Targeted exercise programs have been shown to enhance the quality of life for individuals with metastatic breast cancer and reduce feelings of fatigue. This finding comes from a comprehensive international randomized multicenter study. During this exercise initiative, which featured two sessions each week over a period of nine months, symptoms related to the disease and its treatment were significantly reduced, resulting in an improved quality of life compared to those in the control group.
Targeted exercise programs have been shown to enhance the quality of life for individuals with metastatic breast cancer and reduce feelings of fatigue. This finding comes from a comprehensive international randomized multicenter study. During this exercise initiative, which featured two sessions each week over a period of nine months, symptoms related to the disease and its treatment were significantly reduced, resulting in an improved quality of life compared to those in the control group. The German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) played a key role in the study, collaborating with the National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) Heidelberg and Heidelberg University Hospital. This project was funded by the European Union and coordinated by the University Medical Center Utrecht.
Improving quality of life and reducing fatigue are crucial objectives in the treatment of cancer patients. The impact of cancer and its treatments can greatly diminish quality of life. A significant number of patients experience fatigue syndrome, which manifests as ongoing physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion.
“Women suffering from advanced cancers like metastatic breast cancer, who often undergo long-term treatment, can greatly benefit from effective management of their disease and treatment-related symptoms,” says Karen Steindorf, who leads a research department at DKFZ and NCT Heidelberg. “We hope that the positive outcomes of our PREFERABLE-EFFECT study will lead to more patients having access to structured exercise programs.”
Engaging in targeted activity, rather than resting, is the effective approach to combat fatigue and other distressing symptoms. Although previous research has shown benefits in patients with early-stage breast cancer, there has been a lack of definitive evidence for those with advanced disease. The PREFERABLE-EFFECT study now fills that gap with substantial proof.
A total of 355 women and 2 men with metastatic breast cancer participated in this randomized controlled trial. All participants received basic exercise guidelines and were provided with activity trackers to monitor their daily physical activity. “The training group, comprising 178 participants, engaged in a customized and therapeutically supervised exercise program twice a week designed to enhance balance, strength, and endurance. In the final three months, one of the two sessions incorporated an app for support,” explains Joachim Wiskemann from Heidelberg University Hospital, who oversaw the sports therapy aspect of the study.
Participants’ quality of life was assessed at the study’s outset and again at 3, 6, and 9 months using a standardized questionnaire that evaluated various physical, mental, and emotional dimensions. Additionally, another standardized assessment was used to objectively measure fatigue symptoms. Physical fitness was tested at the beginning and every three months on a bicycle ergometer.
The structured exercise program resulted in a statistically significant enhancement in quality of life and a considerable reduction in fatigue. Symptoms such as pain and shortness of breath also saw a notable decline throughout the study. Furthermore, the fitness assessments showed the training group performed better than the control group.
“These training benefits are profoundly positive and tangible for patients in their daily lives,” remarks Karen Steindorf. “Structured exercise significantly boosts quality of life, allowing women with advanced breast cancer to lead a more active lifestyle. Our data also indicated increased involvement in social activities. Based on the findings from the PREFERABLE-EFFECT study, there is substantial evidence supporting the recommendation for individuals in advanced disease stages to participate in a targeted exercise program.”
