According to the latest research, women who receive treatment for metastatic breast cancer may find that physical activity enhances their overall well-being and reduces fatigue.
Previous studies have suggested that patients who exercise are likely to enjoy a higher quality of life if they have metastatic breast cancer. AACR refers to the American Association for Cancer Research.
Patients undergoing therapy for earlier stages of breast cancer can exercise as it is feasible and also helpful.
However, according to Jennifer Ligibel, MD, director of the Zakim Center for Integrative Therapies at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, “there has been a lack of research done in people with advanced breast cancer.”
Because of the advanced stage and spread of their illness, some studies have shown that persons with metastatic cancer may not be able to exercise.
But Neil Iyengar, MD, a breast cancer and exercise oncologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, said that “this study goes to help confirm that exercise is feasible for patients with metastatic cancer.“
Here are some ways through which exercise can benefit patients with breast cancer, as well as some exercises that doctors recommend for them.
Exercise Improved the Quality of Life for Patients with Stage IV Cancer
Anne May, PhD, who is leading the new study, said in Health that since therapy for metastatic—stage IV—breast cancer usually lasts longer than for breast cancer in early stages, it is especially crucial to improve quality of life during treatment for these patients.
Hormone therapy is the front-line treatment for those with hormone-responsive metastatic breast cancer, and it can be accompanied by a targeted cancer medication.
The objective of the new study was to determine whether a recommended exercise program relieved some of the common side effects of these medications, including discomfort, nausea, shortness of breath, and fatigue.
Early results of the ongoing experiment were presented at the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium in early December by May, who is also a professor at the University Medical Center, Utrecht, in the Netherlands, at the Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care.
Nearly 360 patients with metastatic breast cancer have enrolled in the European clinical trial so far. Of these, approximately 180 patients participated in a structured twice-weekly exercise regimen that combined strength and aerobic training.
A physiotherapist or other fitness expert monitored all sessions, but most groups exercised together rather than a few participants in private.
The main advantages of this study included the fact that they were treated with many therapies-both hormones and chemotherapy according to Ligibel.
Questionnaires assessing the physical, mental, emotional, and fiscal quality of life, besides daily fatigue, were performed by both groups at the end of three, six, and nine months.
They tested the physical fitness of each participant by making them undergo a stationary cycle exercise progressively harder until they felt that they were required to stop.
These patients showed less tiredness as compared to the ones who did not do the exercise program. Apart from this, they had less pain and had better overall quality of life.
Moreover, strength in this group increased.
At six months, the participants of the exercise group could exercise a stationary bike with 13% more resistance than the patients who received the control intervention. Most of the patients continued with their usual schedule after the nine months were over.
Although more research is needed to fully understand how exercise might mitigate the negative effects of cancer therapy, the findings have not yet been published in a peer-reviewed journal. However, Iyengar said that the results are comparable to what earlier studies have shown for exercise in those whose breast cancer is at less advanced stages.
Exercise reduces fatigue by improving cardiopulmonary fitness, which encompasses both respiratory and cardiovascular endurance.
Iyengar said, “There is certainly a cognitive component as well.” “We know that exercise improves mood, memory, and cognitive function.”
Doctors Recommended Exercises for Stage IV Breast Cancer
Before initiating an exercise program, May says patients with metastatic breast cancer should first see their doctors.
It should be individualized according to the level of physical fitness and any adverse effects and ideally done under the guidance of a reliable healthcare professional.
May said “any physical activity is better than none,” while vigorous exercise typically has greater benefits.
Because patients often lose muscle mass following cancer treatment, says Ligibel, strength training might be particularly important.
“She explained, “There are many different types of strength training; you don’t need weights.” “The purpose of core exercises is to strengthen your muscles by using your own body weight.”.
According to Iyengar, strength training alone may not be enough in helping cancer patients, since cardiotherapy also reduces fatigue.
People should discuss options for adjusting their exercises with their doctor if they experience more fatigue after regular exercise, May said.
Strength training or aerobic exercises may be adjusted to take into account the side effects of cancer, including for instance, neuropathy, imbalance, or the inability of a limb to move. said Iyengar.
A second visit to the doctor would also be needed prior to initiating new exercise practices.
There are variables like where the metastatic lesions are and where you are applying your body weight. “A lot of patients will have bone metastases, and it’s known now that exercise is not going to harm them.” “That demands a referral to a medical doctor.
