Effects and potential mechanisms of exercise training on cancer progression: A translational perspective

Abstract

Over the past decade there has been increasing research and clinical interest in the role of exercise therapy/rehabilitation as an adjunct therapy to improve symptom control and management following a cancer diagnosis. More recently, the field of ‘exercise – oncology’ has broadened in scope to investigate whether the benefits extend beyond symptom control to modulate cancer-specific outcomes (i.e., cancer progression and metastasis). Here we review the extant epidemiological evidence examining the association between exercise behavior, functional capacity/exercise capacity, and cancer-specific recurrence and mortality as well as all-cause mortality individuals following a cancer diagnosis. We also evaluate evidence from clinical studies investigating the effects of structured exercise on blood-based biomarkers associated with cancer progression/metastasis as well findings from preclinical investigations examining the effects and molecular mechanisms of exercise in mouse models of cancer. Current gaps in knowledge are also discussed.

Prognostic Importance of Pretransplant Functional Capacity After Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation

“…This might prove to be particularly challenging, however, given the medical and demographic heterogeneity of patients presenting for HCT. On the basis of the promising evidence to date in HCT and from other oncology settings [27], CPET might provide a measure of "functional" age to complement existing metrics of "biological" age to improve prognostication and clinical decision-making before HCT. To support such a conclusion, prospective studies that systematically evaluate the clinical utility and prognostic importance of CPET in HCT are required.…”

The Influence of Exercise on the Insulin-like Growth Factor Axis in Oncology: Physiological Basis, Current, and Future Perspectives

“…Distillation of these findings suggests a cause-effect relationship between exercise and carcinoma development and progression (6). Underpinning this relationship are physiologically plausible pathways that are responsive to exercise and capable of influencing cellular processes associated with carcinogenesis.…”

Effects of Exercise on Cancer-related Fatigue and Quality of Life in Prostate Cancer Patients Undergoing Androgen Deprivation Therapy: A Meta-analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials

“…2 In the past, it was commonly accepted that patients with CRF should limit physical activity; however, there is increasing evidence that exercise brings substantial benefits to cancer patients' physical and mental health. [3][4][5] Normally, quality of life (QoL) refers to a state of emotional and physical well-being, which can be affected throughout the course of cancer progression and treatment. 6 Exercise has been shown to improve both physical and mental health; if the psychological and physical status of cancer patients (i.e., QoL) could be improved, it is possible that they will be more prepared to fight off disease.…”