A study presented at the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium reveals the positive impact of a structured nine-month exercise program on metastatic breast cancer patients.
These patients often experience decreased health-related quality of life (HR-QoL) due to the side effects of cancer and its treatments, such as fatigue, pain, and nausea. Optimizing HR-QoL is crucial for individuals undergoing continuous treatment for metastatic disease.
The PREFERABLE-EFFECT trial enrolled 357 metastatic breast cancer patients from various countries. Participants received physical activity trackers and generic exercise advice.
Of these, 178 patients were randomly assigned to a nine-month exercise program, involving supervised sessions twice a week. These sessions included balance, resistance, and aerobic exercises. The remaining patients received standard care.
Researchers assessed the participants’ HR-QoL, fatigue levels, and physical fitness at enrollment and at three, six, and nine months.
HR-QoL was measured using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC-QLQ-30), while fatigue levels were assessed with the EORTC-FA12 questionnaire.
Physical fitness was evaluated using the steep ramp test, which measures endurance on a stationary bike.
Patients in the exercise intervention group reported higher HR-QoL scores at three, six, and nine months compared to the control group. The exercise group also experienced significantly lower fatigue levels throughout the study period.
At six months, they reported better social functioning, reduced pain, and decreased shortness of breath. Additionally, the exercise intervention group showed improved physical fitness.
The nine-month exercise program improved the participants’ well-being and encouraged long-term compliance.
Many patients continued exercising beyond the study period, making it a part of their daily routines and cancer treatment regimens.
The study suggests that supervised exercise should be routinely recommended to metastatic breast cancer patients by healthcare professionals. Policymakers and insurance companies should also consider covering the costs of exercise programs for these patients.
Structured exercise programs can significantly enhance the quality of life for metastatic breast cancer patients, helping them better manage the physical and emotional challenges of their condition and treatment.
Encouraging exercise as part of the daily routine can lead to sustained benefits beyond the intervention period.
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