New research indicates that engaging in moderate-to-vigorous intensity exercise could enhance the effectiveness of antibody therapies for chronic lymphocytic leukaemia.
According to a study conducted by the Universities of Birmingham and Bath, a session of exercise was found to boost the quantity of anti-cancer immune cells, known as natural killer cells. These cells demonstrated approximately twice the efficacy in attacking cancer cells after exercising.The researchers conducted tests on blood samples from patients. They discovered that the number of cancer cells in the samples increased briefly after exercise, making them easier to target by natural killer cells and antibody therapy. The study, funded by Cancer Research UK, suggests potential for antibody therapy in treating certain types of cancer, but more research is necessary to understand its effects on patients undergoing treatment. Dr. James Turner, a co-author of the study from the University of Birmingham, stated that these findings demonstrate a possible advantage.”to patients undergoing a specific type of treatment, and it could lead to further research on whether exercise can enhance the effectiveness of other cancer treatments.”
The study, which was published in Brain Behaviour and Immunity, aimed to examine the impact of exercise on Rituximab, an antibody therapy commonly used to treat chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, a type of white blood cell cancer that is the second most common adult blood cancer in the UK. The therapy works by targeting a specific protein on the surface of cancer cells, which natural killer cells can recognize and destroy.The study was conducted with 20 individuals aged 45-82 who had been diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia but had not yet undergone treatment. They were instructed to engage in a 30-minute session of moderate-to-vigorous intensity cycling. Blood samples were collected before and immediately after the exercise, with a third sample taken an hour later.
The researchers analyzed the blood samples under ‘ex vivo’ conditions to measure the quantity of natural killer cells present at each sampling point. They also tested the ability of these cells to kill cancer cells, both with and without the presence of Rituximab.
According to the study, the number of natural killer cells increased by 254% after exercise. After exercise, blood samples showed 67% more cancer cells compared to before exercise.
The team then isolated natural killer cells and exposed them to cancer cells for 2 hours ‘ex vivo’, both with and without the antibody therapy Rituximab. The presence of Rituximab in the blood sample made the natural killer cells more than twice as effective in killing the cancer cells in the samples collected immediately after exercise compared to before.
Dr. John Campbell, the senior author of the study at the University, was involved in the research.
The University of Bath’s researchers discovered that cancer cells have a tendency to hide within the body, but regular exercise can effectively push them into the bloodstream. Once in the bloodstream, the cancer cells become vulnerable to antibody therapy and the natural killing capabilities of immune cells.
These findings could offer hope for patients who have completed treatment for leukemia and are being monitored for any potential re-emergence of cancer cells.
According to Dr. Harrison Collier-Bain, the lead researcher at the University of Bath, monitoring patients after treatment can be challenging since remaining or reappearing cancer cells may be too low to detect. However, the new discovery of the effects of exercise on cancer cells could provide a promising solution.A session of physical activity followed by a blood test immediately afterward could potentially help to detect cancer cells that may be hiding in the body.”
Although these findings are promising, larger trials involving a group of patients receiving Rituximab treatment would be necessary before treatment recommendations can be established.
Caroline Geraghty, a Senior Specialist Information Nurse at Cancer Research UK, commented:
“This research contributes to the increasing evidence that exercise can be beneficial before, during, and after cancer treatment. It is known that being physically active before and after treatment can assist cancer patients.Patients may find better ways to handle treatment, aid in the recovery process, and enhance their mental well-being through exercise. It is worth noting that exercise might also enhance the effectiveness of treatment for certain types of blood cancer, but further research on a larger patient population is necessary. “Everyone’s needs and abilities are different, so it’s crucial to discuss with your doctor which types of exercise would be most suitable for you. We encourage all cancer patients to consult their doctor before starting an exercise program, either before or after treatment, to ensure that the recommended activities are suitable for them.
