass in ovarian cancer survivors.…”

Immunoprotecting Effects of Exercise Program against Ovarian Cancer: A Single-Blind, Randomized Controlled Trial

“…The participants of this study were ovarian cancer survivors who were diagnosed with ovarian cancer between January 2016 and December 2020 and who underwent interval debulking surgery, primary cytoreductive surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy, with a survival rate of less than five years. The inclusion criteria, recruitment, and study design for the study have been previously reported [ 9 ]. Considering the purpose of this study, survivors were subjected to continuous nutritional management at the hospital, but only subjects who had no experience participating in a regular exercise program.…”

“…In this study, a resistance exercise capable of lifting 12 repetitions maximum (RM) to 6 RM was applied to cancer survivors based on the previous studies [ 9 , 33 , 34 ]. In detail, the resistance exercise was performed at 12 RM for Phase I, 10 RM for Phase II, 8 RM for Phase III, and 6 RM for Phase IV, respectively.…”

“…This deconditioning in cancer survivors leads to decreased immunocytes that destroy malignant cells. However, research has shown that regular exercise can improve the physical fitness of cancer patients and survivors, thereby fighting against deconditioning and enhancing immunity [ 9 ].…”

“…Regarding the above study results, a 45–60-minute bout of vigorous exercise increases NK cell concentrations 10-fold [ 16 ]. Previous studies have also reported that specific exercise training enhances the immune system [ 9 , 17 ]. In other words, growing epidemiological evidence has represented that a physically active lifestyle shelters against the induction of various cancers [ 18 , 19 ].…”